9:30 a.m. Ok, I'm here. Ready to have some fun without blowing up your wallet? Good. Let's go.
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| Photo courtesy of Simon Howden; FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Beginning a family effort to save for rainy day fun can be entertaining, competitive and rewarding for both parents and kids. Ask the entire family to contribute spare change or a dollar here and there and watch the fund grow.
DIY Fundraising
No, don't ask for donations! By family fundraising, I mean why not have something fun like a lemonade stand or bake sale in your front yard? The whole family can participate and reap the benefits of the earned cash. Last summer my children had a lemonade stand on what had to be the hottest day of the year, and they raked it in. Everyone went out for ice cream with the extra dollars earned. This was a real treat for us since taking a boatload of kids out for ice cream is not usually in the regular budget.
The Library is Free
I apologize if I am wrong and the library costs something in your area, but I've never heard of such a thing so I'm speaking from my own frame of reference. Go to the library. Get books, books on CD, DVDs, and even download audiobooks from the library website.
During the summer, many libraries host a Summer Reading Club with reading challenges, treasure hunts and prizes for kids. Check out the library; there are many activities available in every community.
Discount Days, Coupons, Groups
Want to go to the amusement park on the cheap? Look up their website to view discount days, google search for coupons, and check out group rates. See if you can get two or three families together to take advantage of group discounts. Parks also often offer a twilight rate...a discounted entrance fee for entering the park after a certain time in the evening.
On top of entrance fees, games and food will break the bank quickly. Grab a cooler and pack lunch; although you probably can't take it into the park, you can go out to your car for lunch and re-enter the park on the same day.
Afraid you'll get thirsty? Remember that if you go to the food stands at the park, they are required to give you a cup of water if you request it, so don't be afraid to ask.
There is no way to save with games. If you feel you can't say no to game playing (I have no problem saying no to that), require kids to earn money before trip day that they can use for game play. Or, just give them a limited amount to play games with. If you don't set limits ahead of time, those dollars can fly and your wallet is empty faster than you could ever imagine.
Think: Education
Consider daytrips to factories or plants as family fun. Learning how things work or how things are made is intriguing for kids and parents alike. The kids will never know they are on an educational trip if you don't tell them! These tours are often free of charge, fun and exciting.
Check out museums in your area. This does not mean only staring at art hanging in large galleries. There are children's hands on museums, industrial museums, clock museums, train museums...all kinds of things have been collected and are just waiting to be observed. Art museums can be fun even if you don't have the "admiring-picasso's-talent" type of child....often they have family-focused activities using some techniques employed by various artists.
Get Out!
Go outside. Local parks, national reserves, or just the sidewalk outside is full of fun and enjoyment, you just have to see it. Bike rides, hikes, taking walks and playing sports are great free ways to enjoy family time together.
Nothing Fancy Required
Hey, if you want to go on a cross country trip or take your kids to another country and it's in your budget, be my guest. These are valuable experiences as well...but if you are on budget, don't think that making great memories with your kids is out of reach. Kids don't require fancy until they are taught by adults that fancy is required! Keep it simple; your kids will learn to enjoy simple things.
Trust me. I've done it...yep...I've done this one thing right!
Any more great ideas?
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