- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- article archive
- expert q & a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Economical Family Fun
Inexpensive Ideas for Home and Travel
By Megan L. Fowler
With the average cost of amusement parks tickets teetering around $50 a person and an overwhelming amount of video and computer games on the market, it's easy to spend large amounts of money trying to entertain your kids. In fact, it isn't uncommon for working parents to go overboard with purchases to keep their kids happy.
It's no secret that time is a precious commodity that seems to lessen with each passing day, and it's tempting to park an energetic child in front of the latest PlayStation game while tending to a teething toddler.
The reality of such situations, however, is that quality family time is still very important. Kids need parent interaction. So to help you better plan your weekends and pending family vacations, here are some family-centered, affordable activities you and your family can enjoy together.
When it comes to weekend activities, Deborah Knuckey, author of Conscious Spending for Couples (Wiley, 2002), suggests checking out the Friday section of your local paper. "You would be amazed at the number of free activities in town," she says. There are museums and local cultural groups, and even the parks associations post a calendar of family events anyone can attend. "You can even buy tickets to your local semi-pro sports teams, which are often much cheaper, and sometimes free for children, rather than going to bigger sporting events," she says.
If you live in a small town, there are generally more outdoor activities your family can do. "In cold or bad weather, kids can get cabin fever, so check out your library for events and classes," Knuckey says. "Bookstores often have reading and storytelling events that can be fun." Also, look into local performing arts and theater – performing or building sets can be a fun and unusual way to spend time together.