Family-Friendly Activities that Won’t Break the Bank
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re a family-friendly company. The two of us grew up together and some of our favorite memories of our childhood involve the simplest of activities that ended up being the most fun because we were together. We might not remember why we had family in town, but we do remember the craziest night of Monopoly we’ve ever seen. And of course our summer vacations were awesome because we got to hang out at home and play, we got to go to the library and participate in the reading program (Pizza Hut rewards anyone?), and we simply enjoyed being together.
With that all being said, it’s sometimes easy to get lost in social media and compare yourself to everyone else when they post up their extravagant vacations and their days packed full of insane (and expensive) activities. But kids don’t really need all that. They just need someone there with them. So let’s check in with a few family-friendly activities to try out that don’t require a boatload of money.
1) Family Game Night
Gather around the table for a night of board games, card games, or even video games that everyone can enjoy. It’s a fun way to bond while involving everyone, plus it’s a great way to let loose and get a little competitive (ask our dad about Monopoly and you’ll see just how competitive you can get).
2) Outdoor Picnic
Throw together some sandwiches and your favorite snacks and head over to a local park or the beach (if you’re lucky enough to live near one). Enjoy the fresh air, play a few outdoor games, and enjoy your quality time.
3) Movie Marathon
Choose a series or a theme for the evening, pop some popcorn, and create a cozy “home theatre” experience in whatever way is accessible for you. You could set up a projector and get those massive candy boxes like they’ve got at the cinemas, or you could throw together a blanket fort on the couch and have a popcorn garnish bar with chocolate, sprinkles, and other tasty add-ons. A movie marathon is a great way to bond and relax at the same time.
4) Cooking Together
Choose a recipe that everyone can participate in making because cooking together can be fun and educational at the same time. Plus, the more you do it, the more skills you develop, and soon you all will be trying new recipes and fancy cooking techniques!
5) Nature Hike
Find a nearby trail and go for a hike, or head over to a park and see what kind of fun things you can explore there. You can even just take a walk down your street and investigate the local landscape. This is a great way to explore nature, get some exercise, and there’s also chances to have meaningful conversations as you go.
6) DIY Craft Projects
You knew this would make the list. We love crafting over here, so of course we’re going to recommend it to everyone. Set up craft stations with supplies like paint, markers, paper, and glue. Create something unique together like holiday gifts, decorations, or artwork.
7) Visit a Museum, Aquarium, or Zoo
I recognize that some of these spaces may not be as cheap as others. Some zoos and aquariums charge a pretty penny for entry. However, if it’s available to you, a day spent exploring some of these educational spaces can be very entertaining. They offer a chance to learn new things and see some really cool exhibits. The zoo in our area offers a yearlong membership, the price of which equates to about three visits without it. That alone makes it worth it for us to have that membership, because we’re definitely going to the zoo more than three times a year, so it pays for itself.
8) Reading Together
Choose a book that everyone will enjoy and take turns reading aloud. This can be a nightly ritual that fosters a love of reading and sparks some interesting discussions. When we were little, our mom did this every night before bed - we got together on the couch and she read us books before we went and brushed our teeth for bed. I’ll say that it was one of my favorite parts of growing up and I’m definitely an avid reader because of it.
9) Gardening
Start a family garden where everyone can contribute. Plant flowers, vegetables, herbs, or fruit and watch your garden grow together. It’s a rewarding activity that teaches patience and responsibility, plus you can get tons of tasty fruits and veggies out of it!
10) Volunteer as a Family
Find a local charity or community service project that you all can participate in together. Volunteering can strengthen your family bond and also instill a sense of compassion, plus you get to give back to your community.
