How to Have Family Fun While Living on a Budget

Step1
Determine how much you can spend on entertainment each month.
Step2
Make a list of free or inexpensive activities in your area.
Step3
Ask family members which activities they prefer.
Step4
Make a list of the preferred activities and keep it handy.
Step5
Refer to the list when you're bored or looking for entertainment ideas, or consider some of the following options.
Step6
Visit a park with playgrounds, open fields, basketball courts and tennis courts.
Step7
Go for a walk or a hike, go in-line skating or ride a bicycle.
Step8
Visit a beach or a lake.
Step9
Use coupons for miniature golf, bowling, restaurants or video rentals.
Step10
Take advantage of matinee rates for movies.
Step11
Attend plays at local theaters, which are much less expensive than more large-scale productions.
Step12
Play board games with friends.
Step13
Throw a potluck party.
Step14
Visit zoos and museums.
Step15
Attend outdoor summer concerts at local parks.
Step16
Put aside money each month for a vacation that you and your family can look forward to.
Tips & Warnings

* Have a family member pull out the names of activities from a box. Then the event will be a surprise to everyone, and the drama will add a little more spice to your life.
* If you have kids, tell them they can each bring along one friend during an inexpensive outing. This makes the event more appealing than going alone, and sometimes easier for parents.
* Avoid window shopping, or strolling through malls or expensive shops, as this will tempt you to spend money or make you feel bad because you can't.