Quick…when was the last time you had some serious fun? When did you allow yourself to be completely spontaneous, surprising your family with your coolness? If you’re like most parents, it was probably over a decade ago if you have teens. For your significant other, it may be as far back as when you first started dating.
According to a 2019 poll, most Americans feel their lives are boring and miss aspects of their childhood, like hanging out with friends. In fact, the same survey concluded that most adults would prefer childlike activities instead of more mature options. If you’re a parent, there is still hope—you must decide that the investment is worth your time and money.
Speaking of money, in today’s financial climate, more and more families are struggling to conserve cash for the necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Little money is left afterwards to put towards family fun activities, which is unfortunate because these activities really do help to bring a family together and cure boredom.
Fortunately, with some creativity, you can still come up with plenty of activities to do regularly to keep your family close without completely breaking your budget.
Here are some ideas to get you started that cost less than $50. for a family of four
Visit A local museum
One great way to get out and learn about something new is to check out the listings for local museums in your area. They will often have specific days or times when you can go and see the shows at a reduced cost or even for free.
Many museums offer a wide variety of attractions, so there is sure to be something that interests almost anyone.
Right now, go to your local city or community webpage for museums in your area. Bonus points if you find a museum that interests your kids.
Go on a hike
With the tight budget you are currently running, sports and gym memberships likely have fallen by the wayside, but you must take steps to keep up with your family’s physical activity needs. Obesity rates are on the rise, and if you can make a habit of being active together as a family, you’ll typically see far better results at sticking with it.
Make it a ritual to go on one long hike or walk at least once every two weeks. This could be later in the evening after a long day has passed and you’re looking for a chance to unwind or on a Sunday afternoon when you want to get out and explore around.
Right now, take out your planner and schedule a hike or agree to a family walk after dinner. Make it into a scavenger hunt and invite neighbors for even more fun.
Pack a picnic
Next, rather than spending $150 on a meal out with the family, pack a picnic and make a trip out of it. Visit a local park and lie in the sun or catch a game of Frisbee, and then open your picnic basket to a healthy fare you packed yourself.
Are you not in a warm climate? No problem—make it an indoor picnic instead. Even though you aren’t outside, sitting on the floor and enjoying picnic-like food will give you a break from the everyday dinner routine.
Right now, Google parks in your area. It’s a bonus if these parks host movie nights outside or allow you to catch a local game on the lawn.
Bake together
For the cooks out there, spending an afternoon baking up your favorite goodies is another excellent family activity. Dividing up the duties is an excellent way to ensure everyone feels responsible and takes part.
Try out different recipes and develop a family heritage cookbook. This will also make a great memorabilia later, once your kids are grown up and want to be reminded of family time together.
Right now, ask a family member to plan a family bake-off. Turn it into a fun event or friendly competition with prizes.
Stream movies from home
Going to the movies today as a family will quickly run you over $100 if you opt for snacks to be included. To cut back on this cost, consider streaming movies from home. Most streaming services offer an assortment of different films and monthly subscription costs that are much cheaper than a family of four costs at the theater.
Grab your own healthier snacks at the grocery store beforehand, dim the lights, and make a movie marathon out of it.
Now, subscribe to Tubi’s streaming service for free and find older movie classics your family will love. You’ll earn bonus points if you make it fun by choosing movies from your decade or year of birth.
Take a drive
Finally, a last idea that you may want to consider if you’re looking for something to do and have more time is taking a drive to a nearby city or town and exploring it. It can be nice to experience a change of scenery from time to time, and you can stop in at a local family-owned coffee house or ice cream parlor for a quick treat while on your trip.
Right now, plan to take a drive before the end of the month. If you’re reading this on the last day of the month, surprise your family with a road trip this weekend or next.
So, whatever you do, don’t let your family succumb to nights of thoughtless TV watching and convenience dinners. Bonding as a family in activities you all enjoy is essential to bringing you close together and creating lasting memories that can be recalled for years. Take your family’s interests into account and come up with some great ideas and traditions to call your own.