Hi! If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom and financial expert, it’s that making memories with your family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of my favorite moments with my kids didn’t happen at expensive amusement parks or posh events. Nope, they happened in backyards, parks, and impromptu outings where the focus was more on laughter and connection than spending big bucks.
I know how easy it is to lose track of spending during a fun day out—been there, done that! But over the years, I’ve developed some strategies that make our family outings not only budget-friendly but also extra special. I’m here to share my tips and experiences to help you make the most of your family time without stressing about your wallet.
Let's map it out together!
Set a Budget That Works for Your Family
As revealed by GOGO Charters, the average cost of a family vacation for four in the U.S. is approximately $7,936, with lodging averaging $214 per night for family-friendly hotels. With costs like these, it’s no wonder families are focusing on budgeting and finding creative ways to make outings more affordable. The good news? You don’t need a sky-high vacation budget to create unforgettable family memories.
The first step to planning a family outing is figuring out how much you want to spend. This doesn’t need to be overly detailed or stressful. Think of it as setting some helpful guardrails to guide your day of fun.
Think about how often you’ll go.
For my family, we aim for one big outing a month. It gives us something exciting to look forward to! On the other weekends, we mix in smaller, low-cost activities so we keep the fun going without stretching our budget. Whether you want weekly adventures or just the occasional treat, deciding your frequency will help guide your overall spending.
Be honest with what’s comfortable.
I’ve learned there’s no “right” amount to spend. Some months we go all out with a $50 budget for a zoo trip, while others we stick to $20 for a picnic or library visit. The key is to pick a number that feels manageable for your household. And if you overshoot it once? That’s okay! Just readjust and move forward.
Money Move! Create a “family fun jar” where everyone can contribute spare change or a couple of dollars each week. By the end of the month, you’ll have a mini-budget for your next adventure. It’s fun, and the kids love chipping in coins they find around the house!
Get Creative with Low-Cost and Free Activities
Here’s the fun part for me—finding awesome things to do without spending much! I’ve discovered so many gems in our community just by looking a little closer.
1. Explore the Great Outdoors
Parks, hiking trails, or beaches are my go-to spots when we want to escape the house. One time, we packed a picnic and headed to a local state park with a $5 parking fee. The kids had the best time climbing rocks, spotting birds, and playing frisbee. Bonus? All that fresh air meant they were asleep before 8 PM!
2. Check Out Community Events
Your town might be buzzing with free or affordable family fun. We’ve attended outdoor movies, food truck festivals, and even free museum days. A quick glance at your local event calendar might surprise you with what’s available.
3. Your Library, the Hidden Hero
Libraries aren’t just for books (although we love those, too). Many offer free storytime for young kids, crafting events, and even museum passes. Last summer, our library pass saved us $50 on entry to a local science museum!
4. DIY Movie Nights
Skip the pricey theater and turn your living room into a movie palace. We pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and even make “tickets” for the show. Honestly? My kids sometimes prefer this over the real thing because they get to pick the movie and talk as much as they want!
Money Move! Instead of spending $30+ on fast food, prep sandwiches, fruit, and snacks at home. You’ll save money and likely eat healthier. Trust me, kids are just as excited about PB&J at the park as they are about a Happy Meal.
Plan Ahead to Dodge Sneaky Costs
I’ll admit I’ve been caught off-guard by a few unexpected expenses during family outings. It’s usually things like overpriced snacks or surprise parking fees. Now, I plan ahead to sidestep these budget busters.
1. Pack snacks and drinks.
Food is usually the first thing to blow a budget, especially if you’re caught without any options. I always pack a cooler with snacks, water bottles, and maybe some treats to keep the family fueled for less. Pro tip? Bring extra napkins. Sticky fingers happen!
2. Budget for souvenirs.
If you’re visiting an attraction, chances are, “Can I get this?” will come up at the gift shop. Instead of saying no to everything, I give my kids a small spending limit. For example, they might get $5 each to pick something out. It keeps things fun without going overboard.
3. Snag discounts where you can.
Lots of places offer family deals, free admission days, or group discounts. I’ve scored big savings by checking Groupon or using my AAA membership. Some attractions even offer free or reduced tickets if you’re a local resident. It always pays to ask!
Money Move! Spend 10 minutes Googling deals or discounts for your chosen activity. You might find buy-one-get-one-free offers, free entry times, or reduced “twilight” rates if you visit late in the day.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
I’ve found it’s not about how much we do; it’s about the love and fun we pack into whatever we’re doing. Some of the most special moments are spontaneous or involve very little planning.
1. Plan one big thing a month.
Maybe it’s a day at the zoo or tickets to a local attraction. Saving up for one special outing makes it feel like an event, and my kids get so excited in the days leading up to it.
2. Fill the rest of the month with simple fun.
When we’re not doing a “big adventure,” we keep it mellow with game nights, nature walks, or even car rides to explore nearby neighborhoods. These smaller moments still make memories and keep us connected.
3. Make everyday activities fun.
Want a laugh? One of my kids’ favorite “outings” is washing the car together. They love getting wet and soapy, and I love that I’m crossing something off my to-do list! Sometimes it’s the little, unexpected things that leave the biggest impression.
Money Move! Invite a few friends and their kids over for a potluck afternoon. Each family brings a dish, and the kids entertain themselves while you catch up. It’s social, simple, and budget-friendly.
Be Flexible and Have Fun with It
Sometimes, the best family outings don’t go as planned. I’ve had trips where the baby cried the whole way to the park, or bad weather changed our plans last minute. And you know what? That’s part of the adventure.
1. Keep an open mind.
Unexpected free events or last-minute neighborhood fun can be some of the best family memories. If our original plan falls through, I’ll whip out Plan B (or Plan C, in some cases!) without stressing about it too much.
2. Be playfully creative.
Can’t afford an amusement park? Turn your backyard into one with obstacle courses, games, and a homemade photo booth. My kids still talk about the “carnival” night we did last year!
2. Get the kids on board.
Some of our best ideas have come from the kids themselves. By giving them a say in planning, they get more excited. Plus, kids are so imaginative that their ideas often cost little to nothing.
Money Move! Once a month, sit down together to brainstorm outing ideas. Write them on index cards and pull one idea randomly for your next adventure. It adds a bit of excitement to the process!
Celebrate Your Wins, Learn From Your Mistakes
At the end of each outing, I always take a moment to reflect—what worked? What didn’t? Did we stick to the budget?
Celebrate the little wins.
Did you save on food, find a free parking spot, or stick to your spending limit? High-five yourself for that! Every small win builds confidence and shows that creating budget-friendly memories is possible.
Adjust for next time.
If something didn’t work out perfectly, tweak your plan for your next trip. Maybe you forgot extra diapers (been there!) or underestimated parking fees. It’s all a learning curve, and that’s okay.
Money Move! Keep a notebook where you write down what you loved about each outing. Include tips for next time, favorite moments, or even funny mishaps. It’s a joy to look back on and helps you refine future plans.
Making Family Memories Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune
At the end of the day, it’s the love and connection that your kids will remember, not how much you spent. By setting a budget, getting creative, and being flexible, you can create small but meaningful adventures that your family will cherish.
Take it from me, a mom who’s juggled raising kids and balancing finances at the same time. Focus on the laughter, the hugs, and the shared experiences. Those are the real treasures. Now, go plan your next adventure and enjoy every moment!
