Keeping your family entertained is difficult, but even more so when you’re working on a tight budget. However, if you put some thought in, there’s plenty you can do without breaking the bank and completely overspending. Here are some of the ways you can stay entertained this fall while keeping the purse strings tight.
Books
Getting lost in a book is relaxing, keeps you entertained, and is the perfect way to kill a few hours on a cold fall day. Best of all it costs next to nothing! You could download an e-book cheaply on a site like Tradebit, or even browse a thrift store or second-hand bookstore for bargains.
Set up family reading times. Curl up on the sofa or in bed with some cozy blankets and cups of tea, and transport yourself to another time or place with the power of reading!
Baking and Cooking
With so much incredible fall produce around at the moment it would be crazy not to take advantage. Baking and cooking are not only enjoyable to do, but your friends and family get to reap the rewards by tasting your delicious creations!
Visit a market to pick up inexpensive seasonal fruits and vegetables, and check out recipes on places like Pinterest or in your cookbooks to try your hand at. Basic baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder and eggs won’t cost much- and you probably already have most things in your kitchen.
Crafts
If you have children, a day sat around the kitchen table crafting is a great inexpensive way to kill time! You could go on a nature walk and collect rocks to paint, pine cones to turn into fall characters, or pretty leaves to do ‘leaf rubbings’ with crayons onto paper. A quick browse online will give you loads of inspiration for crafts to try, for both adults and children of all skill levels.
Movie Nights
Movie nights in the fall are always the best. With Halloween right around the corner, it’s the perfect chance to pull out all of your horror, thriller, and generally gory DVDs!
Netflix is only a few dollars and month and gives you access to a massive range of movies and things to watch, so it’s worth signing up for if you’re in need of cheap entertainment. You can buy big bags of popcorn kernels for next to nothing which you can pop yourself on the stove every time you’re throwing a movie night.
Free/ Cheap Days Out
If you’re looking to get out of the house but without breaking the bank, there are loads of free and cheap days out. Museums, parks, walks, and bike rides are all things you can do with no money at all. Have a look in your local paper for things like fetes and festivals which again won’t cost anything to go and walk around. Keep an eye out online and in magazines for vouchers and coupons.
Cheap Ways to Move Around the Town
You may be able to snag half-price, buy one get one free, or money off at certain events or activities. You could also consider purchasing an annual ticket for your favorite family attraction. While it will be money upfront, you then have free entertainment for a whole year.