WHAT do we do this weekend? That’s a popular question that just about every relief-seeking Karachiite asks oneself. This metropolis of 20 million (give or take a few million) though home to almost all the cultures present in the country, is a lot less imaginative in what to do and where to go for a day of relaxation and enjoyment.

The problem is even more compelling for families. Children and housewives, after a demanding week, look forward to spending time with their loved ones always. A change of scenery is always welcome. But — and there are always buts — the real challenge is where to go that is not too heavy on the pocket and a lot less stressful for the household finances.

A movie at the cinema costs a family of four anywhere from three to four thousand rupees for two hours of entertainment. You often forget the fuel costs involved and the parking charges. More is spent if you travel to the upscale malls in town. Food, a bit of shopping and a trip to the pricey play area; I’ve experience it and bet you have too.

Driving around in Karachi, one is really pressed for places to take the family for an outing. Everything here costs money. And lots of it. So a free outing is out of the question. Places then left to go, that don’t cost too much money, are the rare public parks in town. Most of them have a minimal entrance fee. And then there’s the popcorn vendor. But the opportunity to connect with the children is far greater than the Rs100 spent here.

Children get to run, play ball or tag and climb up the monkey ladder while the exhausted parents simply slump down on the bench and keep an eye on their little ones. One major plus of going to parks is that they are the last bastions of environment-friendly space for our children. Security and an intense school schedule have almost deprived our next generation of enjoying the outdoors. I, for one, am still thinking of getting my daughter a bicycle, a much-loved activity from my childhood that allowed me to explore neighbourhoods.

Now, due to a number of reasons — first among which is security and the second the speeding maniacs on four wheels, not to mention road congestion — cycling on the roads for youngsters is out of the question. But we didn’t have to wear helmets, kneepads or elbow guards. A torn pair of jeans and the regular T-shirt sufficed. Cycling is now a luxury best managed under observation and at particular times of the day. I remember, years back, as a child I used to accompany my mother on walks, on footpaths, from one block of Nazimabad to the other. Then also she used to be mindful of my security but never concerned like crazy. The air was fresher. The skies were blue. Karachi was greener; maybe just in my memories!

Now, there are specialised parks that also double as museums, like the PAF and Maritime museums in Karachi. With lots of space and overpriced ice-cream cones (isn’t there someone to regulate that?), these provide a good option for outings. Over the weekends though these do tend to become jam-packed with people from all social strata.

Visiting the relatives is also an outing, more for the children who love to run around and mingle with the cousins. But that too eventually ends with everyone huddled together in front of a screen watching a movie or their favourite TV show. Some kids are more interested in playing console games on TV then actually spending time outside. But who would blame them? Levels of pollution are ridiculous these days. And it’s getting worse.

Funfairs, though limited, are also a good alternative.

Once upon a time there used to be walks. There used to be concerts. For families these used to be times of relaxation. Not too heavy on the pocket either. And of course an opportunity to teach the kids to interact with people, to simply spend time in wide open spaces, was priceless. Those were indeed the days.

Published in Dawn February 5th, 2017