Low Cost Family Entertainment Ideas

Doing things together as a family does not have to cost a lot of money to be fun and enjoyable.  Below are a few of the things my family does to have some fun while not breaking the bank.

1) There’s not much better than the classic entertainment of playing board games as a family. Our family favorites are Apples to Apples, Scrabble and Uno.

* Click here to get printable coupons from Hasbro ($10 off Monopoly Electonic banking edition or the Scrabble diamond edition, $5.oo off Pitureka)

2) One of our favorites is to pop some popcorn and sit down as a family for a movie night.

* Check out movies at your local library for free or get movies from Redbox ($1.00 a night for a movie). Here is a code you can use at checkout for a free one night rental at Redbox (one time use only) – DVDONME

* For the popcorn buy kernels and pop it yourself instead of the microwave variety. All you need is a common stock pot with a lid, some oil and salt to taste. Also try flavored popcorn salt like Kernel Season’s for an extra zip. Click here for a review and giveaway at Nicole’s Nickels on Kernel Season’s.

3)  Along the same lines but today’s version….have Guitar Hero tournaments or bowling competitions on the Wii.

*If you don’t have one I think the Wii is the best system out there for families and one of the cheaper ones. Many games you can play as a family and you can’t just sit on the couch, you have to get up and be involved in the game causing great family interaction.

4) Make Homemade Playdough with the kids. What’s really cool is this recipe below is non-toxic and edible, but not recommended to  be consumed in larger quantities.

3 cups flour
1.5 cups salt
6 tsp cream of tarter
3 tbsp oil
3 cups water
various colors of food coloring

1. Dissolve salt in the water.
2. Pour all ingredients into a large pot.     3. Stir constantly over medium heat until a ball forms by pulling away from the sides.    4. Knead the dough mixture until the texture matches playdough (1-2 minutes). While kneading add food coloring. Store in plastic container.  Should last for at least 3 months.

5) Have kids go on “nature walk” and take photos of things they find along the way.

This has actually been a blast for our family. We use our old digital camera and let the kids snap away. For the “nature walk” you can do this in your back yard, at the playground or park, or anywhere safe for the children to wander a little while you supervise close by. The pictures you will get will be amazing and precious!

These are a few of my families favorites, what are yours? Would love for everyone to share their thoughts and ideas!