Ideas for Free Family Activities

These days, a family on a tight budget can't afford to go to a movie theater - unless they go during early showings and forego the popcorn and other classic movie time snacks that are way overpriced. Unfortunately, a family that has to watch how much they spend on activities sometimes can't even afford to visit major museums, carnivals, or even the zoo. Most commercial activities these days are quite expensive, but family activities don't have to cost a fortune to be fun. My family doesn't have money to throw away on expensive activities, but we find things to do that are free or almost free. Some of the best times we've had didn't cost a dime, and it isn't necessary to spend money to have a good time!

State or County Parks

County parks and state parks are excellent places to find free activities for families. State and county parks offer everything from ice skating to fishing, and they often host special activities such as nature explorations, day camps, and much, much more. Call or visit your favorite local parks to find out what they have to offer, and mark your calendar for free family events and activities that will keep you and your family busy all year long.

Local Museums

Those on vacation look for museums and other local activities, but many times we don't bother to visit the museums and historical attractions in our own areas. Think of the local museums and galleries in your area, and if you haven't visited those places of interest with your family, give them a try. Even if you have visited local historical places, go back for another look. Many museums and galleries add new items on a regular basis, and you might even find something of interest that you missed the first time around.

Watch Your Newspaper for Special Events

My sister is the queen of free activities, and she finds all sorts of fun free family activities. She watches local bulletin boards, newspaper ads, and other forms of advertisement for free activities of all types, and she cuts out the ads and jots down notes to post as reminders. For the price of gas, my sister and her family are always finding things to do, and some of the best activities truly are free of charge.