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Big Summer Fun on a Small Family Budget
If your family implemented a spending freeze to help weather tough economic times, summer may be the perfect time to start thawing out. The truth is that spending more quality time with family doesn't cost a thing. Consider the following alternatives to high-priced summer fun.
- If you would normally attend a major league baseball game, try the minor leagues. The game itself is the same, but tickets, concessions and parking costs are generally much lower at a minor league ballgame. Hosting your own family or neighborhood softball tournament or skills competition can provide another low-cost way to get your baseball fix.
- If you would normally catch the latest blockbusters in the theater, host a movie night at home. Several of the season's most anticipated family films are remakes ("Karate Kid") or sequels ("Toy Story 3," "Cats and Dogs 2," "Twilight 3: Eclipse"). Rent the originals, pop some popcorn, make your own pizza and enjoy the company of friends or family while you wait for the latest installments to hit the second-run theaters.
- If you would normally take a summer vacation, travel closer to home. Discover the treasures that your area offers by visiting your state's tourism Web site. Whether your interests lie in exploring the arts, the great outdoors, historical sites or sports venues, you can likely find a fun family activity in your own backyard.
- If you would normally send the kids to summer camp, camp out as a family. Pitch a tent in the backyard or find a nearby state or national park to explore. You can replicate many summer camp experiences – from cookouts and campfires to canoeing and hiking – without venturing far from home.
- If you would normally visit an amusement park, make your own fun at home. Create a day-long scavenger hunt that challenges the family to find or photograph a variety of objects throughout the neighborhood. Host a mini-Olympics with events for all ages, such as an obstacle course, water balloon toss, tug of war or three-legged race. Use an old bed sheet as a canvas and let every family member or neighborhood child display their artistic talents.
Plan for Next Summer
Encourage your family to brainstorm even more inexpensive ways to have fun this summer. Depositing a portion of the money saved in a White House Federal Credit Union account for a future family vacation can help teach kids the importance – and rewards – of saving.