As the cost of living continues to rise, it can be challenging to find frugal family activities for you and your family. However, there are many frugal options that can provide fun and enjoyment without breaking the bank. These 13 frugal family activities for and your family are sure to keep everyone entertained and your bank account intact.
Whether you have kids or it’s just you and your partner, finding fun things to do that don’t cost a lot of money can seem impossible. Frankly, it can lead to some pretty boring days.
But, just because you don’t have a ton of money lying around doesn’t mean you and your family can not have a fun time. All you need to do is find a few frugal family fun activities and you can plan for some cheap family fun!
What is a Reasonable Fun Budget?
When it comes to budgeting for fun, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your personal financial situation and what you consider to be a reasonable amount to spend on leisure activities. However, a good rule of thumb is to allocate around 5-10% of your monthly income towards these types of expenses.
It’s important to prioritize and make sure you’re not overspending in this category, but also allowing yourself to enjoy the things that bring you happiness and fulfillment. By setting a reasonable budget, you can still have fun while staying financially responsible.
How Can I Have Fun Without Spending Money?
Having fun without spending money is a bit harder than finding cheap family fun activities, but it can be done. The best thing to do is check your local paper or local library for free family activities that are happening in your area.
These entertainment options will often include kids activities like crafts, book readings and so on. If you have older kids, pick one that everyone will enjoy and you’ll be able to get away without spending a dime.
Have a family game night
One of the simplest ways family fun activities is to have a game night. Pull out some board games, cards, or puzzles, and spend an evening playing together in the living room. If you have some extras money, you could even order treats such as pizza. Or you could create a treat bar with candy, ice cream and other yummy bites.
You could even make it a regular event and rotate who gets to choose the game each time. Just choose a specific day of the week and let everyone know!
Explore your local parks
Many cities and towns have local parks that are free to use. Take a walk, fly a kite, go for a bike ride, or have a picnic in the park. You could even bring along some outdoor games like frisbee or soccer to play together.
One super fun game that has become popular in recent years is frisbee golf. Even if you’re not great at it, your family will still have a blast learning!
Take a hike
If you’re looking for a more active outdoor activity, take a hike! Find a local trail or nature reserve and spend the day exploring the great outdoors. Just be sure to bring your emergency backpack just in case, and to check the weather forecast beforehand.
Have a movie night
Rather than going out to the movies and spending a lot of money, have a movie night at home. Rent a movie or choose one from your streaming service, grab you blanket and make some snacks or popcorn. You could even make it a themed night and have everyone dress up or decorate the room accordingly.
Visit a museum
Many museums and aquariums – especially children’s museums – offer free or discounts on admission on certain days or times. Do some research and find a museum near you that interests you and your family. Spend the day learning and exploring together.
This fun idea is especially great if you have a family member who loves to learn or loves sea life.
Have a DIY project day
Find a DIY project that you can work on together as a family. Whether it’s painting a room, building a birdhouse, or making a scrapbook, working on a project together can be both fun and rewarding.
This is one of those fun family activities that also introduce your family to new hobbies. You never know, they may just find a skill they love and keep it for life!
Go on a scavenger hunt
Create a scavenger hunt for your family to complete. Hide clues around the house or yard, and have them solve the puzzles to find the final prize. You could even make it a competition and see who can solve the clues the fastest.
If you want to get “fancy” with it, you can use a printable scavenger hunt sheet. They only cost a few dollars and will make your family feel like the event is more upscale.
Bake something together
Baking can be a fun and delicious way to spend time together as a family. Choose a recipe that everyone can help with, like cookies or cupcakes, and spend the afternoon baking and decorating together.
Baking and cooking together also have the effect that your family learns an essential life skill. What’s better than having fun and teaching your family something at the same time?
Have a backyard campout
If you have a backyard, why not set up a tent and have a campout? Roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and spend the night under the stars. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to experience the outdoors without leaving home.
This one does have a bit more of a cost as you should use a backyard tent or tarp. You’ll also want to use plenty of blankets or sleeping bags if the weather could turn cool.
Visit a farmer’s market
Many farmers markets offer free admission, and you can browse and sample local produce and goods. Make a day of it, find a nice location and bring a picnic to enjoy while you’re there.
Host a potluck dinner
Rather than going out to eat, host a potluck dinner with friends or family. Everyone can bring a dish to share, and you can spend the evening enjoying good food and company.
This is also a great way to introduce new friends who may not already know each other. Friends, family and food! What more could you want?
Volunteer together
Volunteering together can be a great way to give back to your community while also spending time together as a family. Choose a cause such as your local dog shelter or homeless shelter, that you’re passionate about and find a local organization to volunteer with.
If you have kids, this option is better for older kids and teens. Most organizations have a minimum age limit, so be sure to give them a call before you head out to sign up.
Take a free online course
There are many free online courses available on a variety of topics. Find a course that interests you and your family and spend some time learning together. It’s a fun and educational way to spend time together while also improving your skills and knowledge.
Youtube is a great place to find free online courses if you’re having an issue finding one.
In conclusion, there are many frugal ways to entertain yourself and your family. With a little creativity and planning, you can have fun and make memories without spending a lot of money. So, next time you’re looking for something to do, try one of these frugal ideas and see how much fun you can have!
