Post by Suburban Dollar
In the current economy, families everywhere are feeling the pinch, tightening their belts and working to spend less than they earn. Unfortunately, when people are trying to cut expenses, one of the first things to go is entertainment.
As a father of two, it pains me to see people who are eliminating all the fun from their lives. Movies cost more to see in a theater now than they do to own on DVD. Instead of cutting out the fun, people should look for things they can do for free or at a drastically lower cost than the alternatives. Here are a few off the top of my head:
College Sports - Some college sports are cost prohibitive, but we aren’t talking about major sports like football and basketball. The smaller sports at the local university are generally free. My 3-year-old loves to watch tennis – we go and watch most of the home tennis matches at our local school and it doesn’t cost us a thing. Other sports like volleyball, rowing, rugby – even baseball at some schools – are free.
High School Sports – Sporting events at your local high schools are just as fun as a college game, but the crowds are a lot smaller and nobody’s drunk. You‘ll probably have to shell out a couple of dollars, but that’s considerably less than you’d pay for a professional or college event. One local school has a large playground next to the football field, which is great for the kids while the adults watch the game.
National Parks - The United States has a phenomenal national parks system. The best part? They’re not going to cost you much to visit. I’m fortunate enough to live relatively close to the most visited National Park in the country. There are opportunities for fun everywhere you turn, from hiking and swimming to sightseeing and beyond.
Local Parks – Nothing beats a short drive to the local park on a sunny day. You aren’t going to lose any cash, and if you pack a lunch you can make a day of it. Our local parks offer things like playgrounds, Frisbee golf, tennis and basketball courts, walking trails and swimming areas. Don’t overlook these close-to-home gems that can offer hours of fun for the whole family.
Volunteer – Get out in your community and volunteer. You’ll be providing your community with a great service and teaching your family about the importance of giving back. Helping to build a Habitat for Humanity house can teach you great life skills and you’ll have a great time knowing you’re helping someone less fortunate.
Gardening - Start a garden with your family. You can help teach your kids about caring for plants and how food is grown. Gardens are fun to care for and a great way to cut down on grocery expenses. My son and I planted our first garden this year – we spent quality time together for just a little bit of money.
I hope these idea starters are helpful and will set you on the track of finding things you can do as a family for less. These activities will help you save money and provide experiences you can cherish for a lifetime.
Suburban Dollar is a personal finance blog where finance and reality meet.