Cheap Family Fun Ideas

Trip to the Park - If you have young children this can be especially fun for them. Most parks have playgrounds. Visit a few by yourself or with your spouse before taking your children there. You may want to assess the playgrounds, bathrooms, picnic areas, and upkeep. This way you can ensure the most enjoyment and be well prepared.

I don't really recommend eating before you leave as most children tend to get very hot while playing. Instead, try to give your kids a light snack before leaving home. This way they have energy and aren't terribly hungry.

Plan a simple picnic. This can be as simple as sandwiches, chips, and drinks. If you live nearby you may opt to return home at mealtime.

For older children, like teens, you may want to plan some activities like Frisbee or catch. If your kids aren't very active then this would be the best opportunity to get them moving. Or, you can have some silly fun by playing games like I-spy, or Tag.

Still, if your older kids are afraid to loosen up and act silly you can just have a family picnic. This is a great time to talk with your kids about all sorts of stuff and have them open up to you. It won't be groundbreaking so keep it light.

Backyard Fun - Just like the park, this is free! Use what you have and make the most of your family time together. If you don't have any sports equipment and you'd like to play games, volleyball/badminton sets are usually pretty cheap. Just be sure to take care of them and they should last for some time.

Aside from sports, you can garden with your kids. If they don't seem too interested you can start with something as simple as planting beans. Beans usually sprout quickly when kept damp. There are also plants that are easy to take care of for those of us with black thumbs. Ivies are my plant of choice. The best place to ask is at a nursery or the nursery department of a place like Lowes.

Barbecues are another great family backyard activity. You can invite other members of your family and make a day of it. Have everyone bring something you need to keep it cheap. Or, just plan a regular family meal for the grill and go outside with your kids. Play darts or any other game outside while the food is cooking and make the most of the sunshine!

[ 1 | 2 | 3 ]