How to Keep a Family Entertained on a Budget

If your family can't afford Disney, a Wii, tickets to see a Broadway show, or even trip to the movies at your local cinema, don't despair. Today's economy is forcing most people to find alternate, less consumer-oriented ways to have a good time. Instead of bemoaning the loss of commercial gratification, embrace this opportunity to stick close to home with the people you love the most. Find joy in the simple pleasures of a shared experience. Here are a few ideas for ways to have fun with your family--without spending a fortune.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a variety of used board games at your local thrift shop. Make sure each game is in good condition and that all the pieces are in the box before you purchase it. You can designate an hour each evening as family game time, or you can host a recurring weekend tournament with the neighbors. Most board games are not only fun, they're educational and allow for lots of social interaction in between turns, unlike the more mind-numbing video games that are so popular today.

2. Host a family movie night in your home once a week. Provide popcorn and sweet iced tea for refreshments. Invite your favorite neighbors or family members to join you. Let the kids design the "tickets," and include the appropriate ratings, film review, starting time, and cast list in your invites. Older musicals tend to be very family-friendly and usually have people tapping their toes, humming a tune and generally feeling good by the end of the evening.

3. Read a classic book together. If everyone in your family are readers, allow each person to read one chapter aloud each evening or once a week. Depending on your time constraints--and how many people you have in your family--you can each take a turn during every reading session, or alternate chapter readings each evening. Make sure there is no inappropriate content in the selection before you begin reading by discussing it with your local librarian or doing a Web search on the title. In general, sticking to tried and true classics may be the safest bet, ratings-wise.

4. Take nature walks. Once or twice a week, bundle up the kids, and go for a hike at your nearest state park or nature preserve. Bring your cameras along, and see how many interesting nature shots you can capture. When you get home, take turns uploading each person's photos to the home computer. View the pictures together. If your kids enjoy competition, let them vote on the best shots. Offer first, second and third prizes for the most interesting photographs.

5. Start your own exercise class. Rent an exercise DVD, or check out one from the library. Clear a little floor space in front of your television set. Encourage the whole family to join in stretches, aerobics, yoga, or kick-boxing together. For kids, encourage healthy eating habits and regular exercise as part of their daily routine. Give prizes for most consistent work-outs, most vegetables eaten and least amount of sugar consumption.