Some Cheap Fun Options For a Saturday AfternoonMy kids love to play outside. It's definitely cheap fun, but occasionally they get bored playing in our yard, so in order to make life a little more interesting, and to get us all out even when there is really nowhere we have to go, we take small excursions to some local
parks
and playgrounds.
Sometimes we bring donuts and juice packs and have a “quicknic”. It’s fun, and it’s cheap. Another small excursion that can be very cheap is a trip to the local outdoor flea or farmers market. There is always plenty to see as you browse around, and depending on where you live, your local farmers market could offer things like a rodeo or petting zoo. You might even find local artisans selling their wares or even creating them on the spot.
The food venues at farmers markets offer things like homemade pastries and local favorites at very reasonable prices. Our city has a thriving Amish community nearby and the Amish food booths at the local farmers market offer delicious homemade pretzels, handmade chocolates and fresh-butchered meats that you just can’t find anywhere else. You can actually watch while the Amish ladies prepare these fine treats. My children love the bustling atmosphere of an outdoor farmers market and buying a homemade pie for dessert that evening is a great, inexpensive treat for the family.
Another thing that we’ve done on lazy weekends is browse yard sales. We aren’t “yard salers”, but it is fun to pull over every now and then if you see something that catches your eye. And yes, I have found some “treasures” in other people’s junk. We’ve found things like books, music, and toys. I mean really, who can resist a good book that only costs a quarter? It's definitely cheap fun to find these goodies while rummaging through yard sale goods.
Family events like reunions, church fairs, and company picnics are great cheap ways to get out and socialize with other families, especially if you don’t have to travel far to get to the event.
If your employer throws an annual family event there will likely be lots of fun things for the kids to do. I’ve worked with lots of people who’ve balked at the idea of spending a Saturday afternoon at the office picnic, but these events are usually some of the best cheap fun you can have, because they can be packed with free activities for the kids that you otherwise might not be able to afford. It can be anything from a free barbeque to a full-blown carnival with rides, clowns, balloons and prizes. Some of these events even take place at entertainment venues like zoos or amusement parks. Ask ahead of time, but it’s likely that since your employer is hosting the event there will be very low, or no cost for you and your family. Many elementary and middle schools have fairs and carnivals during the spring and fall months. These events are usually extremely cheap and open to the public. I’ve taken my children to fairs at other schools in our area, in addition to the ones that happen at their own schools. There are games, face painting, door prizes and cakewalks. Some will even have fundraisers, book fairs, and silent auctions for the adults, with the proceeds usually benefiting the school in some way.
My family has spent many Saturday’s doing all these things that I’ve mentioned here. If you like to take your kids to go see, and do things, but your money is tight, try some of the cheap fun activities suggested here. If you have any cheap fun stories, ideas or tips you’d like to share please contact me here. Return to "Local Fun" from "Cheap Fun" |
