Low-Cost Family Fun

Spending time with your family doesn't mean that you have to shell out a lot of buck for entertainment. There are many things that you can do together as a family that cost next to nothing. Here are some things that you can do to enjoy low-cost family fun if you have children ten years old or younger:

• Visit your local library and check out books or movies. Take turns reading the book aloud, or watch movies together, eating popcorn and treats as you watch.
• Check your local or community newspaper for things to do in your community. Most communities list happenings that cost little or no money, especially in warmer weather.
• Have a family craft night and make crafts, especially around holidays and special occasions like Valentine's Day, Halloween, and birthdays.
• Most zoos and museums offer half-price days. Take your family on those days when admission is fairly inexpensive.
• Dig out the tent and set it up in your backyard. Have a campout, complete with weenie roast, scary stories around a fire, and s'mores.
• Taking a long walk after dinner or a family bike ride is a great way to exercise and spend time together at the same time.

You can also enjoy time with your older children without breaking the bank. Here are some things that your teenager or child over ten years old might enjoy as low-cost family activities:

• Play a favorite board game, even if you dread to play Risk and Monopoly with your 16-year-old because you always lose.
• Check the almanac for constellation patterns and then bring out the telescope and binoculars and spend an evening outdoors stargazing and discussing the constellations.
• Find an abandoned parking lot and practice driving with your older kids. Go for ice cream afterwards.
• Through your church or community civic center, find a need and perform a service project.
• Ask at local hotels if you can use their swimming pool for a few hours for a nominal fee.

If your family comprises young children as well as teens, you can plant a family garden together, have a treasure hunt at home or at the park, go fishing at a local pond or lake, or write letters to service men and women overseas. Finding low-cost family fun isn't too difficult if you make the effort to find it.