50 Frugal Ideas for Family Fun

October 1 is “Frugal Fun Day!” So here’s a long list of 50 fun & frugal things families can do together without breaking the bank:

1. Play a board game
2. Bake a batch of cookies
3. Build a campfire
4. Roast some marshmallows
5. Work a jigsaw puzzle
6. Read a book aloud
7. Ride a bike
8. Go on a hike
9. Check local museums for free nights
10. Visit a public library
11. Go garage saling
12. Have a picnic
13. Explore your own hometown
14. Go on a scavenger hunt
15. Make a recycled art project
16. Go star gazing
17. Visit a local park or playground
18. Walk around the block
19. Stage a push-up competition
20. Go birdwatching
21. Write letters to family or friends
22. Play Hide & Seek
23. Search for nearby historical markers
24. Invite friends over for a potluck dinner
25. Go window shopping
26. Admire houses in a pretty neighborhood
27. Attend a community concert
28. Toss a frisbee in a game of keep-away
29. Jump rope
30. Look through family photo albums
31. Climb a tree
32. Build a blanket fort
33. Play with the puppies at a pet store
34. Play a fast-paced card game
35. Listen to a book on tape
36. Go on a factory tour
37. Watch a documentary
38. Fly a kite
39. Have a family talent show
40. Go to the lake or the beach
41. Play 20 Questions
42. Make homemade playdough
43. Play hopskotch
44. Have a three-legged race
45. Visit a nursing home
46. Color a picture
47. Put on some lively music & dance
48. Blow soap bubbles
49. Play tag
50. Go for a jog

For easy reference, here’s a handy printable version of this list:

[click on image to print]

Post it on your fridge and refer to it next time you’re in the mood to make some fabulous family memories!

By the way, if you live in East Texas (or would like to visit), there’s a ton of fun activities taking place in Tyler this weekend that are completely free, such as movies in the park, Recycle Days at the zoo, Lego building at the library, and Kid’s Clinic at Home Depot. Check out my current Family Matters column in the Tyler Paper for more details.