Crystal asked us to post some of our frugal ideas for family fun, here are some activities our family enjoys.

• Save your old bread and then feed the ducks. This is probably one of our favorite family activities that we have done since our kids were little.
• Take Nature Walks. There are some trails by our house that we have been walking this summer. The kids have had a great time and have seen many neat animals. Two days ago we saw a red fox. Usually when we come home the little ones draw a picture of something they have seen.
• Go to the park. Another favorite, it also burns energy so the kid are ready for bed!
• Swim at the neighborhood pool. We do a little research to find out when the pool is the least crowded and go during those times.
• Movie Night. Since movies are a huge treat at our house the kids really look forward to this. We pop a big bowl of popcorn and sometimes we even let them have a small glass of soda.
• Do something crazy for dinner night. Sometimes we have something crazy for dinner, like popcorn or ice cream or another treat. The kids really love this.
• Window shopping. The kids love to wander stores like IKEA and Target. We don’t usually buy anything, but they have a fun time looking around.
• Visit free activities in your area. We are blessed to live near D.C. which has some amazing free museums. We pack a picnic lunch and make a day of visiting some of our favorite ones.
• Nerf gun wars. This will probably only work if you have boys, but we set up in the front yard and try to “take the fort.”
• Go out for ice cream. This is the only time my kids get to go to McDonalds, the cones are cheap (around a $1) and sometimes we even let them play in the play place.
• Make your own pizza night. I make the crust and then have the toppings ready to go for the kids. The love being able to make their own dinner, and usually eat every bite!
• Visit Yard Sales. My kids take their own money and love to find a special toy to give to a sibling for their birthday. With gas prices so high, this might not be so frugal anymore, but if you can find a neighborhood sale, you could walk it.
• Bike riding. Years ago we purchased a bike trailer and have used it for 6 children. Our little non riders use the trailer, and the big kids ride along.
• Visit Krispy Kreme. This is a little more expensive depending on the size of your family, but my kids love, love, love to watch the donuts come down the conveyor belt.
• Go fishing. My boys love to fish, and we live a few miles from a great fishing lake. My girls like to fish too, but when the little ones get bored there is a big field to play in as well as a playground.
• Visit your local library. My kids absolutely love the library and to be able to pick out their own books. I reserve my books online so that when I go, I can spend time with the children, letting them wander the library to find their books. Then when they are done I pick up my books at the counter and we can go.

Most of these activities are free or almost free. What fun frugal activities does your family like to do?

Filed under: Frugal living, Fun, Kids, My life, Uncategorized