8 Budget-friendly Ideas for Family Fun
Summer is almost over, and the kids will be going back to school soon. But August is Family Fun Month, so why not take one last opportunity to plan some activities for the whole gang to enjoy? Here are eight budget-friendly ideas for family fun that will put an exclamation point at the end of your summer.
Family Cooking Night
Cooking is a great way bond with your kids. Pick something easy that everyone can take part in, like individual pizzas using premade crusts that each family member can “decorate” with toppings of his or her choice. For dessert, s’mores are an easy summer favorite.
Scavenger Hunt
Give your kids a list of things to find around the house or in the yard. Small prizes (think popsicles or a bottle of bubbles) can be awarded to whomever participates or even finds the most items on the list.
Family Music Video
You don’t need fancy technology, just a smartphone or camera that can record video. Borrow from the dress-up chest, pick a favorite song, and lip sync to your heart’s delight. You can even post your finished video on social media and share it with friends.
Backyard Campout
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors. Set up your tent for a sleepover in the backyard and keep the comforts of home a few steps away. Play board games and tell spooky stories by a campfire (a flashlight is a great substitute).
Baking Party and Contest
Kids love eating cupcakes, and letting them in on the baking and decorating can be a sweet activity. Add food coloring to vanilla frosting for different color options, supply sprinkles, and have a decorating contest. The winner gets to eat an extra cupcake.
Movie Marathon
Remember how much fun it was to watch cartoons on weekend mornings when you were a kid? You can do the same with your kids now at any time of day or night. Pop some popcorn or pour a bowl of cereal. Everyone can stay in their pajamas to enjoy the show.
Picnic in the Park
Plan a picnic to a local park or right in your own backyard. Have everyone help prepare the food and drinks before packing them in a cooler or picnic basket. Take a blanket to spread out on and don’t forget the sunscreen. You can also take a Frisbee or soccer ball for a little exercise.
Trip to the Zoo
Going to the zoo is always a treat. In the summer, many zoos offer discounted weekday admission that makes for a budget-friendly outing with some planning. Don’t forget your smartphone to capture pictures of the kids’ favorite animals that they can put in a scrapbook or memory jar.