Fun Family Activities on a Budget

By Marie Duffoo

Have you all but given up trying to find things to do with your family that won't bring your credit card over the limit? Is it even possible to find interesting family oriented activities and have money left to pay the bills? Yes!

Oh sure, last minute family weekends at the ski lodge might be out of the question for now, but if you turn "finding cheap entertainment" into a family project, you will be amazed at what you can find. Each week, put a different family member in charge of planning an outing for one day or afternoon. Letting everyone take turns - mom, dad, kids, even grandma! - will give everyone a chance to spotlight their creativity and come up with ideas that perhaps no one else would have even thought of.

Set a budget - this is part of the fun. This not only gives the kids a challenging learning experience, it's a great way to teach them the value of a dollar. If you want to keep the day's festivities under $50 for instance, you could even offer incentives to make them really look for the best deals around! For instance, if 8 year old Bobby planned the best day during the month, then perhaps Mom could reward him by not making him do his chores for a few days.

Here are some great ideas to start with that anyone can really enjoy:

Go on a picnic! This time honored tradition has all but fallen to the wayside in recent years with the advent of TV and video games. Everyone can help prepare the feast and pack the basket. Many parks even allow the family dog, so don't forget Fido (remember to bring the pooper scooper, too)! Bring some games to play - horseshoes, Twister, even cards. Great chance to enjoy the weather and maybe even meet new friends. (Hint: Don't bring the portable DVD player..this is family time, remember?)

Love eating out? Search for coupons for local restaurants online or even in your daily junk mail. Some fast food restaurants even offer special days where certain meals or sandwiches are so inexpensive you could take your son's entire soccer team! For instance, McDonald's has a dollar menu that can't be beat. A family of four can stuff themselves for less than $12. Many McDonalds now are turning into "internet cafes". Some are installing large flat screen TVs and broadcasting sporting events. On a rainy Sunday afternoon this is a super cheap way to get out of the house and "catch a game".

Can't afford movie tickets? Who can? At a whopping $10 for an adult just to take in a matinee, heading to the movies can easily top the $50 mark before heading home again. If movies are your thing, though, check out some alternatives! Many local libraries screen fairly recent movies for free or $1.00 per person. Some towns will show movies in the park at night (plan your picnic and stay for the movie!). Check out drive-ins, too! They are making a major comeback in many suburbs across America. Pack the kids in the back seat, bring food from home, and plan on about $7 for the entire car load

If you must head to your local cinemaplex, just stay away from the concession stand. The overhead is outrageous, and the quality is almost nonexistent. Sneak in some snacks from home in your purse or backpack.

Check out your local museums. They frequently offer free admission times for everyone. Look for museums out of the mainstream, too. Railroad museums, hobby museums, local history museums - the educational value alone (for the entire family!) is priceless.

Local book stores frequently have authors come in to do readings from their newly published works. These can be great fun! They're free, they're educational, and anyone in the family can have a good time no matter what age group is being honored. Most book stores nowadays have a café or coffee shop. This is a great time to sit back with a latte (small - you're on a budget, remember?) and be read to. After all, when was the last time someone actually read you a story?

Feed the ducks (or geese or pigeons)! Almost every town has a pond or a river where ducks and geese live by the hundreds. Save up your bread crusts and virtually anything else during the week (these little creatures will eat anything and everything...not just bread and nuts!), and spend an hour or so with the birds over the weekend - it's tons of fun, and free!

If birds can bring a smile to your face, imagine what a few baby goats or cows can do! Go for a drive in the country and stop by the wayside when you see some (fenced in animals). Let the kids get out to observe. Many working farms actively encourage families to visit and see the animals and learn about their care. This type of experience is totally different than visiting a petting zoo. Some farms, especially the dairy farms, will even bring you around to watch the cows on the automated milking machines. Again, fun and educational! (Not to mention FREE.)

When was the last time you went bowling? This is not your grandfather's game of yesteryear! Bowling has turned into a real family experience with music, food, games, TV monitors, and DJs working the crowds. Find out where your local establishments are, if you don't already know, and then check out when they have their family nights. You'll probably find deals where the kids can bowl for free, get free shoe rentals, or win prizes. Others reduce the price for everyone and then maybe throw in a large pizza and pitcher of soda. Either way, you can have a fun night out with the entire family for about $20. (Hint: Make sure you know what pins are being used before heading over. When the kids play, candle pins are the way to go.)

For real adventures from 4 - 104...check out your local cemeteries! These are full of history. Yes, a bit scary perhaps for the youngsters, but hanging around mid day is usually fine and scare-free for everyone. Your town's founding fathers will probably be there. Read their epitaphs, study the stonework, and marvel at the centuries old statues and carvings. You'll be amazed at what you can learn just by reading what is still visible. If you find anything of particular interest, head over to your local library to search for follow up information.

Let the kids come up with their own suggestions, too. It's amazing what they can come up with. They are a superb source for fairs, garage sales, concerts, and things of that nature. Follow their lead; you could be pleasantly surprised!

Marie Duffoo owns and operates Miami Writing Machine, a leading provider of quality writing services. For projects requiring writing, copy editing, proofing, ghostwriting, or web content, you can can contact her through http://miamiwritingmachine.books.officelive.com Fast turnaround, reasonable rates, exceptional results