Take Advantage of Library ProgramsMy library always had terrific programs for children and adults, and now they added a summer reading program for adults. You win prizes for reading a certain number of books, and they have a wonderful end-of-summer party. They have an author speak, serve refreshments and give out prizes.
Scotch Magic Tape for Jigsaw PuzzlesI like to work jigsaw puzzles while sitting on a bed, with my children. In order to avoid frustration, we use Scotch Magic tape to tape each piece together. This ensures that we will always be able to put it away unfinished and yet start on it again the next time, right where we left off.
Library for Free EntertainmentDo you like to go to concerts and poetry readings or other exhibits? Do you like bringing a new stack of CDs home and hearing new music? Me too!
Do you like paying for these things? Me neither! The answer? The library.
Taking Kids to the Farmer's MarketThe farmer's market is a great place to find both produce and unique crafts. It is also a wonderful place to take children and let them try new veggies and fruit.
Family Fun NightWe have dedicated one night a week to be our family fun night. On this night, we set up a themed dinner. The possibilities are endless and we have so much fun deciding what to do.
Blowing up a Balloon with Baking Soda and...This is an easy science experiment that is fun for all ages. The bubbling that happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar together can be used for lots of things, like blowing up a balloon.
Share Music With Each OtherFor family fun, we all go down to the basement and the kids bring their iPods. They each take turns picking their favorite music, and we crank up the volume while we play pool or ping pong.
Family Pizza NightCombine frugality and fun by starting family fun night in the kitchen. Get all of the family together and make pizzas from the leftovers in the refrigerator and a few of the family's favorite toppings.
Board Games On Family NightI raised 3 sons, and Tuesday night was Fun Night. They could choose one board or other game. They took turns for 3 weeks. The fourth week, we played Charades.
Take a Short Car RideYou have all heard about "the good old days". Well, they were. We never have had enough money to throw away. We traveled once every year or two to see family.
Volunteer In Exchange For TicketsVolunteer to serve as a docent for whatever type of performance you like such as a theater/museum. An 85 year old friend served as an usher for the local community theater. As such she got to see all the plays produced.
Frugal Summer Fun At The BeachWe are very lucky, we live near the beach. The sad part is that almost NONE of our gorgeous beaches in New Jersey are free. So in order to get in some wonderful beach time, we have learned the tricks and tips that will get us the most " bang for our buck".
Thrifty EntertainmentI like to note all the restaurants in my area that have "Kids Eat Free" nights and capitalize on those. I also arrange play dates around the summertime "Free Summertime Movies" at our local theatres.
Trivia At DinnertimeWe all have unused games laying around. Some have educational information cards, like Trivia. Take the cards and put a few on the table, next to salt and pepper.
Audiobooks From The LibraryListen to audiobooks! I get them for free from the public library and listen to them as I drive and when I go for my power walks. I "read" about 2-3 books weekly using this method.
Be a Tourist in Your Own TownBe a Tourist in Your Own Town. I live in Kenosha, WI, a great area, almost right in between Milwaukee, WI (30 minutes away) and Chicago, IL (about an hour away).
Keeping Track of Low-Cost Family ActivitiesI have a 2 year old son and a VERY limited budget, but I hated that a lack of money could be a barrier to us going out and having fun! Weekends would roll around, and I would be out of ideas as to what we could do that was free or cost very little...
School Functions for Thrifty EntertainmentFor cheap entertainment for the family try looking for activities at your local high school or community college. Schools put on quality plays and music performances at very reasonable prices.
