Check out this list of more than 10 Free Family Entertainment ideas to keep everyone happy. You can stick to your budget and still have fun as a family.

Ideas for Free Family Entertainment

Sticking to your budget can be tough, especially on the weekend or during the summer when the kids are home. The last thing any parent wants to hear is the dreaded “I’m Bored”. Taking your family out for a fun day can add up pretty quickly but you do not have to break the bank to do so.

Instead of having to stay home when you are trying to save money or stick to a budget, here are 10 Free Entertainment ideas to try as a family to keep everyone happy. (Please note- due to COVID restrictions some of these options may not be available at this time. Check with the location for participation first).

Take A Hike or Bike Ride

Grab your sneakers and head out as a family. Hike or ride your bikes on the trails near you. You can even hop in the car to find new ones you have not been to before. Make it an adventure for the kids. Take in the nature around you.

Check Your Local Museums

Most museums offer a free day at least once a month. Check around your area. You are bound to find one that offers a free day for the whole family.  The Columbus Museum of Art offers Free admission on Sundays and General admission (not special exhibits) is always Free at the Cincinnati Museum of Art. (See more Columbus area Free admission offers here)

Go To The Movies

Some movie theaters offer free family-friendly matinee movies, especially in the summer months but some offer them once a month on the weekends too. Check out a list of Summer Movie Programs here. Or hang a sheet in the backyard and make your own “drive-in” theatre. There are some inexpensive projector options that will take family movie night to the next level.

Build Something

Your possibilities are endless for this one. Kids love building anything! You can build forts, cardboard houses, science experiments. Most kids never get tired of building a volcano and making it erupt. You can get tons of ideas on Pinterest. Get them involved and pin some of their favorites they would like to try. I also highly recommend the book Sticks and Stones: A Kid’s Guide to Building and Exploring in the Great Outdoors for fun outdoor building projects. (Written by my friend- look for my son Luke in a picture!)

Attend A Workshop

Home Depot offers a free workshop on the first Saturday of each month between 9am – 12pm. Kids 5 – 12 can make crafts that they get to bring home. PLEASE NOTE- Due to COVID, these in sotre workshops have been suspended. But you can still pick up a free kit to make at home.

Visit The Library

Besides the endless books and DVD’s, the library offers kids workshops, story time and movies. All of it is free of charge. Be sure to sign up for the Library Summer Reading Program near you- and be rewarded for your reading too!

Scavenger Hunt

I like this one because you can do it indoors on a rainy day or outdoors if it’s nice out. Hide items and give your kids the list to see who can find what. Make it even more challenging with a timer. See who can find them all first.

Create an Obstacle Course

Set up cones for them to ride bike in and out or even run through. Make it fun by splitting into teams; Mom vs Dad is always more fun.

Concerts

Tons of cities offer free concerts in open areas of town. Many are found around mall areas or libraries. For instance in Columbus, Worthington libraries often have concerts on their “lawn” and Easton Towncenter also hosts free outdoor concerts

Go Camping

Take it to your backyard. Pitch a couple of tents in your backyard. Make S’mores and tell fun stories. You can watch the stars or make shadow puppets with flashlights.

You can stick to your budget and still have fun as a family. You just have to be creative. Most importantly it is about making memories together, the best times are usually free.

What are your favorite Free Entertainment Ideas you do with your family when you are trying to save money?