Everyone wants and needs to have some fun, relax and just get away from it all for awhile. In tight times, resourcefulness is important in every area of our lives, including entertainment and recreation. Just as in all other areas of the household budget, you have to change your thinking a bit to figure out some resourceful ways to beat the high cost of traditional modern family entertainment.
So when you want to take the family out for a fun time and keep within your budget, here are some ideas for fun family entertainment that you may want to consider.
Even though movies are available to rent or buy so that they can be enjoyed at home, many people find that the excitement of a movie is just not the same unless they are sitting in front of the big screen at the movie theater. If this resonates with you, how about attending a matinee or a second run theater film where the prices are cheaper. You will also usually find that the snack bar prices are much more reasonably priced in the second run theaters than they are in the first run movie theaters.
If you and your family enjoy sporting events, instead of buying tickets for the major leagues, change your thinking, and start taking in the local sports games? High school games can be really exciting for everyone in the family. In addition to being resourceful and saving a ton of money, you will also benefit from the social aspects of getting to know other people in your community, and you'll just feel good as you support the local kids. If you have any minor leagues or colleges in your area, you're sure to find a lot of excitement and fun family entertainment at those events as well.
Everyone enjoys pizza, so take the gang out for a big piping hot pizza. Enjoy the delicious pizza, great conversation, the laughter, and the music, and if your budget allows it, take in some arcade games afterward.
If you are lucky enough to still have a bowling alley in your town, be sure to consider a night of bowling occasionally. It is truly unfortunate that many communities have torn down their bowling alleys, often being replaced by workout gyms. If only the bowling alleys remained one could work out as well as enjoy good fun family entertainment. Besides the exercise that you get from bowling, you get a chance to socialize with the people in the lane next to you.
Swimming together is an old family fun tradition that does not cost very much. In days past, people used to go down to the old swimming hole. That's a little different in most communities today, but there are often pools running all year long. Be sure to practice safety and teach everyone in your family how to swim. That is really important to do anyway, so a family swim time is a great time to practice those skills. Take care to follow all the safety rules posted wherever you swim, and do not swim unless there is a lifeguard present and on duty. Again, the exercise is a tremendous side benefit as well as being resourceful.
How about good old walking? There are walking clubs you can join if you want to be with a group, which is not a bad idea these days for safety sake. These clubs have regularly scheduled walks, and you and your kids can even earn rewards for participating in this activity. The cost savings plus the social benefits, the exercise, and spending time outdoors enjoying nature and the scenery is the height of resourcefulness.
If your family is more adventurous find out about hiking trails in your area. Go on a day biking trip. Discover local places to go camping.
There are still many communities and malls who put on free concerts, so pack up the kids and enjoy some great robust music with the local talent. Sometimes these local concert venues are able to attract more well known entertainers as well. There may be an admission price for the entertainers of renown, but it is certain to cost a lot less than a major concert at a coliseum or an arena would. You may be able to bring your own snack foods as well. Be sure to inquire beforehand if you need to bring your own seating because if you found you had to remain standing, it may dampen your enjoyment of the event.
Almost every community and school has local fairs, festivals, and plays so get to know what is going on in your community, and go out and have some fun as you are being resourceful and support your local community as well.
Also, many libraries have special events and presentations that you can participate in so check out what's going on at your local library.
Let your imagination be your inspiration and your guide for fun family entertainment. Resourcefulness does not have to mean that you must deprive you and your family of entertainment and fun. It just means that you must become more creative and change your thinking so that you and your family explore new alternatives for fun family activities.