Family entertainment is big business in the United States, with an almost unlimited market base. Nearly every town has at least one family fun center, and sales for family games and kids activities remain high, despite a down economy. For many parents, however, the cost of entertaining their families is a little too high for their budget, and many are looking for ways to save.
Activities for kids are frequently cut first when a family experiences a financial hardship. However, those activities may still be affordable for many families, if money is saved by buying used equipment, renting musical instruments instead of buying them, or participating in free or low cost activities at community centers and churches. That way, the kids still get to engage in sports, band, or cheerleading, and the family doesn’t need to pay hundreds of dollars to support their activities.
Some private family activities can be turned into a family weekend, such as camping or fishing trips. By inviting other family members along, the cost of renting a cabin or boat can be split, and family members get a chance to see each other at a time when they might otherwise not be able to. Having grandparents along on a campout gives the children an opportunity to learn from their elders, and gives the grandparents a much-appreciated chance to share their knowledge with younger generations.
Finally, consider creating new family events to entertain your family and catch up with the relatives. If you have family members living within a reasonable distance of your home, invite them over once a month or so for a made-up event. Game nights, random building projects, or even family potlucks are all good excuses to entertain. Some good examples of “made up events” include a “Baby’s First Tooth” party, celebrating a student’s excellent report card, or planting a family garden or orchard, if you have the space to do so. Creating unique family traditions are also helpful when dealing with blended families. You can foster a greater sense of closeness with your family with such events, and do so without spending a lot of cash.