Most parents will have a budget in mind when planning family outings but finding cheap things to do with kids doesn’t mean limiting yourself to free or low-cost options. There are some great inexpensive activities for families that can be done for next to nothing if you plan ahead and get creative. With so many expensive summer camps, after-school programs, sporting events, and other activities available for children it is easy to feel overwhelmed as a parent. But with just a little thought, any parent can find affordable things to do with kids that won’t break their bank account.
Play Games at the Park
Photo by Jordan Rowland on Unsplash
One of the most fun and affordable things to do with kids is to visit a local park. Parks are a great place to let kids burn off some energy. They offer a range of activities for kids, including playgrounds, trails, and fields for sports and games. While you are there, encourage your kids to explore and try out new activities. And don’t forget to make time to go on a nature walk too. Visit a farmer’s market. Farmers’ markets are a great place for families with kids to spend a few hours. Kids can enjoy the fresh air, see animals up close, and try the seasonal produce and baked goods. So many farmer’s markets now offer free activities for kids, such as cooking classes, crafts, and other hands-on activities.
Go for a Hike or Camping Trip
Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
If your family enjoys the great outdoors, a hike or camping trip is a great way to spend a few affordable days out. Parks Canada offers a range of affordable camping options. Or you can choose to camp at a privately owned campground, which will likely be cheaper than staying at an RV park. For a low-cost hike, visit a local park or nature center. Taking a camping trip doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find free or low-cost camping sites. Or, if you are feeling adventurous and want to save a few dollars, you can camp illegally in National or Provincial Parks. You will need to keep a low profile and stay out of sight. And you’ll need to move to a different site each night to avoid being caught. The risk is fairly low, but you will need to be careful not to leave anything behind that could give you away. If you are new to camping, there are a few things you should know. Avoid visiting popular campsites during busy seasons. This will help to keep the cost down as the more popular sites will be more expensive.
Go to a Museum
Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash
If you have a child who is interested in dinosaurs, ancient civilisations, or other topics, check out the local museums. Most museums are free or have very low admission fees. Museums are great places to spend a few hours with kids as they offer interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and learning opportunities. And having a few museums on your itinerary will help you avoid crowds. While most museums offer free or low-cost activities, there are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting. Most museums are not designed for small children, so keep that in mind when visiting. You may want to plan your visit for during naptime or a quieter time of the day so you don’t disturb other guests. Most museums also have a no food and drink policy, so you will want to leave your snacks in the car or outside the building. Some museums also have rules about strollers and diaper bags, so it is best to check before you go.
Go to the library
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash
The library is a great place for families to spend a few hours together. Most libraries have special programs, activities, and events for kids. They also offer a wide variety of books and resources that are free to check out. And, best of all, the library is open all year round and open most of the day. The library is a great place to visit at any time of year. During the summer, when kids are on break from school, it is a great place to spend a few hours a week. You can join a reading group or read a book together as a family. If you have children who are too young to read, the library is a great place to start. Most libraries host story time sessions for preschoolers. This is a great way to introduce your child to books.
Hit up a Local Festival
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
If you want to do some summer festivals, the good news is that there are plenty to choose from in Canada. You can find festivals for anything from food and drink, to music and sports. Most festivals are free to attend and offer some family-friendly activities. You can participate in games and competitions, visit food trucks, or watch a performance. Keep an eye out for festivals on the local newspaper or radio. You can also visit websites like Festival Explorer or Festivall to find local festivals in your area. You may even want to plan a trip around a festival or two in your area.
Photo by Konstantin Evdokimov on Unsplash
Conclusion
One of the best ways to save money is to plan ahead. If you know you want to do some fun activities with your family, make a list and start researching. And don’t forget to ask for discounts. Many attractions offer family rates, so be sure to ask about them. Kids are imaginative and curious little beings who will be happy with almost anything as long as they are able to let go and enjoy the moment. With the help of this article, you can find some amazing and cheap things to do with your kids in order to make the most out of your family time.
Ashley Pugh ;
Ashley Pugh is one of the Co-Founders of Familydaysout.com and has been committed to writing family related content since 2008. There isn't much about family attractions that Ashley doesn't know, after visiting hundreds of them worldwide over the last 20 years.
Leave a comment