Family fun on a budget - without leaving town
(ARA) - Spring is just around the corner. If you're like many American families, you're looking for new ways to have fun on a budget. Fortunately, there are more options than ever for the budget-conscious. From creating a movie theater at home to taking a day trip to a local attraction, there are affordable ways to find something fun for everyone.
* Research the Web.
Several big cities have Web sites strictly dedicated to giving people fun and cheap entertainment options. Visit Cities on the Cheap to find city-specific deals in towns like Charlotte, N.C., San Francisco and Miami. You'll get updates on everything from free concerts and films to restaurant specials and coupon offers.
* Do movie night at home.
A family night at the movies can cost well over $50 - and that's without the drinks and candy. Fortunately, satellite TV makes it easy to watch the latest and best movies at home. The On Demand feature delivers hundreds of movies - many of which are available in high definition - right to your living room.
* Plan for the year.
If your family can't go without trips to the local theme park, zoo or other attraction, look into annual or family passes. Even if you only visit the attraction two or three times a year, annual group and family passes can make the visit much more affordable.
* Get outside.
Spring brings warmer weather and a great reason to get outside and be active with your family. Plan a picnic at the park, go for a hike or just take a walk around the neighborhood. This not only encourages a healthy lifestyle, it makes for some great family bonding time, too.
* Host a game night.
Board games are back in a big way. Instead of going out, host a game night at your house. Invite the neighbors over and ask everyone to bring an appetizer. You can include the kids or make it parents-only. Either way, you'll get a night filled with affordable fun.
* Take a local day trip.
Nearly every city has a few great options for inexpensive day trips and outings. Visit a local museum or check out a play or concert at a nearby college. Although typically better suited for just the parents, comedy shows are usually affordable and offer a fun change from the standard night out.
* Turn your living room into a sports den.
Watching sports can be a fun activity for the entire family. If your family's favorite team plays in another city, get a great sports package like Mega March Madness. The satellite television package gives subscribers access to dozens of games each week. And when football season rolls around, you can get a popular sports package like NFL Sunday Ticket, so the entire family can enjoy football Sundays from home.
There's never been a better time to get creative with affordable family fun. From small towns to big cities, there are activities to keep every family member happy. You just might have to do a little extra research to find the best options. No matter what you do, the most important thing is that the entire family is spending time together.
Courtesy of ARAcontent