Family Entertainment Ideas that Will Not Break the Bank

With the prices of movies, meals, aquariums and zoos steadily on the rise it can be difficult for family's to enjoy leisure activities together. A family of four could easily spend more than $50.00 to enjoy a Saturday afternoon at the Botanical Gardens or the movies, and that doesn't even include lunch!

You can have fun with your family without busting your budget. All you need is a little creativity, flexibility and a nose for research. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Check out your local listings Many local papers now include an entertainment or happenings section that is published once each week. Use this section to learn about free or low cost events that your family can enjoy. Some events offered in your community probably include free outdoor movies, festivals, parades and concerts.

2. Plan ahead Overspending is often the result of under planning. Call a family meeting to decide how you would like to spend the next several weekends. Before the appointed dates arrive scour newspaper advertisements, circulars, coupon books and the Internet for discount specials. Early bird specials and coupon books are another great way to save on family outings.

3. Look outside Many communities boast lovely state parks, beaches and other low or no cost activities. Pack up the picnic basket, hiking shoes and Frisbee and head outdoors for an afternoon that is free and fun.

4. Don't forget your local library The library is a great place to join in on fun family activities including movies and story hours. Best of all...it's free.

5. Consider memberships to your favorite family locations If you enjoy visiting the zoo or museum, why not consider buying a membership. Family memberships usually provide unlimited admittance for two adults and their children. Members also receive notification about special events and discounts on purchases. Memberships are good for one year and pay for themselves after just two visits.

6. Put the local bookstore on your family fun calendar Visit the website of local bookstores in your community to learn about upcoming events. Your family will likely enjoy visiting authors sharing their latest works. Some bookstores also feature free craft events with take home projects to treasure for a lifetime.

7. Put community festivals on your family fun calendar Pick up community papers for surrounding neighborhoods and you are likely to find listings of various festivals and street party events. These events are generally free and loads of fun for the whole family.

8. Include the mall in your plans Head to the mall for a little something to do that doesn't cost anything at all. Just skip the shopping and participate in the planned activities of the day to give your budget a break and your family a treat.

9. Don't overlook your own backyard Take a turn on a swing at the corner park or toss the football around your own backyard. You'll get a little exercise plus save and have fun to boot.

Having fun as a family doesn't have to be financially taxing. With a little creativity you can keep your activity calendar, and your wallet full.

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Nicole Humphrey (15757) 02 Apr 2006 01:31 AM

This is an excellent article. I did want to point out one thing - I bought a zoo membership. And although the family membership was expensive, we totaled it up and honestly ONE visit maybe two pays for it entirely PLUS our zoo is tax deductable. I just did this today and I feel very confident that we will use it often. So check out various big "attractions" in your town and see what the membership prices are and what they include. It might be worth it to you as well.

trenderslab (5) 21 Dec 2006 07:50 PM

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maryavan (6731) 24 Jul 2007 12:54 PM

If you do have a membership in a local museum or zoo, check to see if it has reciprocal free admissions w/ other facilities. This can be a GREAT money saver when on vacation. Indy museums and zoo do not participate in the reciprocal programs (where we live). But in the past, when we knew we'd be in Florida multiple times where there were 4 participating zoos, we bought a family membership at a zoo 3hrs from our house. For only $55, we got into 4 zoos! Very good value! There is a large group of museums that also have a similar program. There are a lot of kid based museums around the country that belong--just not my museum.

Also, just a thought for anyone who has family memberships plus one or two free guests to a zoo or museum. We have a family plus 2 guests children's museum membership. For only $20 more a year than the reg. family membership, we can bring anyone in w/ us. Since the adult admission is 12.50 (no kidding), just one trip w/ the grandparents justifies the extra money.

Soooo....since we can bring ANY two people, a right we've paid for...plus the fact I think our adult rates are simply ridiculous... I sometimes "pick up" 2 adults in the ticket line when we don't have guests. We did this last Sunday. I am very shy, but find some nerve at the museum. I just approach strangers, explain we have the bonus membership, and offer to bring 2 adults in for free w/ us. All they have to do is walk through the checkin person w/ us. they buy the tickets for the kids. Then they are off their merry way. $25 savings can do a lot for a young family even if they just spend it on something else frivolous that day. $25 is lunch for the whole family,4 movie matinees, or $25 can buy the largest Carnegie dino in the gift shop.