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Most families don’t take the time to calculate how much they spend on entertainment each year. However, concerts, movies and other events tend to become expensive, and they can put a strain on any budget. Fortunately, there are free and low cost alternatives out there that allow families to spend quality time without spending a ton of cash.
Movies may offer great entertainment, but they are hardly good value for a family’s hard earned dollars. Wait for films to come out on DVDs in most instances. Renting a DVD is far cheaper than theater tickets, and homemade snacks always taste better than theater food. For those movies that simply have to be seen in the theater, consider smuggling in candy and drinks in a purse. Also, wait a few weeks after the movie’s release and then look for theaters that show second run films. Admission prices can be slashed in half this way. Keep in mind that matinees are always cheaper and that some movie theaters even offer extra discounts for kids, particularly during the summer months.
Taking the whole family to concerts or other live performances is always fun, but it’s usually also expensive. Seek out high school and college play productions and musical performances. While some of the performers may not be as polished as professionals, these are often surprisingly fun shows that foster community involvement. On top of that, families can gain admission to these shows by spending just a few bucks. When a professional concert is necessary, visit Stubhub to look for a discount. Reduced prices on Sensation tickets make taking the whole family to a concert a reality instead of a dream.
Both big cities and small towns typically sponsor a broad range of community events. These could be founder’s day celebrations, music festivals, agricultural fairs, craft shows and more. Families can sign up for a community newsletter that contains festival and event information so that they are always aware of fun, and often free, events for the whole family. To save money on buying food at these events, pack along a picnic lunch or eat before leaving home. These alternatives probably also offer better nutrition than food picked up at festival booths.
Schedule a game night with friends that is fun for every family member. Invite a few other families over to share in the festivities. Consider having a potluck meal, and ask each family to bring a favorite board game. With a minimum outlay of cash, it’s possible to have an entertaining night without even leaving home. Families that don’t have board games can scour yard sales and second hand stores to find inexpensive alternatives to brand new games.
Museums are fun and educational entertainment. Most of them offer at least one day or afternoon a month when admission is free. Contact individual museums to see if they offer such a program and plan to show up early on that day. These are usually popular events.
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Using the information from your monthly bills and bank statements, make a list of all of your monthly fixed expenses. Fixed expenses include your utility costs, rent or mortgage payment and food costs.