Ways to keep your family Entertained for Less

1) Bake off- taste test
2) Make meals together
3) Play board games (including Hang Man, X & O’s)
4) Movie Night
5) Read a book together- taking turns reading each page, discuss themes, etc
6) Nature walks, swimming, etc- summer exercise activities
7) Coasting, skating, skiing, etc- winter exercise activities
8) Participate together while doing an exercise video
9) Draw, color, paint
10) Go to the library
11) Go to a local park
12) Play ball or Soccer
13) Bubbles
14) Picnic
15) Gardening- picking weeds, piling leaves, planting seeds or making a vegetable garden
16) Camping in your own backyard
17) Go to the beach- look for rocks, seashells, etc
18) Hopscotch
19) Get creative with Chalk on the sidewalk
20) Create your own Craft
21) Cell phone games
22) Play music/create your own family band
23) Dance
24) Sing karaoke
25) Volunteer at your local church or join local groups
26) Create your own theater play
27) See a sporting game at your local High School

The above list contains some activities that are more geared or age appropriate for one child than another. Depending on your kids ages, use your judgment.

Also factor in your child’s tastes. For example:
My oldest is 14 and loves gaming, TV, etc. He will be more willing to play board games, dance and listen to music, act, and engage in movie night.

My middle boy who is 3 loves to bake. He would be more geared to help in the Kitchen to make meals, bake, go to the park and read a book together.

My youngest girl is only 1, she would love going to the beach, having a picnic and gardening.

These ideas help keep our families: emotionally stable, humble, aids parents in getting to know our children as they age and of course keeps our creative juices flowing.