How to Have Family Fun While Living on a Budget

For most families, a tight budget doesn't have to get in the way of having a great time. Lots of activities are inexpensive or free, and sometimes getting there is half the fun.

Things You'll Need

• Movie Tickets
• Museum Tickets
• Basketballs
• Tennis Balls
• Tennis Racquets
• Board Games
• Children's Bicycles
• zoo tickets

Instructions

1. Determine how much you can spend on entertainment each month.

2. Make a list of free or inexpensive activities in your area.

3. Ask family members which activities they prefer.

4. Make a list of the preferred activities and keep it handy.

5. Refer to the list when you're bored or looking for entertainment ideas, or consider some of the following options.

6. Visit a park with playgrounds, open fields, basketball courts and tennis courts.

7. Go for a walk or a hike, go in-line skating or ride a bicycle.

8. Visit a beach or a lake.

9. Use coupons for miniature golf, bowling, restaurants or video rentals.

10. Take advantage of matinee rates for movies.

11. Attend plays at local theaters, which are much less expensive than more large-scale productions.

12. Play board games with friends.

13. Throw a potluck party.

14. Visit zoos and museums.

15. Attend outdoor summer concerts at local parks.

16. Put aside money each month for a vacation that you and your family can look forward to.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a family member pull out the names of activities from a box. Then the event will be a surprise to everyone, and the drama will add a little more spice to your life.

• If you have kids, tell them they can each bring along one friend during an inexpensive outing. This makes the event more appealing than going alone, and sometimes easier for parents.

• Avoid window shopping, or strolling through malls or expensive shops, as this will tempt you to spend money or make you feel bad because you can't.