Thrifty FREE Entertainment!

 

There are several ways to save money when it comes to entertaining your family.  First and foremost, recognize that contrary to popular belief, you do not always need to be entertained and neither do your children.  In fact, mental downtime and physical rest is crucial to a healthy lifestyle.  Doing nothing is completely okay.

 

Budget tip - If you are struggling financially do a thorough review of your subscriptions and fee based apps and cancel them.  All of them!  You will find there are plenty of non fee based options available so there is no point to paying for these services.  Once you have done this you will be filled with a surprising sense of freedom.

 

Seek out entertainment sources that do not cost money.  A picnic at the park is a great no cost way to spend quality time as a family.  Enjoy time together with conversation, fresh air, green grass, exercise and laughter.  Leave all of your cell phones in the car and really enjoy being unplugged.  Make it an endeavor to visit as many parks in your area as possible throughout the year.

 

Go to your local library.  Not just to check out books, but to take advantage of free programs they have for children, teens and adults.  Most libraries still have DVDs as well as games (board games and video games) available to check out.  Free internet and computer availability is also a great perk.  Make a point to visit the library at least once a month and you’ll be amazed at how transformative this will become.  You’ll read more, relax more and enjoy more.

 

Check out FREE museum days and other educational opportunities in your city and get these events on your calendar.  Movies in the park, art events, car shows, festivals, even free admission to the fair (ours has a food donation event that allows you in free with a non perishable food item) can be found in most cities.  High schools often offer concerts and play performances that are free to the public.

 

Have a movie night!  Pop some popcorn or make root beer floats and stream a movie.  There are a lot of movies available to stream for FREE (with or without ads).  For extra fun find some movies you enjoyed as a kid and share them with your children.  Even if they are corny your kids will appreciate the nostalgia.  Youtube is one of my favorite places to source movies.

 

Pizza night is a fun way for families to engage by learning to make your own pizza dough and adding your own sauce and toppings.  Make one big pizza or allow everyone to make their own personal size pizza and get creative.  Nachos are another fun option.  Play some music, invite a couple of guests to join you and make it a party!

 

Go hiking or take a nature walk, go on a bike ride, go camping (even if you only go as far as the backyard), host a potluck BBQ, play cards, have a craft or art night using supplies you already have in the house, visit antique shops just to look at old stuff, visit your state Capitol, check out a ghost town, put a jigsaw puzzle together, most importantly have fun!