Cheap Family Fun

Are your kids always asking to go on expensive family outings? Don’t fret. Here are some cheap alternatives to suggest:

1.         Your family wants to go to the movie theater.

Going to the movie theater can prove to be very expensive indeed. Total the cost for tickets, popcorn and drinks, and a trip to the theater can be downright budget-wrecking. Fortunately there are a lot of good alternatives. If your town is lucky enough to have a drive-in movie theater, suggest this as a substitute. You’ll pay far less per person, and be able to watch more than one movie for the price (often as many as three). Children under 6 are usually free at drive-ins, so if you have several young children you’ll really save. To reduce the cost even further, bring your own snacks and drinks from home (provided this is allowed).

Another good alternative in the summer months are the free kids movies that are offered by many theater chains. The typical program offers a free movie for kids once a week (generally in the mornings). These won’t be new releases, but the kids will still have a blast. To find out if the theater near you offers this program, just check their website.

A final alternative is to suggest a movie night at home. You can check out movies from your local library for free or nearly free entertainment or rent movies for a low cost theater substitute.

2.         Your family wants to go to the carnival.

There’s a reason traveling carnivals exist, and that reason is that they’re making loads of money. To keep them from claiming some of yours there’s a simple alternative you can suggest to your kids.

Just pull out the newspaper and look for church sponsored carnivals or family fun days. These events are usually free, and feature many of the same foods and activities that your family would find at a commercial carnival. Plus, since many churches sponsor carnivals, this doesn’t have to be a one-time day of fun. Keep an eye out for upcoming carnivals and you can relive the fun all summer long.

3.         Your family wants to go to the zoo or aquarium.

A day at the zoo or aquarium can really be costly when you total the expense of parking, admission, food and souvenirs. To protect your wallet, first check to see if your local zoo offers a family free day. (This information should be available on their website.) If they do, you may have to wait until the next date, but you’ll avoid the cost of admission.

Another alternative is to check your library’s calendar of events for any animal-related presentations or exhibits. Often the zoo or area universities will give free talks on animals and even bring some creatures along for the kids to pet—not something you’ll get to do at the zoo.

If both of these options fail, suggest that your family go on a hike in the woods. Your kids will be able to observe animals in their natural habitat and may even learn about plants too.

 

-Erin Huffstetler

  Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.