US Financial Management, Inc.

1) Take it Outside: Find local hiking trails, go for a bike ride, or make a picnic lunch; take your children to the playground; play tennis, basketball, baseball, or go swimming (many public pools charge a small fee). In the winter you can go ice skating, sledding, build a snowman or have a snowball fight.

 2) Be Creative: It’s amazing how some paint and some paper can lead to a full day of fun. Using molding dough, glitter, sketch pads, or any other tools will allow your family to draw, craft, or build a number of projects. Create a Lego village, hold a household art exhibition, or draw a mural with wash away paint
or markers.

3) Make it a Learning Experience: Every city has a rich and abundant history, so take advantage of where you live by visiting historical landmarks, natural wonders, and museums (they often have free days). Explore your city or town, or find natural or archaeological sites and parks.

4) Think Bargain: Always be on the lookout for coupons, bargains, and free activities. You can go online or look in the newspaper to find free events for the weekend or 2-for-1 coupons. Also, you can buy coupon books that have many discounts and specials; you will soon make the cost back that you spent on the book several times over.

5) Make it Family-centric: Whether it’s cleaning, fixing up the house, or playing in the backyard, get the whole family involved and make it fun. If you are simply watching a rented movie on a Friday night, gather everyone in the family room, dim the lights, and make some popcorn. When it’s over, have an avid discussion about what everyone liked or didn’t like. Have a game night with the family, and play board games or cards; Make it a contest, with a small prize for the winner. Provide snacks such as a veggie tray or chips.