Family Fun without Spending a Fortune

Taking the family out for a movie has become an expensive event. Tickets cost around $10 each, a soda is $5 to $8 and a bag of popcorn $12. For a family of four that’s an easy $100 for one night’s entertainment.

The good news is that it is possible to have family fun with taking out a loan to go to Disney World.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Find out what the local library offers. Not only can your children have free access to as many books as they want, but libraries also offer DVDS and audio books. They also have story times for young children and programs for older children during spring and summer school breaks.

Check out fees at local zoos and children’s museums. They sometimes offer a yearly membership that is a very good deal if you and your family visit often.

Visit state parks and historical sites that are a short drive from your area.

Plan family game nights of Monopoly or Candy Land.

Pack a picnic and eat outside on a blanket.

Have a make your own sundae buffet. Get several flavors of ice cream along with toppings such as peanuts, sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed cookies and gummy worms. Don’t forget the whipped cream.

Check out the schedule for local parks. They often have free concerts or movie nights, especially in the summer.

Put puzzles together. Form teams of Mom and the girls against dad and the boys and see which team completes their puzzle first.

Write a movie and film it on your phone. Start your family’s own YouTube channel.

Buy paints and have everyone paint a picture to hang on the wall.

Get your children involved in family night plans. Have everyone write their ideas on index cards and drop them in a jar. Pick one out each week.

Watch for “kids eat free” nights at local restaurants. Not only will you get a free kids meal with each adult entree, but they often have clowns or entertainers for that night, too.

Buy a bag of 260 balloons and a small hand held air pump. Then watch YouTube video’s to learn how to twist a variety of balloon animals and hats. Even teenagers enjoy this activity.

Learn to play a few video games. Your kids will be happy you’re taking an interest in what they’re doing. Yes, they will beat you horribly, but you’ll eventually get better.

Join up at sites like Dailydeal and Groupon to get discounts at local attractions and restaurants.

Go on hikes at local parks or ride your bicycles. You’ll have fun and improve your health at the same time.

Write your own books together. Have them printed and give them out for Christmas presents.

Learn to play the guitar or the ukulele.

Go camping. See if you can borrow a tent or go to a campground that has cabins. This is much cheaper than a hotel and they often have lots of activities nearby.

Remember, your children will follow your example. If you feel down and depressed that you can’t take your children to Disneyworld twice a year, then they’ll be sad about it, also. But if you’re happy with the activities you’re doing as a family they will be, too.

Teenagers are often harder to please. But get them involved with planning activities and even raising the money to pay for family fun.

Start a vacation fun for a big trip. Hold garage sales or perform services such babysitting, pet walking or lawn mowing. Get a big jar to save extra change. Get a large poster to color and color in a small section for each $10 saved. This way your children will visually see their vacation fund growing.

Many amusement parks offer special rates if you live in the same state. Rates are usually cheaper during the off season. Looks for online coupons or special deals. You may be able to get a combined rate for a hotel and park admission.

Having fun doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. Teaching your children how to use their imaginations to create fun activities will keep them from feeling like it’s always up to someone else to entertain them.