With Christmas being right around the corner, the purse strings are feeling the strain. Because it can be hard to keep the kids entertained and not spend a fortune when we are all so busy this time of year, I wrote a list of our favourite family time activities that wont break the bank. Spending time with family this Christmas (or any time) doesn't have to be expensive at all. In fact, it doesn't even have to cost a thing!
As you read this list of fun and free activities, I hope you find a couple of things to do with your family this summer that will save you money and your sanity this silly season.
What to do for free this summer.
1.) Visit the local Library.
The local libraries offer loads of free activities for all ages. We spend a lot of time there during the holidays and always leave with a swag of borrowed books and toys to use at home too.
2.) Spend the day at the park.
I pack some sunscreen, a few snacks, drinks and grab a few outdoor toys for the kids before we hit the road. In our family my children have their own favourite park so, we make sure to go to each one throughout the holidays.
3.) Play at home.
· Build forts together with blankets, chairs and other furniture.
· Bake with the kiddos. We bake cupcakes, cookies and make pancakes together.
· We send time outside and play hopscotch, handball and draw with chalk on the driveway.
· We usually have a water fight on a hot day if we cantgo to the pool.
4.) Play games together.
· Board games
· PlayStation or Xbox
· Cards
· Outdoor sport like basketball, touch rugby and handball.
· Hide and seek.
· Nerf gun battles (have everyone wear sunglasses for safety).
5.) Have a family movie night and a slumber party in the living room together.
6.) Go for a swim at the free council pool or beach.
Every summer we spend the day swimming at our local beach. The council has a free public pool that is right on the beach. It is awesome because we get the best of both world's when we visit our local beach.
7.) Visit the museum in your area.
The museum is a great place to visit. They have interactive displays that make their exhibits fun and child friendly. There are some exhibitions that do cost a little money to see, but they have a lot of exhibitions that are completely free too.
8.) Read books together.
Reading to our children is one of my favourite past times. Because it gives me a chance to simply stop and live in the moment with my children. Sadly, I know my children are growing up fast and they won't be this little (or interested) for long. I also like this activity because I know that I am helping my child strengthen their own reading skills when I involve them in the activity.
9.) Find free family events in your area.
In Austrailia, the local council have local events through out the holidays that cater to families and in most cases these events are free. Our council run free movies in the park, family activity days, free activities at the library and all sorts of events that my children enjoy.
You can check out what events are happening in your area by having a look at your local Community or Neighbourhood centre (and library) or in local Facebook group pages and on your regional council's website.
10.) Have a look at shopping centres in your area.
Many shopping centres have activities to entertain the kids during school holidays as well as Christmas. You can find out what is happening at your local shopping centre by having a look for upcoming events on their websites or Facebook pages.
Other ideas that do cost money
Go to the movies
Go to the movies with the kids and watch one of these Family films screening these holidays.
· Paddington 2
· Coco
· Ferdinand
Hoyts Cinema Prices
Family of 3 (max 2 adults) $44.50
Family of 4 (max 2 adults) $55.50
Adult $15.50
Child
Student
Concession
Senior $13.40
Prams at the Pix $11.00
Event Cinema Prices
Adult $19.50
Child $14.50
Pensioner $16.50
Senior $14.00
Student $16.50
If you and your family are regulars in the cinemas then you can save money when you become a Cinebuzz member. There are special deals only available to member like this one, where Cinebuzz members can access special $10 tickets for family movies these school holidays.
Inflatable World
We enjoy hanging out here for the day when we have the money. I like that there is something for everyone at Inflatable World, even the parents can jump in and have a play with the kids if they want to have a go. I always do so I can keep an eye on them and have a play too. I also like that you can bring your own food, which saves us a lot of money too. Inflatable World have two separate sides for the children. One side is for the big kids (the teens and tweens) and one side for the toddlers, making it safer for the little ones.
Inflatable World Prices
Spectators Free
4 and under $8
4 and under with 1 parent $15
5 and over $15
Adults $15
Merry Christmas everyone, Hope these ideas help you save money and fill up your summer holiday with fun things to do with your family too. If you have any ideas thatI missed in my list please let me know in the comments below.
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