There are times in the life of every family when budgeting and finances become a concern. While things like housing, heating, and eating have to come before fun in the check-book, being on a budget doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying a family outing. Whether you have no budget at all or you’re looking to make your money stretch, planning a frugal family day out isn’t as hard as it sounds. If you want to plan a budget-friendly family day that still gives you and your kids plenty of bang for your buck, start by taking these measures.
Set Your Budget
The first and most important factor is what your budget really is. What’s the bottom line, in short? By being honest with yourself about your budget for this outing you can ensure an enjoyable day out. Once you know what your budget is, stick to it – if you are stressed about money the day will not be enjoyable. There are a range of activities to suit any budget.
This may sound strange, after all if you have no budget it might seem that there is nothing you can do these days. This is not true. One of the most beautiful things about children is that they can have fun almost anywhere. If you have absolutely no budget, for example, a day in a nearby park or hiking trail can be great. In fact, children benefit greatly from being in nature.
Consider Viable Options
Once you know what your budget is, do some research to find attractions in your area. Even if you have a modest budget for the day, for example, consider taking advantage of local museums or attractions that allow free or donation based entry to really pack in fun for less. Involve your children in the process once you have a list of viable options.
Once you have made a decision, you could visit local landmarks on your way to your chosen activity and discuss them with your child. You could even make a scavenger hunt to help them learn the layout of your hometown.
Seek Offers and Discounts
Many family-oriented businesses, experiences, and establishments are aware that their consumer base is budget conscious. As such, you can often find Chuck-E-Cheese coupons, discount vouchers for events and attractions, and other money-saving options online. Searching for these offers as you plan a day out could keep you under budget or allow you to get more for your budget.
Remember that some of these coupons and offers may be stackable and that you may be eligible for certain discounts if you or your partner are current or previous military personnel or first responders. Furthermore, children under a certain age may receive free or discounted prices in certain places.
Make Your Own
Sometimes the mental stress of budgeting and budget management can become too much, even for a super mom! There are times when the best family day is the one that is made by the family as a whole. If you want a fun but affordable day out sometimes the best thing you can do is pack a lunch and go to a local beauty spot or undertake a craft project with materials from around your home.
Consider making a papier-mâché piñata, painting eggs, or making a blanket fort to watch your family’s favorite movies in.