As a parent, you probably already know that family time is important. Few things are more satisfying than a successful evening out with your family when everyone comes back with a big smile, but it can be hard to keep that smile when you’re thinking about how much thinner your wallet now is. Luckily, there are many cheap nights out you can enjoy with your family, without losing any of the “fun” factor.
Bowling is one of those classic cheap family activities that just never grow old. Call the bowling alley ahead of time and find out when they hold specials. Sometimes, alleys will have specials on weekday nights, or discounts for families or kids. A bowling alley is a great place to talk and bond. Furthermore, it offers the chance to teach kids the values of playing fair, being a graceful winner or loser, and respecting one another. Don’t put too much pressure on the score, just stay patient and concentrate on fun rather than winning.
A sunny weekend afternoon is the perfect time to schedule a picnic afternoon. You can bond beforehand and save money over trips to the grocery store for readymade foods by preparing cold foods like potato or macaroni salad, parmesan chicken strips, and vegetables and fruits in your own kitchen. Then, search out a good spot in a nearby park and spread out a blanket. Bring a frisbee or beach ball for the kids to get some exercise while you relax and enjoy the sun.
The high price associated with going to an evening movie and buying everyone snacks can make the movies an option you stop considering after a while. However, you can still enjoy movies without breaking the bank! Look for discount movie theatres that specialize in showing not-as-recent movies for just a few dollars per person, or weekday afternoon movie showings that are generally cheaper than weekend evening showings. To save on snack costs, bring your own bottled water and popcorn, nuts, or other types of candy in a purse or knapsack.
Roller-skating (or ice-skating, depending on the season) is a great activity to combine getting fit and having fun. Look for afternoon pricing and see if you can get a discount on admission with a family pass. You can usually rent skates if you don’t already have them, but if your family really enjoys this activity, consider purchasing used skates that are in good condition and save money. If you live in a non-urban area, you might not even need to visit a rink. Some towns have local ice- or roller-skating rinks that might be maintained less, but are free. Other towns will allow roller-skating on sidewalks or side streets. This can be a great way to explore the neighborhood, get to know your neighbors, and get fresh air and sunshine during the warm months of the year.
If you try one of these suggestions each week, you have a month’s worth of cheap family activities! Have fun, build strong family ties, and save money at the same time. What could be better?
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- Five Activities to Make Family Time Fun
- Family Camping Trips on a Budget
- How to Make Your Next Road Trip Fun
- Summer Family Fun
Tags: Cheap Activities Toddlers, Cheap Family Activities, Cheap Kid Activities, Family Activity Ideas, Free Family Activities