Weekends are important for family time. This is especially true when the kids are at school. And, if you have a job, that means you might not get too much time together during the week.
Weekends are a time to relax and have fun together as a family. Fun-filled weekends are a great way to bond and talk about our week. And the time together can help relieve us of our worries and to let go of the stress at work and school.
Additionally, weekend activities can help us get more exercise and fresh air. But ultimately, spending time together is about building shared interests. This will keep your family bonds strong, no matter what else might happen.
But all too often weekends are wasted. This can be especially true as children get older and start to crave more time alone or with friends. We don’t make plans, we end up staying home with nothing to do, everyone gets bored, tempers are lost, and we find ourselves looking forward to Monday morning to get away from everyone.
One of the biggest barriers to weekend fun is the expense. The occasional big family trip is great. But once you factor in things like food and parking, even a trip to a relatively local attraction for a family of four can be extortionately expensive. The choice, however, isn’t between being bored and breaking the bank. There are actually plenty of fun, low-budget weekend activities that your family could enjoy. Here’s a look at six of the best.
Any Game with a Ball
Softball and baseball are all fabulous games that can be played either casually or more seriously. Kickball is a HUGE family favorite? Games like this are ideal for larger families, or where multiple families can join together for regular games in the park. You can even buy a line marker, depending on your needs and the amount of space that you’ve got.
Other sports like soccer, where you only need a ball, a bit of space, and a couple of players to have some fun, can also make great weekend activities.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are a good way to get outdoors, get some exercise, and spend some time together away from screens. Different seasons bring different elements to your hunts. Varying locations mean that there is always something new to see. Combine scavenger hunting with photography, or try geocaching for something different, especially when your children are a little older.
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Baking or Cooking
Outdoor activities are great and have many benefits. But let’s face it, we don’t always want to be playing outside when it’s cold and wet. Home baking or cooking meals together can be a wonderful way to share your skills, get messy and have fun. Try simple things like cupcakes, cookies, and pizzas.
Swimming
Swimming can be expensive if you head out to a big aqua park with all their added extras. But swimming in your local pool, having races, and playing in the water can still be good fun for a fraction of the cost.
Bike Rides
Family bike rides are a wonderful way to spend a mild weekend. Pack a picnic, and head out on your bikes, either straight from your front door, or after driving to a more scenic location. The bikes themselves are an expense, but once you’ve got them, this is a very low-budget activity.
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Board Game Tournaments
A board game is a great way to have a little fun with the family after dinner, but you might not think of it as something that could fill most of a weekend. So, make it a tournament. Check out charity stores and second-hand shops for some of your old favorites and let the kids include some of their video games to keep things fair. Build score charts and even craft a trophy or some medals for the winners.
Fun weekends with your family don’t have to cost a lot of money. There are plenty of things that you can do without spending too much, that everyone will enjoy. Remember, your kids will remember the time together, not the amount of money that you have spent.
Leave a Comment or Ask a Question Below: What is a your favorite, cheap activity to do with your kids on the weekends? Have you ever found yourself spending more than your budget can allow on activities for the kids?
Photo courtesy of Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash
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