Yesterday’s list contained some quickfire suggestions for cheap entertainment. But advice on entertaining a family that grapples with significant financial challenges merits some creative thinking as well. Heather Orr wrote for Suite101 an excellent list of ideas for fun on a budget. One of the most interesting and inexpensive ideas is to take the family on a tour of local historical sites. The price of admission to many landmarks is low, and there is usually more for children to learn beyond the initial school-sponsored field trip. To add to her thoughts, here are some additional possibilities.
- Dollar movies. While going to a matinee performance is clearly a better deal than the full-price evening show, the dollar movies are an even better option. Enjoy a snack from home before going and eliminate the temptation to load up on expensive snacks at the cinema. Even better yet, get in the habit of waiting for all films to switch from the premium theaters to smaller, cheaper screens several weeks after their release date or wait and rent the DVD version.
- The Zoo. Pack a lunch from home and go on discounted or free days.
- High school sports. Most high schools have rivalries and not only are the games cheap or free to attend, but some match ups can be just as exciting as professional league events.
- Board games. Playing board games at home is one of the best options. Every family has favorites, and having already purchased the game, the marginal cost of playing each additional time is low.
- Camping. Depending on location and weather, this is a cheap option with the benefit of an overnight stay and outdoor activities. Researching particular spots on the Internet can reveal information on camping costs, including permits, reservations, and the popular activities for campers that tend to be less costly. Caravan to the campsite with other families and children will relish a weekend spent with others their age.
Raj Patel writes for DebtGoal.com, a do-it-yourself system for getting out of debt and lowering your interest costs. DebtGoal.com incorporates all of the techniques discussed in this post and can help users understand and get visibility to and manage their debt finances.
Tags: budget entertainment, cheap entertainment, debt, debt limitation, Debt Management, debt savings, family entertainment, family finances, family travel, personal finance
