By Rebecca Levey
Having fun-filled family outings doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money. There are plenty of free events and activities that your kids will love and that your family can enjoy together. Check out these ideas for outings that won’t break your family budget.
There’s an app for that!
Nationwide event listings apps like Mommy Nearest and Mommy Poppins make is easy to find free or low-cost events in your area. Check the apps before planning a day, or use them on the fly right from your phone to easily access locations, times and great ideas.
Story Time at local libraries and bookstores.
Make sure to get on the mailing list for local bookstores and your local library to find out about story time events. These can fill up quickly, especially on rainy days, so be sure to arrive early to get a prime seat.
Picnic in a nearby park.
Make picnicking simple by purchasing a lightweight cooler on wheels and keeping a blanket in the car along with basic toys and bubbles. Throw in some sandwiches, snacks and drinks, and head to a local park for a picnic and playtime.
Workshops at local craft and hardware stores.
Major national chains regularly have free or very low cost workshops for kids that include cake decorating, crafting, simple home projects and more. You can stop in for monthly schedules or check out your local store online.
Organize a neighborhood book swap.
Kids outgrow books just as quickly as they outgrow shoes. Gather some neighbors together and set up folding tables on a lawn. Have the kids organize the books by age and author and let the swapping begin!
Strike up the band.
In the warmer months many towns have outdoor concerts and musical festivals that are free or very low cost. Let your toddler dance to the beat of her own drummer while enjoying the outdoor tunes.
Visit a firehouse.
Have a kid that’s curious about firefighters and trucks? Local firehouses often welcome kids, showing them around the station, teaching some fire safety tips and letting them climb in the truck.
Volunteer at a local garden.
Have a community garden in your neighborhood or a nearby town? Get your kids digging in the dirt while helping to beautify the area. Public gardens always need volunteers to help plant, weed and care for the flowers and vegetation.
No matter what your family’s interests are, there are free outings and events that fit the bill. Doing some research and advance prep will allow you to create wonderful memories and experiences that keep your budget in line and your family active together.
Image: Getty
