At Home Entertainment Savers | Family Economics

By Andrea

When we have free time to enjoy some family fun, we need to find ways to save as much as possible. With three kids, admission costs, games and food, the costs can add up quickly.

Below are some fun ways to save money while having fun at home.

Movie night
Have movie night and get a few cheap rentals from a local kiosk rental location or video store (or free if you have a free rental code!) Give your movie night a theme and cook for the occasion. Be sure to get the kids involved as well!

Family sub night
This idea was inspired by a mentor of mine. Have your kids make their own sub sandwiches with hot dog buns and wrap them in foil. When you're finished, the clean-up activity is shooting baskets into the trash can with the foil! With basketball players in our home, this is a big hit.

Make wrapping paper
Try letting the kids craft and make wrapping paper. It’s not that I don’t buy wrapping paper because I’m frugal, it’s just I never find time to have it on hand. It’s not one of my essential items; so instead, the boys will make wrapping paper out of heavy brown paper.

I also have heavy brown paper on hand whenever they have the urge to paint or do other crafts. It’s a great way to let them be creative while not cleaning up a huge mess!

Get out of the house
Of course, not everything has to be done at home. Remember those season passes? Take advantage of activities year-round. Many times museums will change exhibits throughout the year. Make a visit and see what's new.

What things do you do with your kids at home to save a few bucks?