Budgeting for Family Entertainment

Put a Little Away Each Week

Some family entertainment activities may cost a lot, like going to a theme park, while others may cost nothing, like playing favorite board games at the kitchen table. However your family likes to have fun together, you can put entertainment expenses in your budget. Setting aside just $5 to $20 per week toward family activities is doable for most budgets.

With an entertainment budget you can do small, inexpensive activities more frequently, like eating at a family-themed restaurant or going to an arcade. Or, if you collect your savings over several weeks, your family can do a more expensive activity, such as going to a museum, a ballgame, or a visit to the zoo. You can alternate by doing something free one week, such as roasting marshmallows in your fireplace or playing a game of basketball in your driveway; then doing something another week that may cost money, like going bowling.

Save Money at the Movies

Who doesn't love going to the movies? But an evening at the theater can cost more than you might realize. If you see a movie in the evening, the tickets are usually more expensive, and if you buy concession food, you'll spend even more.

To save money at the movies, wait for a rainy Saturday or Sunday and take the family to a matinee when ticket prices are less expensive. Bring your own snacks (if your theater allows outside food) to save on munchies. Or have lunch before the movie so you won't be tempted to buy expensive popcorn or soda.

Inexpensive Family Fun

Family entertainment doesn't have to be an expensive proposition. Just spending time together is what counts. Some inexpensive (or free) activities include going out for ice cream, playing in the park, hiking or biking, playing cards, swimming at the YMCA or in the local pond, going fishing, renting a video game, going for a drive, playing mini golf, baking cookies, or reading to each other.