In tough economic times spending time with your family can be a great comfort, helping you to focuson what's really important in life. However, a quick look at the cost of a day out at a theme park for a family of four is enough to cause any parent's stress levels to rise when even thinking about family days out. There are many ways to enjoy family time without spending money, and many ways to cut back on what you do spend.
Start by looking at things from your child's point of view. Often the things we spend money on are things we, as adults, assume they will love, but, as adults, our opinions are often far more influenced by what advertisers tell us our kids will love, rather than our own in-depth knowledge of our kids. During a recent trip to Florida I couldn't help noticing that my kids laughed more during a family game of mini golf, in the cool of the evening, than they did during a whole (hot, busy, over-stimulating) day at Disney World. I don't know why this surprised me. I know my kids don't like crowds or excessive heat, and I know they get cranky when there's too much going on, but going to Disney World is every kids dream isn't it? At least that's what all the marketing messages say.
There are plenty of cheap, and even free, activities that kids love. You just won't find them marketed anywhere because no huge, faceless over-compensated corporation stands to gain from promoting them. Having tuned in to my kids, and tuned out (as much as one can) the relentless media messages, this is what my family will be up to this summer.
Hiking and biking. You don't have to be professional sports enthusiasts or even that fit to enjoy a gentle hike or a bike ride on those bikes that have been gathering dust in the garage for three years. Getting them out, cleaning them up and pumping up the tires can even be part of the fun (trust me on this one)!
Camping. Kids love to camp. Even if you're not that outdoorsy, you may surprise yourselves. Beg borrow or buy (cheap, at a garage sale) a family tent and head to your nearest state park, wilderness area or even, for the first time out, the back yard.
Plant a garden. Getting your hands dirty working together is a great way to bond and this one has the added benefit that your yard will look better at the end of it. You may even want to plant fruit, vegetable and herbs to help put food on the table in these tough economic times. Plant some multi-functional plants (basil helps keep mosquitoes away and makes a great pesto sauce!)
Museums. They don't have to be dull and dry. Most are pitched towards families with something for kids of every age. Some are free and all cost a lot less than a theme park.
Family games night. Pull out the old board games (or buy some from the thrift store, or even get your kids to invent some new ones and make them themselves) and have some good old-fashioned family fun.
Family movie night. Before you moan about the cost of the movies, and even DVD rentals, check out your local library. Most let you borrow DVDs for free and will even order the ones you want through interlibrary loan. Some library's stock is kind of old but don't let that put you off. Watch an old classic you wouldn't usually consider.
Scrap booking. Scrap booking supplies can be bought at dollar stores and you can get creative with old magazines, cut-up card board containers, yarn and anything else you would usually throw in the recycling bin.
Kite flying. Cheap to buy and hours of fun. If you really can't stretch to buying one you could try and make one. It may not fly but the experience will be fun in itself.
Picnics. Food tastes better outdoors, at your local park, beach or even in the back yard, and its a lot cheaper than eating out.
Community events. Most communities run free or cheap events throughout the year for families, from winter festivals to fall airs to summer barbecues. Ask your local tourism or information office and look/listen out for local newspaper/radio announcements.
Family should be about fun, not about spending a fortune.