The Most Unexpected Money-Saving Family Day Trips

There are so many places to take your family that do not require a drive-thru restaurant window, movie tickets, or paid parking. Hang on to your wallet, while we explore some events where you can take your family for the day, without spending lots of money, and still have fun!

City-Wide Events

Check your local city and county website or newspapers for advertised community-sponsored festivities. Plan to go with your family and get some fun cultural experiences, as you enjoy time spent together.

If you eat before you attend any of these great community events you won't need to spend any money on the high-priced concession stands. Our family would pop our own popcorn before heading out to these events, kept in a baggy in my purse for snacks, plus everyone brought their own water bottles (or baby bottle).

Gala Festivities

Arts and crafts shows and events - there are rarely admission fees for these showings, which will allow your family to try their hand at a potter's wheel, watercolor painting, loom weaving, or other exciting make-and-take projects.

Music fairs and festivals - are usually offered as outdoor concerts, without admission, and provide different genres for all musical tastes, including children's musical gatherings and productions.

Parades - most cities and towns have holiday parades for your family to enjoy and do not charge admission to stand on the street curb to watch; just take your own balloons to tie around children's wrists, maintain a strict buddy-system, and bring that old stroller to corral your youngest.

Farmer's markets - whether a roadside travel stand, or a regularly scheduled event, your family will have time to shop together in a street-fair atmosphere, offering an abundance of low-priced produce, fresh-baked goods, nuts, seeds and fresh floral items.

Circus, petting zoos and livestock shows - if city-sponsored these events can be free to attend, and provide lots of fun for the entire family, but may require bringing a carrot or two for animal feedings.

Family Drive & Local Picnic

Sometimes just taking a Sunday after-church drive with your family is the best way to reconnect, before the busy week ahead. I always recommend the beach, mountains, lake, or desert parks for family picnics, to enjoy your geographic area together.