the cost of outdoor fun

A few weeks ago we had a blast canoeing at Taylor Falls area. It was a leisurely three hour paddle, with stops to play tag and even get in the water! (M only. I have little tolerance for cold anymore.)I write about this because the cost of a canoe rental was $43. We are a family of 3. If you have 2 or more kids, this afternoon outing in the great outdoors would have cost $90+.  Just sayin'. Many of us who can afford these luxuries forget that others cannot. So, when I read a book recently on childhood obesity by a female MD who basically said, "If I can fit in pilates after work as a doctor and get back to my family, anyone should be able to." Pilates, canoeing, even the $5 fee to get into the state park can put many of these activities out of reach. Even running, which she extolled the virues of for being cheap ,requires time, energy, safe areas to run, well-lit sidewalks if you have to run after dark, oh, and running in winter in Minnesota? For the die-hard...One great resource are the local community centers. Lots of free gym and play time during the day. When I used to go though, it was pretty much populated by well-off stay at home moms...Just musing. No school most of this week, so this is a quick post.How do you get outside for cheap?