Lower Your Entertainment Expenses

The cost of entertaining a family can be a large expense, especially in the summer but with some research and planning it doesn't have to break your bank. Going to the movies can cost a family of 4 with concession purchases upwards to $70. Going to an amusement park is considerably higher, given that most you cannot bring your own food or drinks. These are entertainment expenses that should be sparred as much as possible to lighten the weight of your expenses. We have some practical tips to help you find ways to save:

First, every family should invest in some good old board games...yes! I want you to buy games that aren't electronic. Set aside at least 1 night each week to play a different board game. With good planning you can get 2 board games for the price of 1 at various times throughout the year. This will help establish a variety of games.

Second, during the summer months have at least 1 picnic or barebecue each week. It cuts some of the household chores and gets the family in touch with nature. Bring out the Frisbee, croquet set, badminton rackets.


Third, forget sitting in front of the television. Check your local area for outdoor movie showings and walk with the family. Enjoy the outdoor air and the exercise is good for all of you. Many locales have weekly, biweekly or monthly showings. While most offered are free, there are some outdoor movie venues that are really cheap too. Other municipalities offer free concerts to locals, which is a great way to experience bands and singers you've never heard before or hear some that you already enjoy.

To cool down in the heat and have a lot of fun too, bring out the sprinkler and sprinkler accessories. Go wild, let go and have a ball! Play ball too! Tim Hortons offers free swimming during the summer in select Ontario, Canada swimming pools. Click here for more info.

Another excellent indoor activity is going to the museum(s) in your area on the free admission days. Not every museum offers free entry to residents, but more and more are opening their doors for a couple of hours each week.

Local library branches always have different entertainment happenings, such as: reading clubs, movies, puppet shows, crafting and more. Library cards used to be free, but more libraries are receiving less and less funding and have used the paid library card as a means to keep the library functioning. So for the small expense for the library cards, there lots of ways to entertain a family. From reading books, listening to audio books or music, borrowing movies, and some libraries even have toys and other tactile games for lending.

Bring the family on a volunteer event, they can learn many valuable lessons including altruism. There are so many agencies looking for volunteers and you can often find listings in your local newspaper. Plus, I read that people who volunteer their time are happier individuals and live a longer life.

Take a bike ride at least twice a week. It'll help keep your heart strong, bones healthy and keep your family in shape. If you don't have bicycles, there's no need to rush out and pay hundreds of dollars. Many great bicycles can be found at garage and yard sales. Remember to be frugal. Save your pennies and you maybe you could take a winter holiday....but we'll talk about winter later...it's too nice for snow right now!

You can always visit the Freebies Deals And Rewards Forum to find more free events offered in Canada. Please comment and tell us how you entertain your family on a budget.