37 Cheap Things to Do on the Weekend with Family

Looking for cheap family activities? You have come to the right place. I live for sharing the best ways to cheap-ify life in order to help you save money for your future and over time that has led me to find quite a few cheap things to do with the family over the weekend.

Keep reading for 37 things to do on the weekend with family that are cheap AND fun!

Big fan of saving money on all things in life? I think you’d love my posts on ways to live on a budget and frugal living tips for families.

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How to Save Money on Family Activities

To save money on family activities while still working toward meaningful experiences, it’s essential to embrace a frugal mindset that prioritizes quality time over extravagant spending. Here’s how to do it:

  • Embrace Free and Low-Cost Options: Look for activities that don’t cost anything or have minimal expenses attached, such as visiting local parks, attending community events, or exploring nature trails.
  • Utilize Discounts and Deals: Take advantage of discounts and special offers available for attractions, museums, and amusement parks. Many places offer discounted admission on certain days or times, or they may have special promotions during off-peak seasons.
  • Explore Your Community: Get to know your local area and discover hidden gems that offer free or low-cost entertainment, such as outdoor concerts, art galleries, or cultural festivals.
  • DIY Creativity: Engage in DIY activities at home, like hosting a family game night, organizing a backyard camping trip, or having a movie marathon with homemade popcorn.
  • Seek Affordable Getaways: When planning weekend getaways, consider budget-friendly options like camping at a nearby campground or finding cheap Airbnb deals. Look for last-minute discounts or promotions to save even more.
  • Prioritize Family Bonding: Remember that the most valuable aspect of family activities is the time spent together, not the amount of money spent. Focus on creating memorable experiences and building strong family bonds without breaking the bank.

37 Cheap Family Activities for the Weekend

Indoor:

  • Family game night with board games and card games
  • DIY science experiments at home
  • DIY arts and crafts session using household items
  • Family karaoke night with sing-along sessions
  • Indoor camping in the living room with tents and sleeping bags
  • DIY treasure hunt with clues hidden around the house
  • Have a themed costume party with homemade costumes
  • Family baking session to make cookies, cupcakes, or homemade pizza
  • Create a family time capsule and fill it with mementos
  • Have a family dance party in the living room with your favorite tunes
  • Family yoga session to stretch and relax together
  • DIY mini-golf course in the backyard using household items
  • Host a family movie marathon with your favorite movies
  • Family storytelling night with ghost stories or made-up stories
  • Have a family picnic in the backyard or living room with picnic blankets and baskets
  • Play free games such as telephone

Outdoor:

  • Visit a local park for a picnic or outdoor play
  • Explore nature trails in your area for hiking or birdwatching
  • Attend free community events or festivals
  • Take a trip to the beach for a day of swimming and sandcastle-building
  • Visit a nearby lake or river for fishing or boating (check for any permit requirements)
  • Explore local farmers’ markets for fresh produce and artisan goods
  • Take a self-guided tour of your city’s landmarks or historical sites
  • Visit a local library for storytime sessions or to borrow books and movies
  • Attend free or discounted museum days or events
  • Explore local art galleries or street art installations
  • Take advantage of free outdoor concerts or live music performances in your area
  • Go on a photography scavenger hunt around your city or neighborhood
  • Visit a nearby botanical garden or arboretum for a peaceful stroll
  • Explore local trails for biking or rollerblading
  • Take a trip to a nearby wildlife sanctuary or nature reserve for animal spotting
  • Go fruit picking at a nearby orchard or farm (some farms offer free admission or low-cost entry)
  • Attend free or low-cost workshops or classes offered by local community centers or libraries
  • Check for discounted admission or special offers at amusement parks or attractions in your area
  • Plan a camping trip at a nearby campground or state park (camping fees may apply, but they’re often affordable)
  • Look for cheap Airbnb deals for a weekend getaway (be sure to check for last-minute discounts or promotions)
  • Consider house-swapping with friends or family for a change of scenery without the cost of accommodation
  • Explore nearby towns or cities for day trips, focusing on free or low-cost attractions and activities.

I hope you were able to note down a few ideas for your own family to try out this upcoming weekend! We are all about low-cost fun and we are big fans of these cheap things to do on the weekend as a family!