Family fun days out when on a budget

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Planning family fun when on a budget can be a little challenging, especially if finances are tight and you don't have a lot to spend on recreational activities. Yet, family time together is an important bonding activity
and, like most, parents, you don't want your kids to miss out on the fun or making good memories.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can stay within your budget and have family fun days out. Many of these activities are free, or at least, low cost.

Family Fun Days Out When on a Budget

1. Public parks

Many state, federal, and local parks are free. Depending on the age of your kids and type of activities you're looking to do, there are lots of options in various parks. Some contain playgrounds, swimming areas, biking trails, fishing, hiking and/or other outdoor activities. As an added side benefit, the family gets both fresh air and exercise. Pack a picnic lunch, and head out to a local park. If a day trip is within your budget, as a variation, perhaps travel to parks that are not local, but within an hour or two range, for a change of scenery.

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2. Museums

Depending on the region where you live, many museums are free or low cost. Oftentimes there are even small local history or art museums right in your backyard. Museums are a great way to spend a few hours to a day and learn something new as a family.

3. Family craft day

If the kids love arts and crafts, and many do, this is another low-cost option, Often stores such as Michaels or AC Moore, offer sales on craft items; when these sales are on, stock up on craft items for various projects and store them in a box. When it comes time for a family fun day, pull out an activity and plan a craft day. For added fun, when doing the shopping, bring the kids along with and let them pick what activities they'd like to do on craft day.

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5. Family bake day

Spending the day at home with the family is another day which can be both low in expense and a lot of fun. One way to do this is to plan a family bake day. Kids can explore the kitchen, make tasty meals or treats, and have a hands-on learning experience in the process.

Bringing the family together in the kitchen is a good way to spend the day. Turn off the TV, computer, mobile gadgets, and video games.njoy a few hours of family togetherness. No doubt the kids will enjoy eating their creations when the cooking is over.

6. Local recreation

Many communities have skating rinks, biking trails, or bowling alleys; all good family fun activities. Often during weekends if you go early there may be early bird discounts or family fun packages which can bring down the costs of these types of outings. Also, while movie theatres are expensive these days, many low-cost theatres have cropped up meaning they show movies a few months old, but at a fraction of the original costs to see the movie at release. Or if you catch the matinee, these often are pretty cheap too. A couple of theatres here in Northern Virginia charge about $5 for the early show.

 7. Check your mailings

Often in newspapers, magazines and other mailings you can find good specials, especially for regional attractions. In these circulars may be "two for one" or percent off coupons to use for theme parks, private museums and other local attractions which may have a nominal fee. Think ice skating rinks, bowling and/or other local activities the whole family will enjoy.

Family fun days out do not have to be cut out of a budget. Even if finances need to be carefully monitored there are many great ways to enjoy the day with the kids either for free, or at low cost.