When the time for weekend family activities rolls around, there’s absolutely no reason to spend money just to have fun. There are scads of things you can do that don’t cost you a cent. These are just a few of them.
Volunteer
If you’ve never considered volunteering as a family, there’s no better time to do so. With a little research, chances are you’ll come up with a long list of organizations that need volunteers. Soup kitchens and animal shelters are two very popular options. You may be surprised at what a fun family activity this can be!
Movie Marathon
With all of the streaming services currently available, it’s never been easier to have a free movie marathon complete with buttery popcorn, large cups of soda and Raisinets. It’s actually possible to watch several seasons of the same series in one weekend. Binge-watching at its very best!
Backyard Camping
One fun family activity is backyard camping. It doesn’t cost a cent and can be as luxurious or rustic as you want it to be. Add a sense of realism to the adventure, by declaring your house to be “off-limits” for the entire time. Consider turning off the Wi-Fi as well. This is a great opportunity to play board games that are gathering dust in the closet and to catch up with what’s going on in each other’s lives.
Off-Grid Weekend
Camp outdoors (or indoors if the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor coming), and have a totally off-grid weekend. Use no electricity or water for the entire weekend. Grab your favorite canned goods and cook them over an open fire (or eat them cold if you have to!) Reserve your water for things like washing hands and faces and brushing teeth. Use your battery-powered lamps and flashlights at night while you tell fun stories in the dark.
Library
Because of the popularity of e-books, libraries typically don’t get the same amount of traffic as they used to. But, that doesn’t mean visiting is no longer fun. Many libraries host free weekend activities for kids of all ages. This includes things like arts and crafts classes and story time for the younger kids to poetry readings and writing workshops for teens and adults. And, of course, libraries don’t cost a cent!
Water / Snow Fight
If the weather allows, grab all your buckets, balloons, jugs and bottles and have a good, old-fashioned water fight. If you have any of those giant super soaker water guns, even better! If you can, head to the beach! If you live in a northern climate go on out in the winter and throw snowballs!
Nature Walk
Going on a nature walk isn’t only fun, it’s a fantastic way to get exercise too! Some people are lucky enough to live in close proximity to a park or nature preserve, which makes it easier to get close to Mother Nature’s beauty. But, even if you have to drive a short distance, a walk in the country works well too.
Cycling
A family cycling day is always fun. Many towns and cities have paved bike trails which make it nice for the little ones who still use training wheels. Or, if your kids are older and you’re really adventurous, find an off-road mountain biking trail.
Pet Weekend
If you have dogs, let the weekend “go to the dogs!” Take them shopping at their favorite pet store. You don’t have to buy anything, just let them sniff around and enjoy. Afterward, take them to a local dog park to play.
These are just a few family fun weekend activities that don’t cost you a cent, except maybe for the gas to get you where you’re going. Honestly, there’s no better time to round up the kids and let the adventures begin!
What have been some of your most memorable family activities? Tell us in the comments so that we can all add them to our lists!
Great ideas! Love combining an active day hiking in the forest with a movie marathon at home!
I like all of these ideas, and I like activities that can be done together as a family without having to spend money. Simple, quality time is worth so much more than some of the things that money can buy.
Those are great ideas and will almost always make kids happier than anything you would have paid for! Love those!!
Love the pet weekend idea!
These ideas sound great! Will have to try these – love the off-grid one!
The nature walk is my favorite and is what I do over the weekends.
Great list! I love the library. There are so many events and lots more than checking out books.
Great list! We are avid readers so a weekly library trip is always on the agenda.
Volunteering as a family! I love it!
I love the idea of volunteering as a family! It is so important to give back, and makes cherished memories!
Agreed! Having fun family weekend doesn’t have to cost money, lots of great option there, especially winter is coming, go sledding with the kids always fun!
Fun ideas! Love that they don’t cost anything and create family bonding. I especially like the backyard camping idea. My kids would be thrilled!
Great ideas! I’m so excited when I see more people getting away from the house and the screens and doing things as a family!
Awesome list! We have an amazing bike path that goes right through our town and a few others.
These are some great options! I love the ones that include the family pets!
Great ideas! We love to go to the library or hiking – both free options!
Always fun to get more ideas that are affordable. Great post and great suggestions.
great list. we spend so much time outside in the fall. snuggled up by a small fire. Though that can be a nerve-racking with 4 kiddos…lol
These are great ideas! Our favorite thing to do on weekends is hiking together. Doing anything outdoors is fun! We do the library a lot during the week.
Worthy ideas to consider! I love the library, there are so many activities at ours!