Family Time on a Budget

On my other blog, I've dedicated this week to saving money. Since the other blog is all about the random schmutz that comes out of my brain and on to your screen, I tend to keep it marriage-free. I save that stuff for you guys! Still, in sticking with the theme of keeping money in your wallet, I thought I'd come up with a few family-bonding experiences that cost little-to-no money. They're things you can do where ever you live but I'm going to keep this one rather Michigan-centric.

It's fall, the leaves have changed colors and are starting to drop from the trees. If living in Israel taught me anything, it's to go OUTSIDE every once in a while. So, the first few tips really revolve around that concept...

Head outdoors for this! Source: Parmenter's Cider Mill

• Go to the park with your kids - it costs you nothing and, if your kids are old enough, you can enjoy watching them run around and burn off energy (it's better than doing that inside your house, right)?
• Go for a hike - again, it's usually free. Michigan has an abundance of hiking trails, so head outdoors with your kids and your dog(s) to enjoy the fall colors. Bring some hot cider or hot chocolate from home for the full Fall experience.
• Cider Mill, anyone? - A lot of the cider mills in Michigan have mazes or pumpkin patches for kids and they're usually free. Pick up some cider and enjoy the fresh air.
• Apple picking - this may cost some cash but the experience you have as a family will be remembered by your older kids for a long time!

Don't feel like being outside? No problem...

• Head to the library! Your kids can enjoy story time (even on the weekends!) and you can enjoy them being quiet for a short time. 
• If you're menu planning (or if you have a shopping list), make grocery shopping a game. If you have older, responsible kids, give them a list and a cart - see who can get to the check out line the fastest! Have smaller kids? Bring the other parent (or another adult) to the store, split up into teams (each with different lists) and then shop til you drop! Who ever makes it to the designated spot first, wins a prize!
• Stay indoors and plan a movie marathon! 'Nuff said.

Remember this show??

One of the things I really miss about Israel is that fact that you have one day a week where everything just shuts down and you can spend it with your family. We used to go to the mall to walk around or go to the park with friends. We didn't always stay in the house but when we did, Shabbat was family time. We brought that concept with us when we moved here.

Another successful Shabbat in America.

So there ya have it, folks! Those are some low cost ideas for family time. What do YOU do to save money during family time?