These days, dinner and a movie may feel more like a major expense than a cheap evening’s entertainment. And if you have children or older adults living with you, taking everyone out for a good time can be costly.
It’s time to start looking for low-cost family fun. Here are ideas on how to have a good time for less. You can find ways to enjoy each other’s company without paying a cent.
Eating together as a family leads to healthier, happier children. So why not plan a dinner that’s fun, nutritious, and inexpensive? Consider putting out bowls of healthy toppings for pizzas and letting everyone create their own. You could do the same for tacos, enchiladas, pancakes, or grilled sandwiches. Cook your entree together. Then add a salad or fruit and sit down as a family to eat.
Being active as a family is good for everyone. Most neighborhood and city parks are free. Most counties and cities have websites advertising free or low-cost community events. Don’t forget national and state parks near you. These can offer budget-friendly activities in beautiful settings.
Here are ways you can enjoy yourselves for free at parks:
Take a nature walk or hike.
Play Frisbee, tag, badminton, soccer, or basketball.
Have a picnic.
Explore playgrounds and public beaches.
Fly kites.
Fish, if you have a license.
Hold a cookout with family and friends.
For the price of one movie ticket, you could spring for one or two rental movies plus popcorn or homemade snacks at home. Consider pulling mattresses together in the family room for a family sleepover.
Once the weather gets warmer, many cities host free plays and concerts, including opera, in public parks and squares around town. Plan to take your own food, so that you’re not tempted by overpriced food stands at the event.
Many movie houses offer early showings for families with children at a greatly reduced cost. Contact your local theatres for scheduling.
Public libraries offer many activities for children, including puppet shows, storytelling, arts and crafts, and music performances. Many host book clubs for adults where everyone is welcome. You can also check out books, music, and DVDs for free. Just remember to bring them back on time to prevent late fees!
Many places, from art museums to historic sites and amusement parks, offer free or heavily discounted visiting days. They might not be on the weekend, but you can still have fun on a Tuesday.
Active duty and retired military members and their families are often eligible for discounts on local entertainment. You might also be able to get discounts at events if you are a member of AAA, entertainment.com, or other travel or recreation groups. You may also be able to find $5 or $10 tickets for a $45-a-seat show if you visit discount sites online.
Save up for an annual family membership or season pass to a venue that you’d enjoy visiting throughout the year. This might be a zoo, science center, children’s museum, or YMCA. If you want to go often, you’ll pay pennies on the dollar by paying upfront. And you’ll be able to attend members-only events and get discounts on purchases. Many YMCAs offer fully padded rooms and bounce houses for toddlers, plus a family gym and pool year-round.
Many communities offer a bounty of free activities in each season. You can find spring flower shows, summer berry picking, pumpkin patch tours, and snowballs and holiday lights festivals.
Churches, temples, and other community groups often plan social events. These include potlucks, which offer fun and socializing for the price of a casserole.
Home improvement stores sponsor the occasional child-oriented project day. This can also be fun for accompanying adults. For a small materials cost, you can spend an hour or two on a project. Keep an eye out for similar events in other retail stores or malls near you.
If you are helping care for elderly parents, visit local senior centers, the YMCA, and local independent living groups to see what they offer in the way of senior outings, book clubs, and get-togethers. Your parents might also be interested in groups that offers low-cost educational tours for older people and their families.
Board games are great, but think outside the box a bit. Try unlimited playtime on favorite multiplayer video games or other challenge events.
By exploring these choices, you can create a year’s worth of fun family activities and become closer in the process.