There are many things you can do as a family or a couple without children that costs very little or in many cases is free. When money is tight entertainment seems to usually be the first thing people cut back on or cut out. You don’t have to necessarily cut it out though, try these ideas and see how much fun you can have without having to spend a fortune.
Frugal Fun Ideas:
Check your area for old movie theaters that charge much less than normal theaters. For example, where I live there is an old theater that only charges $1.99 to watch a movie.
Use Redbox to rent movies or try Netflix.
Break out the boardgames or card games to play together.
Go on a picnic, whether it is in your own backyard or at a park.
Go to the park and walk around, children can play on the playground and play fetch with the family dog.
Pick up some puzzles from the Dollar Tree or thrift stores.
Check any local museums close by and see if they have days where they offer free or discounted admission prices.
If your city or county has a free pool to residents, you could go swimming or take lessons in the Summer.
If you go to church check with them to see what kind of activities they offer for children and families. Some even offer after school programs and free Summer programs for children, like vacation bible school. Many churches offer programs and activities that families or children can participate in for little to no cost.
Set up a scavenger hunt in the backyard or around your town when it’s warm outside.
Find any parks that are close by and go explore them. You could potentially go camping, hiking or just walk around to view the area.
Take a trip to the zoo and be mindful of days where they may offer special discounts or go in the off season, when they are likely to charge less for admission.
Keep an eye out for free musical performances around your town. Especially in the Summer, there are a lot of outdoor concerts offered in many areas.
Check with your local area schools and universities to see if they have anything special going on that is affordable. You could go to a basketball, soccer or baseball game.
Exchange movies or games with family or friends when you’re finished watching them. This way you don’t have to buy all new movies to see new movies.
Head to the library. You can check out books to read or movies at no cost.
Look to the internet and you will find many websites dedicated to child-safe activities that kids can do on the internet. You can print off coloring pages or activity pages. Children can play games for free on the internet and the internet can also be used for education.
Buy a coloring book and crayons and color together or puzzle books and work the puzzles together.
In the Summer, go outside and use chalk to write on the driveway or sidewalk.
Watch free movies/tv on the internet. You can watch many things on http://www.hulu.com for free or http://www.jaman.com/
Start exercising together as a family and make it fun. Work out to a video together. Put on some music and dance together. This could be very fun for you and your children.
Take a bike ride together.
Do craft projects with your son or daughter. You can find craft items at decent prices at many stores. You can find a ton of craft ideas on the internet. You may even be able to use stuff you already have laying around the house. Be creative and come up with some crafty ideas to make something!
Cook together. Show your children how to cook and have them help you. They will always remember the time spent in the kitchen with you.
Look for anything in your area that is offered for free on certain days or all the time. Also, be on the lookout for coupons or special discounts you can get.
Is there a festival or carnival coming to town? What about the circus? Most of the time, you can go to these types of activities and get away with not spending much. Just be careful and set a limit to how much you want to spend on games, food and rides.
Have a potluck with friends that have kids too. The kids can play together and adults can eat and talk together. Have kid friendly games and toys around for the children to play with.
Go out for ice cream. Many times you can get away with only spending a few dollars for a couple of ice cream cones or cups. If you can find a coupon, that’s even better! Make sure to sign up for places that offer you free scoops on your birthday and discounted scoops on other occasions, like Baskin Robbins.
