by Moe Zilla

Created on: February 03, 2008   Last Updated: April 14, 2008

It's fun and it's easy, if you know the right tricks. And surprisingly, the cheapest ways to entertain a family can also be the best!

1. Watch a movie - at home!
Why pay for tickets for the whole family. If you're going to watch a movie, why not watch it at home? Turn down the lights, gather around the set with dinner, and enjoy a relaxing evening together! (Some families even let the children take turns picking which movie to watch.) The whole family is entertained for the cost of a single movie rental - and you don't even have to find a parking space!

2. Candles!
It's surprisingly fun to make candles with the family. It requires the initial purchase of a kit, but then provides many hours of entertainment. Every year my family would make candles as Christmas gifts, so it was an activity that always seemed especially festive. The hand-made gifts were always appreciated - and they saved us money!

3. Games - with a twist!
Board games can entertain an entire family, if chosen wisely. If the younger children are having trouble, let them form a "team" with mom or dad. And the "team" formula works especially well for games like charades, or even "hide and go seek." Outdoor games can be fun too - including horseshoes and croquet!

4. Photographs and memories
Maybe you've seen all your old photographs - but you're children haven't. I remember our family being fascinated by my parents pictures from their honeymoon and other vacations they'd taken together. And kids get even more excited when they're appearing in the vacation photos too. This is an activity which is basically free - since you already have the pictures. Some families even make a scrapbook together, deciding which memories and souveniers to put on each page.

5. Barbecues and picnics.
The great thing about eating outdoors is it double as a meal - so there's very little cost! At a barbecue the sizzling hamburgers and hot dogs build anticipation, and a picnic visit to the park is always fun. And both activities give everyone a chance to get outdoors.

6. Special stories
A magical childhood memory can be formed if the whole family gathers around while mom, dad, or even one of the grandparents tells stories about their childhood, or even reads one of their favorite short stories. I remember being fascinated by a map of the United States and my grandpa telling stories about the places he'd lived. It requires a little showmanship, and careful selection of material. But it can be something your children will remember for the rest of their lives!

Have fun!

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