Penny-wise Family Outings
March 27, 2009 by Monica
Filed under Fun & Learning
Sharing family time is one of our best investments, but taking your family out for a day or night to the most popular family activities could be quite expensive. However, there are frugal alternatives that provide an opportunity to have as much fun and closeness with your spouse and kids.
Movies and Music
Some movie theaters offer reduced-price matinees during the day, but if you look further in smaller theaters you might be able to find free or inexpensive kid-oriented movies on weekdays.
Check your local paper for free concerts in the park. Spring and summer are the perfect time for them. Your kids will be able to enjoy the music without the crowds and deafening sound systems, and older children might gain an appreciation for less well-known bands.
Nature
The outdoors offer a bunch of alternatives for family outings. Camping is a classic in family activities and it doesn’t have to be expensive. It could be as simple as pitching a tent in the back yard or you can spring for a camper and rent space at a campground. Bring some raw vegetables, the grill, and some hamburgers, or catch some fish to fry.
Parks are great for day trips and usually offer long hours of family fun. No wonder they’re very popular among children all around the world. Some big parks can have hiking trails and picnic facilities, so you can pack a lunch instead of eating out.
More inexpensive ideas:
* Go to a museum. Many offer cheap or free admission. The larger and more expensive ones often sell season passes, so if you live close by, you can visit numerous times for one low price.
* Go boating. If you’re fortunate to live near a body of water, boating is fun and relaxing. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are inexpensive, and when you’re done boating there are usually other cheap or free activities in the area like picnic and camping.
* Attend events at a nearby school or college. These usually include plays, concerts, dance recitals and movie showings. Prices vary from free to very inexpensive.
* Always hunt for free activities, even if they’re not announced as child-oriented. Kids usually adapt to any environment as long as they have the freedom to participate and explore.
*Check for a discount card for your city’s main public attractions. Depending on where you live, you might be able to find one year free entrance cards or at least interesting discounts for museums and other attractions.
It seems that our modern urban lives are urging us to spend a lot of money in order to have family fun. Think of your city as an open museum and you’ll find out plenty of affordable activities that your kids will enjoy just as much.
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