Cheap Family Fun

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As I sit here humming “Ooh girls we just wanna have fun-un,” I think about all the inexpensive things the little ladies and I have done. Sometimes, the cheapest fun things are right under your nose – you just have to be creative. Today I will discuss some inexpensive ways to spend money that me and my kids try weekly.

Be Creative

Having fun doesn’t always have to involve spending money. Doing simple things like running downstairs with your pajamas on screaming ‘pajama party’ is sure to get your kids running and super excited. Building a tent or fort with two chairs and a sheet proclaiming it ‘camp out’ night. I plan to also start trying new healthy dessert recipes with my kids that we can fix together. I will start doing super easy recipes first (peanut butter and celery) then slowly move up to wedding cakes with all the decorations. Using arts and crafts you already have to create their very own masterpieces that they can hang on the fridge or give away, is sure to keep them busy for hours.

Plan

Last year I built a calendar with my girls, and every night of the week was a new theme. Let’s explore building a calendar a little more. Sunday night can be some sort of prep for next school week such as nail painting night or picking out the raddest clothes. Friday, we usually did a movie night seeing as how there was no school the next day and the kids could stay up a little later. On the weekends we planned some sort of outing/field trip; this was great last year when we had an aquarium membership. Planning also helped greatly with budgeting as I already knew what days I would need to spend money, but most days not even a dime was spent.

Use what is already Free

A lot of people ask me what do I do for fun that is cheap and people are astounded by my answers. The library is free all the way around. They normally have an awesome kids center boasting computers with kid friendly software and even pieces of art the kids have created. The library is great because you can also check out books, DVDs, and music for free. Keep in mind the library charges late fees, so I wouldn’t advise checking out a lot at one time because .20 cent per day will add up big time. I also visit the mall to get a little exercise in by walking, and then afterwards we head to the free play area. Most mall play areas are cleaned daily (ours is closed and cleaned every day at 3pm) which means it’s cleaned 7 times more a week than your local park. However the park is also free so you should look up your cities parks and start visiting a new park every week. It is honestly the coolest thing ever when I pull up to a new park and my kids just light up with excitement because of a little effort on my part. And lastly, play dates at nana’s, uncle’s, aunt’s and other mom’s homes are absolutely free, just pack some snacks (enough for the kids and any other kids that will be at the next home) and you are good to go.

It is really easy is to save money and you can save money in every aspect of your life. Today we explored some inexpensive, free and fun ways to have a good time. With just a little planning and creativity you will be well on your way to some good ole fashioned free fun.