With all the curated pictures on social media, it can be tempting to want to keep up with crazy kids’ activities. Vacations to Disney, ski trips to Aspen, elaborate birthday parties, expensive sports leagues, private music lessons, and even week-long summer camps fill your feed. You want your kids to have fun and be entertained. Less screen time and more memories can be a wonderful goal, especially over holiday breaks. However, it can feel daunting to budget for these types of experiences.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to break the bank and costs hundreds of dollars every time you leave the house. There are so many different types of family activities you can do that are budget-friendly — or even free! Keep reading to learn a few cost-effective ways to keep your kids entertained.
1. Parks and Nature Centers
One great way to get in some exercise and fun on a budget is going to a park or a nature center. Getting your kids out and climbing on playground equipment can burn off lots of energy. Slides, swings, and forts can bring out the imaginative side. And climbing and navigating the equipment can also help with the development of problem solving skills too. A day running and playing at the park can really zap their pent up energy, which could mean more time for you after dinner.
Local nature centers and trailways can provide free and fun places to explore too. Family walks and hikes can be interesting for all ages. Depending on the trails, you might even be able to get in some biking. These areas also change seasonally, so you can come back again and again to see something new. In the spring, there will be lots of life and flowers. In the winter, you might be able to find a good sledding hill.
2. Baking and Gardening
Two cost-effective activities you can do at home are baking and gardening. The great thing about both activities is that they lead to homemade items you can eat. Teaching your kids to bake creates lifelong memories together. It also shows them valuable life skills of measuring and learning how to cook. After it’s ready, you can then decorate cookies and enjoy them together as a family. You could also bake for your neighbors and teach your children the value of kindness.
The same holds true for gardening. If you’re growing vegetables, you kids can see the process of their food from start to finish. If they are growing flowers, they can watch their hard work bloom over time. Growing plants also teaches kids responsibility and gives them a chore during the growing season. They can go out and check the produce and make sure the plants are watered and taken care of. When it’s time to harvest, you can share extra squash with your friends and family or try different recipes.
3. Arts and Crafts
Creations don’t have to break the bank. For less than $5 you can get your kids lots of crayons and coloring books. If you want to spend even less than that, check garage sales or thrift stores, which often have art supplies for sale. You can even use recycled items for your kids canvases or crafts. You likely have cardboard boxes laying around that arrive with your online orders.
Let your kids color and design with the recycled boxes. They can make a box fort or a play store. It doesn’t take much to turn a big box into a spaceship either. Finger paints can quickly turn a handprint into a turkey for Thanksgiving. Pinecones in the yard and burnt out lightbulbs can be painted to become reindeer and snowmen during Christmas time too.
4. Libraries and Museums
When thinking of places to take your kids, it can be easy to think of admission costs. Going to an arcade or a trampoline park, while fun, can cost a ton, especially with multiple kiddos in tow. Before you cancel plans or give up, check out free institutions in your area. Some cities, like St. Louis, have a zoo with free admission. Several art and science museums also offer free entry as well and hold special free events throughout the year.
And let’s not forget about libraries! They are the quintessential community gathering place with free admission. You can borrow books, audio books, and even movies for free at the library. Most offer special events as well, such as holiday themed parties and monthly children’s reading hours. Take your kids to an event and come home with hours of reading fun and movies for free.
5. Movie Nights
Speaking of movies, one way to keep your children entertained is a movie night. Taking your family to the theater these days is pricey. The admission price plus the snacks can really add up. Why not check out the free movies from the library and head home for a movie night? Microwave popcorn won’t cost too much either.
To make the night extra fun, you can set up a sheet with a projector in the backyard or in the living room. That way you have a huge screen to watch it on. If you can’t find a movie you want to watch at the library, check out the titles on a streaming service you already pay for. Even if you pay $10 to rent a movie for the night, that is more cost-effective than taking a family of six out. For snacks, check out your local dollar store!
Focus on the Fun
Getting your kids to be creative and have a good time doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The ideas listed in this article can give you a starting place for activities to keep your kids entertained. The great thing about many of the ideas suggested is that you can do them together. And they can help foster lifelong habits, skills, and memories.
Why not start the tradition of an after dinner park trip on Sunday nights or baking every holiday season? Once your family starts to enjoy these activities, they won’t even realize it was also budget-friendly. Afterall, you can’t put a price on memories and time spent together.
