Keeping in your budget can be one of the hardest parts about raising kids. You want to give them the world but sometimes there’s other bills and expenses getting in the way. There’s still plenty of ways to while away the weekend hours without breaking the bank.
Try a new kind of game
Everybody knows the classics kids games like hide and go seek, but for a budget friendly day with a twist why not try some laser tag. Take it from Nicole Lander, from Laser Tag in a Box:
“Renting laser tag equipment is a fun and cost-effective way to create some happy memories with family and friends. Modern Laser Tag gear lets you play either day or night, indoors or outdoors. You can play in your backyard or the local park. Get active and have fun with laser tag games that both the young and the young-at-heart can enjoy.”
For more info find them on Facebook or Twitter.
Free activities for a rainy day
When bad weather is keeping you inside there’s still something to keep the kids entertained, and best of all it’s free! Rebecca Gower of Nanny Printables has this to say, “As a Nanny, I always try to keep my activities cheap or free! Downloading printable childcare resources are a great wet day activity.” Check out her site for some downloadable activities. Or find out more on Facebook.
Take a long walk
If the weather is on your side, there’s nothing better or more cost effective than a great day in the great outdoors. Barbara Bryan from Let’s Go Mum offers this advice;
“Why not take the family for a bushwalk? Almost every major city and town in Australia is within half an hour of a great walk – there are even reserves within some cities. Bushwalks only expense is usually an entrance fee into a National Park (many walks have no entrance charge at all). Take along your lunch (there’s your picnic!) and you have a cheap and healthy family-friendly activity which makes for a great fun outing - and valuable family bonding experience!”
Follow Let’s Go Mum on Facebook and Instagram.
Build up those green thumbs
The garden is a great place to have fun as a family while teaching your kids something new. Emily Ayers suggests making the most out of your backyard:
“Gardening is a wonderful activity you can do with the whole family. Give your garden a makeover, while teaching your kids the important aspects of gardening. You can take the family to your local nursery and find plants that grow well in winter. If you’re up for a challenge, you can set up a seating and bonfire arrangement to spend time with your loved ones by the fire. Grab some pillows and marshmallows and you have the perfect family evening.” For more tips check Facebook and Twitter.
Bring the fun to your home
Going out every weekend can easily add up in the long run. A few weekends spent at home is a good way to stop costs from getting out of hand. If you invest in a few fun items to get the kids playing outdoors like sports equipment, cubby houses or trampolines there’s more than one weekend of entertainment to be had. Lacking in the outdoor space? Give them a chance to play pretend and stretch their imagination with a dollhouse or indoor tent.
It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to have fun with your kids. Sometimes the best activities are the ones that bring you all together as a family.
