It is easy to get into the mindset that in order to provide your children with the best quality of life and the highest level of education that you must break the bank. While that may be true, there are a number of cheaper alternatives to the everyday activities your family is used to doing together. These activities are not only great for family time, but they also promote intellectual and communicative development. Here are some examples of fun things you can do together at home without breaking the bank:
1. Play online games
Instead of sitting at home bored and wishing you were out there at a concert with a graceful band, you can play Rock Music: Virtual Guitar Band Playing Game with Three Songs. This game allows the player to enjoy awesome music while playing at the same time. The game is free, and therefore you can get the most out of it and entertain yourself without leaving your house and paying for concert events tickets to get in.
2. Rent movies
You do not have to go to the theatres to enjoy a good movie. You can alternatively rent movies and watch them at home. Make yourself a large bowl of popcorn, turn off the lights, keep your phone away, and get in a comfortable position on your couch for a movie night that might even beat going out for expensive options. You can always invite a friend over if you don’t like solo company.
3. Hosting potluck dinner parties
Hosting dinner parties is a great way of bringing friends together and catching up with your loved ones. This time though, make it potluck by making the main meal and having everyone attending come with wine, appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. This will save you a lot of money while allowing you to get together.
4. Making homemade food
If you often eat out because you are not confident of your cooking, you can always search for awesome recipes online. Cooking is a fun way to pass time and if you can substitute homemade food with expensive restaurant food then that is a plus. You can also sign up for online cooking classes to further polish your cooking skills and soon you will be the most satisfied chef at home.
5. Hosting pool parties
Going out for pool parties thrown by famous agencies can be quite unfriendly to our pockets. Instead of burning through your savings to have the pool party experience, you could try hosting one yourself. It will bring your friends together for a fun moment at home.
6. Put Together a Puzzle
Nothing beats spending time with friends or loved ones puzzling together. The game is both mentally and physically stimulating, soothing the mind as well as the soul. You can buy glossy puzzles in stores or make a digital photo collage that your family can solve. Keep it fun by coming up for unique themes and interesting shapes.
7. Learn a New Skill Together
One of the best forms of entertainment is to learn something new together. There are so many interesting things to try, from salsa dancing to fly fishing.
For example, you could try taking salsa lessons or cooking classes together. This way, you can bond over something creative, and even if something goes wrong, you will still have a great time together.
8.Start a Garden Together
Gardening together can provide you with a healthy activity that is beneficial to the environment. It also gives you something to take care of together, to bond over and even to do in the spring and summer months when you might otherwise be tempted to go outside and not in the winter months.
9.Picnic at a Local Park
Picnics are a great alternative to the typical dinner and movie date. Grab your favorite picnic foods and some wine or beer and head to your local park for a romantic evening under the stars. You can pack a blanket, some chairs, and a few board games to keep the night interesting.
9.Go bowling
If you live near a bowling alley, here you can have a lot of fun without spending much money. Bowling is a family sport that can be played by people of all ages. It is also an excellent way to spend time together as you get to bond and connect over a simple game.
In the United States alone, there are over 12,000 bowling centers. With so many choices available, you’re guaranteed to find one that is near your home and has affordable prices.
In this sport, it is not only the players who get to have fun but also the spectators who are watching. You can invite your friends or family members for a game and enjoy their company on the side-lines while the players do their best in getting the pins down.
10.Visit an Art Gallery
How often does your family get together to look at artwork and check out the up and coming artists? There are always events going on at local art galleries where you can get in free or at a reduced cost.
Entertainment does not have to be as expensive as it is perceived. One can still have fun at the comfort of their home at an affordable price compared to other forms of entertainment such as going to events.