HSLDA. I know they're not Lynn's favorite, but they have all the forms and information you need right online for your state. They will also have links to your state's organization(s).

This is what we do (keeping in mind that three of mine are still preschoolers):

1. We joined a co-op. Through this co-op, we can do weekly P.E. classes, yearbook, newspaper, 4-H (although my DD's aren't quite old enough yet), band (ditto), art classes, sewing classes, lego club, craft days, Christmas party, Valentine party, Kindergarten graduation, high school graduation, field trips, science fair, biography fair, etiquette tea, etc. If you don't have a co-op near enough, locate other like-minded homeschoolers and form one! Even if it's just a few of you, it's better to do it together.

2. As for discounts, if you go in a large group that's when you usually get them. You can also buy annual passes to things like museums and zoos if you live nearby and think you'll go a few times. It's usually a better deal. Always mention that you're homeschooling and ask if you are eligible for an educator's discount (I know you can often get these at bookstores & etc.).

2. We joined the YMCA (in the next town). Through the Y, I have signed the girls up for gymnastics classes starting this month. They also offer many different sports opportunities. And, best of all, they have a pool.

3. We take advantage of the recreation dept. in our own town. So far, we've only done swimming lessons and a guided hike in the local state park. However, they also offer baseball, soccer, football, art classes, gymnastics, etc.

4. State parks are wonderful, by the way. We live near Hartwell Lake and I like to take the kids swimming at the man-made beaches. They have excellent nature programs you can take advantage of. Children are born naturalists and they eat that stuff up. It's $2 entry fee, but Wednesdays are free and we can also buy an annual pass which is a good deal because it lets us into any other state park (this is in GA).

5. State botanical gardens are also great and often charge only a parking fee. A couple of years ago, we went to a big Bug Day at the one in the next city (45 min. from us). It was cool. They even had a Bug Cafe where they cooked 'em up and you could eat them if you were brave enough. I passed, but the kids tried the chocolate-covered cricket cookies.

6. Historical sites nearby are often free. We just went to Traveler's Rest over Christmas, an inn dating from the 1820's. They had people demonstrating deer hide tanning and various other things; people dressed in period costume; people serving beef stew, corn bread and "tea cakes"; musicians playing the dulcimer; and of course the tour of the inn, with all its fireplaces blazing. All for free.

7. Other than that, we're homebodies. Too much running around can burn us out. Let the kids run outside in the sunshine. Help them catalogue the things they find in a nature notebook (draw a picture, write the name under it). Choose their toys carefully; the Elijah Company recently had a good article about this. Read, read, read, read, read out loud as a family. Bob and Tina Farewell have great suggestions for family read-alouds. I recommend James Herriott's Treasury for Children, any children's book by George MacDonald (texts available online or through library), A.A. Milne's Complete Works of Pooh, Beatrix Potter's Complete Works, Rev. Awdry's Thomas the Tank Engine stories...well, my suggestions would make this post far too long.

8. Speaking of small libraries . Royston must have the tiniest I've ever seen! But they have recently joined the statewide PINES system and I can do an interlibrary loan for something like 20 cents per book. I can even place holds and renew books online now. Go to your library and ask about interlibrary loans, etc. The Bill Gates Foundation has recently helped many small libraries with donations of computers, etc. They may offer things you don't even know about yet. Ours has a nice free story-time/craft day every week for preschoolers. I don't go anymore, but it was great for when the girls were little.

9. Did I mention, read aloud? LOL! I really think that's the most important thing. Don't forget the Bible.

If I think of any other suggestions, you know I'll speak up!