Six Creative Ideas for Cheap Family Fun

If you've got kids, then you've got bills. And, as every parent knows, finding ways to keep children entertained can be difficult - and costly. Depending on where you live, a simple night at the movies for a family of four can conservatively run between $25.00 and $40.00, not counting snacks. Add some popcorn and a soft drink for each family member, and the price tag can more than double. Other popular activities, such as parent-child classes, bowling, video games, etc. can also be very pricey. So, are there any ways for well-meaning parents to entertain their brood on a budget? The answer is Yes. Below are my top six creative picks - and some of them may surprise you.

1. Don't Knock the Freebies

What freebies, you say? Nowadays, they're getting pretty hard to miss. Many products, such as Coke and Pepsi, offer point rewards programs for purchasing their product. If your family already buys one of these brands, then the small effort involved in joining the program and entering box codes can yield a good amount of free fun. At www.mycokerewards.com, you can redeem those points for prizes that are actually useful, such as Blockbuster rentals or free movie tickets. I, personally, am hoarding the free AMC Theatre movie passes, which never expire.

Speaking of points, have you checked with your bank? Many banks now offer programs which automatically give you points when using your debit card. While these points don't seem like much - maybe one per dollar - they add up quickly just by making normal, everyday purchases. And you and your spouse can link cards, and earn rewards that much faster. These programs can yield free gift cards of all kinds, free movie tickets, and even free travel. While you may think these rewards accrue to slowly to be useful, a free dinner at your favorite restaurant might change your mind.

2. When It Comes to Lessons, Look Before You Leap

It's good for children to learn a skill, be it an instrument, a sport or just a hobby. But when signing a child up for lessons, many parents are shocked to find that they are simply not affordable.

Take, for instance, the day we first decided to send our son, then 4, to karate lessons. He seemed hyped, and we thought it would be a great way to channel some of that extra energy. We picked the best-known school with the biggest sign, since we had absolutely no idea what we were doing. We took our excited little boy in for his first lesson - only to walk out dazed, with more than $200.00 per month being automatically deducted from our checking accounts. The second time around, I decided to do some comparison shopping. I called the small, locally-owned dojo and discovered their rate was $89.00 per month, including uniforms. Skeptical, I took my son in for a free lesson. The teachers were more warm and competent, the kids were having more fun and the cost fit much more easily into our budget.

This applies to all types of lessons, too. Lessons at a formal school or music store can cost hundreds of dollars a month, and you may find the lessons are rushed and impersonal. Look for a local retired musician or music teacher. And, if your child wants to get involved with sports, check out the YMCA programs offered in your area. If you aren't satisfied, you can always go back. But, if you like what you see, you may get more benefits than cost alone.

3. Mommy And Me Can Be Cheap (or Free)!

These types of classes are the first social parent-child activity that many kids experience. Classes such as those found at Gymboree are great. My son made his first friends in his Gymboree music class. Somehow, I found a way to pay $126.00 per series. Now that my daughter is creeping towards her first birthday, I've discovered a second, unexpected option.

Check with local moms groups and your city or county Parks and Recreation Department (an invaluable resource). I discovered that our local Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes for very young children, either free or at a fraction of the price I was paying. As an added bonus, the children in these classes will be more likely to live in our neighborhood, which makes it easier for moms and babies to make friends. I haven't tried this option yet, but I'm going to - and I think I'll like it.

4. Invest In the Right Memberships, and Reap the Returns

Does your city have a great children's museum, or a beautiful zoo? While it may at first seem counterproductive to shell out $100.00 or more for an annual membership, they are one thing our family never does without. Living in Indianapolis, our zoo and children's museum are amazing. Without the memberships, we would rarely visit due to the cost of individual tickets. But the memberships, which pay for themselves in 3-4 family visits, allow us to go whenever and for however long we want. My children can run around any time we feel like going, and learn while they're at it. The kid's museum is great during the winter, and the zoo is great during the summer. Plus, as an added bonus, the memberships include extra freebies, like no-cost carousel rides and classes.

5. Check Your Local Movie Theatres

In addition to movie tickets gotten as freebies, check with your local movie theatres about special deals and events they might have. Many theatres offer free weekday showings of older movies. For instance, AMC Theatres offers inexpensive tickets before noon on the weekends. As an added bonus, loyalty cards offered by the theatre add up to free refreshments and even free tickets.

6. Get Out & Run Around

As the weather starts to warm up, this one is a no-brainer. It's not just free, it's good for every member of your family. Take a walk in the neighborhood. Or , go to one of the parks offered by your local Park and Recreations Department (like I said, you'd be amazed at what they may offer). Within a 15-mile radius of our house, we can go hiking, run around in a sprinkler playground, visit a nature center complete with animals, wade in a creek, build sandcastles in a massive sandbox and more, all for free. While your area may, or may not, offer these types of opportunities, you owe it to yourself to see what's out there. Remember, these things are funded by taxes, so you're paying for them - whether you use them or not!

Fortunately, these ideas can help even the most budget-minded families get out and have fun. And don't stop with these few ideas, come up with some of your own. Family recreation doesn't have to bankrupt you. It's all about learning and being together, regardless of the price.