We are saving for a house, while paying our current mortgage. Plus between all sorts of bills popping up I’m pretty much without spending money. So lately we have been trying new and fun ways to enjoy life without spending alot. Here are a few ideas we’ve come up with on things to do with the family that are FREE (oh, yes, I said free) that everyone can enjoy.
- Go to a local park. Sure everyone says this, but we barely ever do it. What we’ve been doing is trying new parks. Going out of our comfort range and seeing what the local parks have to offer. I never knew that one of our local parks has a Bat House (Not like the Bat Cave), until we went there and read all about it. Take a drive and stop, get out and enjoy. Wonder around and see what you can find. Be sure to bring a camera because the near by Parks and Playgrounds provide the best background for long lasting pictures. Not sure where to go? Check out Kaboom! Where you can see and rate your local playspaces.
- Learn a little (or a lot). Go to your local Museum, Learning Center, or even Zoo. I know, this can be super expensive to do. We have a family of four and I’ve felt the crunch of trying to get us all to go to the Boston Aquarium or one of the other local attractions. What I have learned is that alot of these local places have free days. Once a month, usually on a set day, you can attend for free. So give them all a call and write down those days. Yes, it will be much busier that day but the trip will be worth it. Also, if you are a Bank of America card holder you can go to alot of local attractions for free by just having their card. Look into it B of A customers, it could be well worth it for you!
- Go Camping. In your backyard I mean. Don’t have tents? Put up some bug repelent stuff and drag out the blankets! Enjoy your own backyard in this camping adventure. It’s basically no cost and can be fun for the whole family. Start a safe fire and tells stories around it. Rent a library book about astronomy and look at the stars.
Over the next few weeks I will be growing the list to include more great ideas as me and my family experience them. Is there anything your family likes to do that is free/low cost? I love ideas!
This is low cost. $1O plus gas for us.We go to the drive~in ! Besides loving the old fashioned picture show areas it’s cheap.The closet drive in is less than 30 minutes away and shows current double features every week.Last week it was the new Fast and Furious and the new Julia Roberts movie. It cost $5 per adult and kids under 5 are free,5-12 are $3.Since our son is 3 he is free.FOR 2 NEW MOVIES! Coolers are welcome so you can bring your own food and drinks from home ,ok but who can resist movie popcorn.It isn’t expensive though like walk in theaters but just as yummy
I just called to see what was playing this weekend~ The new X~men movie and 12 rounds starring John Cena.Ugh I should have went last weekend !
Oh and we go early to get front row (my we ARE getting old) so our son can play with all the kids before the movie starts.Their is a huge grassy area and kids bring everything from kites,balls,frisbies to water guns.It is always like a huge kid party.FUN FUN FUN.
Sounds like alot of fun and a great way for a family to take a good trip
I subscribe to multiple local happenings newsletters, (About.com is good place to start) and at least once a week, (especially come spring & summer) there’s something family-friendly to do. We especially love art & book festivals which always include free music, lectures, workshops and info tables that invariably give away free goodies like balloons, magnets, bags, notepads & pens (which is pretty much perfect for little kids!) Last year, at the Baltimore Book Festival, we came away with four bags of goodies and spent a total of $12, and that was for lunch! Two years ago, at the Art Festival, we watched an unforgettable free concert by Common. There’s always something, but you’ve got to look for it.