With the current economy being what it is, many families are being careful about where they spend their money. That means planning cheap family fun on a budget. The good news is that having fun isn’t just about money. Here are some tips for fun family activities that every family can enjoy without stretching the budget.
Go for a bicycle ride
Taking a family bicycle ride is a great way to spend time together as a family. You will need to consider the age of the children in the family and the correct child seats for the adult bikes. They even have special trailers that the baby is placed in and it attaches to the back of the bike. Plan your route before you leave home. If you don’t live in an area that is conducive to bike riding, pack up the bikes in your car or minivan and head to an area that is.
You can bike to a specific destination that you want to visit, to a park or even an ice cream shop. If some of the children are small, you will do a much shorter route but if you have teens, it can be a whole day adventure that may include a picnic and some special treats. Be sure everyone knows safety rules and wears a helmet.
Rent a few movies
Having a family movie day can be great fun. Send dad off to rent the movies and while he is gone you can be making bowls of popcorn. For a special drink why not make homemade milkshakes, you basically only need milk, ice cream, and syrup. This is great for a rainy day when the whole family feels trapped in the house. You can have an enjoyable family afternoon and spend a fraction of what it would cost you to go to the movies.
Local sports
Every area has some sort of local sports team. It can be a high school, college or farm team. It doesn’t matter what sport it is, choose one that your family loves. These games will cost little or nothing to attend and you can have a tailgate party before the game. Bring a grill and have hotdogs or some other inexpensive food. Tailgating is a great way to get into the spirit while controlling the costs.
Fairs, festivals and carnivals
Get on the Internet and find out what is happening in your area. Most weekends of the year, there is something going on nearby. Look for local activities sponsored by churches or civic groups. These types of events are generally free and you can enjoy free shows and entertainment. If there is an admission charge, be sure to find out when they are having family-day. Talk ahead of time about what you will actually be able to buy when you get there. You may want to eat lunch before you leave and perhaps allow the kids to buy dessert at the event.
Free days
Many museums have free days or free afternoons or evenings. Take advantage and enjoy them. Local zoos and other attractions may also offer discounted or free days. Check with your local library, they may offer a free pass to museum or attractions.We have that here in Connecticut.
Visit the library
Libraries have a lot to offer for every member of the family. It isn’t just about checking out a book anymore. They offer movie nights, story time and much more.
These are just a few ideas for cheap family fun that you can have when you are on a budget. Just decide before you do any of these things what your total budget is for the day. Once you have set it, stick to it and get the entire family to do their part to keep expenses down.
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