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I was absolutely flattered when my oldest son said he wanted to spend more quality time with me, but as we started brainstorming some cool things to do, I became concerned about the cost. Vacations and inflation have taken a chunk of our budget, and I was worried I would let him down.
As I took a closer look, I realized there were still plenty of things to do together that wouldn’t break the bank. Here are the ideas I came up with, which include both free options and ideas for discounted outings you can find in your area.
Show them culture at a discount
It’s not just Disneyland’s prices that are going up. Museums, science centers, and other cultural meccas have to charge more for admission as the years crawl on. However, there are ways to get in at a reduced price. Many institutions offer family days or a “pay-what-you-can” day several times yearly. Some city libraries have a “culture pass” to check out for free admission to an art or culture institution. Your child’s school may offer something similar. Do some Googling, and you’ll likely never pay full price to see a priceless work of art with your kid.
Go on a hike
Since my family lives in the Southwest, we often drive by mountains my son wants to conquer. Rather than keep talking about it, my wife and oldest son crafted a plan for a weekly hike to work their way up to the tallest mountain in our area. I loved seeing the sense of accomplishment on their faces when they completed their final hike.
Of course, not everyone lives in a mountainous metropolis. Check for scenic hikes or trails nearby that you and your kids can explore.
Let them bounce their energy out
Trampoline parks are a great way to have fun and burn off some energy, but the tickets can add up, especially if you’re bringing along multiple kids. Participating Sky Zone locations offer several promotions to make your visit more affordable, including an Unlimited Jump on Wednesdays and a Family Fun Pack with pizza and soda. You can even snag a monthly membership that offers additional discounts. Find the option that works best for your budget on their website.
Take them grocery shopping
I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out: A weekly trip to Trader Joe’s offers oodles of fun for my sons, from their mini shopping carts to the free samples. Some stores even have a game where kids can find a stuffed animal in the store. For their efforts, they can win some cool stickers and treats. It also gives them a role in our family’s meal planning, which is a nice bonus for our picky eaters.
Try some DIY
If you and your kids like working with their hands, carve out some time at Home Depot on the first Saturday of the month. Participating stores offer free in-store workshops for young builders. My sons have constructed working microscopes and cornhole games with the easy-to-follow instructions, materials, and tools the store provides, and working to build with them makes me feel handier than I actually am.
Volunteer together
If spending time together while instilling compassion for your fellow man (or creature) sounds like a good combination, check out some volunteer opportunities in your area. Animal shelters or soup kitchens could always use a helping hand, plus it can help broaden your kid’s perspective on the world. You can even spend some time cleaning up your local park. Before you sign up for a volunteer shift, make sure the organization doesn’t have any age restrictions, as some organizations only offer opportunities for those over 13.
Have a movie night
One weekly tradition in our household that will last a while is our Saturday movie nights. We’ll bake a few pizzas and take turns picking what we will watch. Mom might pick The Emperor’s New Groove one week, and my youngest regularly checks out the latest Octonauts special. Everyone gets a turn, keeping the whole crew happy as long as we keep repeats to a minimum (so we avoid watching The Super Mario Movie every week). It’s a great activity that justifies keeping Disney+ even as its subscription prices continue to rise.
Avoid McDonald’s and have a picnic lunch
Even now, nothing beats the combination of playing at the McDonald’s PlayPlace while scarfing down a Happy Meal. However, the price of Chicken McNuggets has increased over the last few years, making a fun afternoon a more costly endeavor. Instead, grab (or make) some sandwiches and snacks and head to your local park for lunch so you and your kids can play and chat.
Start reading a chapter book aloud
I love sharing my love of reading with my boys, but it’s hard getting them away from graphic novels filled with fart jokes and juvenile humor (not that there’s anything wrong with that). My wife and I have started reading our favorite kids’ chapter books, like A Wrinkle in Time or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, to our sons to expand their horizons. They always have great questions when we’re finished, and they’re eager to tackle other titles independently.
Learn a new skill on YouTube
I’ve never been much of an artist, but my sons are obsessed with drawing. Rather than take a class, we learn to draw their favorite cartoons on YouTube together, whether it’s their favorite Mo Willems character or cool race cars and creatures with cartoonist Rob Biddulph. Sometimes, on rainy days, we’ll do some yoga that revolves around a movie or cartoon character they like, usually resulting in them laughing at me when I struggle with a pose. It is a great bonding activity and makes me feel less guilty about the screen time.
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