• Home
  • About Us
  • Archives
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy

Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

  • Home
  • Toolkit
  • Parenting
    • Baby Stuff
    • Books and Reading
      • Aesops Fables
      • Comic Books
    • Education
    • Family Time
    • Green Living
    • Growing Up
    • Healthy Living & Eating
    • Holidays
    • Parenting
    • Random Musings
    • Shopping
    • Stuff to Do
  • Money
  • Product Reviews
    • Books and Magazines
    • Discount Sites
    • Furniture
    • House Keeping
    • Reviews News
    • Toys and Games

10 Silly Songs That Will Have Kids Laughing

June 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment

10 Silly Songs That Will Have Kids Laughing
123rf.com

If there’s one thing that guarantees giggles from a group of kids, it’s a truly silly song. From wacky lyrics to animal sound effects and goofy dance moves, music is one of the fastest ways to turn an ordinary day into a belly-laughing adventure. Whether you’re planning a road trip, looking to liven up chore time, or need a break from screen time, these silly songs that will have kids laughing are perfect for lightening the mood. Even grown-ups might catch themselves humming along. Ready to press play on the laughter? Let’s dive in.

1. “Banana Phone” by Raffi

“Banana Phone” is as catchy as it is absurd. With its repetitive rhymes and the ridiculous image of a banana-shaped telephone, it’s impossible to listen without smiling. Raffi’s smooth vocals and the playful tone make it a crowd favorite for preschoolers and parents alike. It’s a great choice for car rides when you need to shake off a case of the grumps. Among silly songs that will have kids laughing, this one ranks high for both fun and fruit.

2. “The Duck Song” by Bryant Oden

With its memorable chorus and a duck that just really wants some grapes, this song is internet-famous for a reason. The repetitive storyline and escalating silliness keep kids engaged from the first “got any grapes?” to the final quack. The punchline is unexpected and often sends kids into fits of laughter. It’s a simple tune that’s perfect for playdates or snack time sing-alongs. You’ll likely hear “again!” the moment it ends.

3. “Boom Chicka Boom”

This call-and-response song is made for giggles and group fun. Each verse lets kids change up the voice and style—like doing it in a robot voice or a whisper—which adds layers of silly creativity. It’s great for classrooms, birthday parties, or just rainy afternoons when everyone’s feeling wiggly. “Boom Chicka Boom” encourages participation and movement while keeping the mood light. It’s a classic example of silly songs that will have kids laughing and shouting along.

4. “There Was a Moose” (a campfire favorite)

This camp favorite is part song, part story, and all ridiculous. The lyrics involve a moose drinking juice and the drama that follows, with each verse building in complexity and goofiness. Kids love the escalating chaos and the opportunity to shout out parts of the song. It’s also great for acting out with silly gestures. If you’ve got energetic kids, this one keeps them engaged and laughing.

5. “I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas”

This song takes a simple theme—loving fruit—and turns it into a vowel-twisting giggle-fest. Each verse changes the vowel sounds, turning “I like to eat apples and bananas” into things like “I lake to ate ay-ples and ba-nay-nays.” Kids love the silly sounds and trying to sing along with the wacky pronunciations. It also helps build phonetic awareness without them even realizing it. That combination of education and fun is what makes it one of the top silly songs that will have kids laughing.

6. “On Top of Spaghetti”

A meatball that rolls off the table and meets an unfortunate fate? Hilarious in a kid’s world. This song takes the familiar tune of “On Top of Old Smokey” and adds a delightfully goofy twist. The exaggerated drama and visual storytelling make it easy for kids to follow and chuckle at. It’s perfect for mealtime, especially if spaghetti is involved. Just beware of real meatballs rolling off plates afterward.

7. “Do Your Ears Hang Low?”

With questions about ears swinging and tying in knots, this classic silly song brings a fun mix of nonsense and physical comedy. Add hand gestures or silly dances to enhance the humor. Kids love testing out whether their ears could really do all the things the song describes. It’s one of those tunes that sticks with them for years. Whether they’re toddlers or tweens, it brings out the giggles.

8. “Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley

An old-school novelty hit, this song is about a one-eyed, one-horned flying creature that loves to eat people—but only purple ones. It’s weird, it’s catchy, and it’s packed with absurd images that spark laughter. The retro beat makes it stand out from more modern songs, and kids love the sound effects and silly voice. It’s great for Halloween or anytime you want a burst of unexpected silliness.

9. “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”

This silly counting song features monkeys who just can’t seem to stop jumping—and the predictable consequences that follow. Kids love the repetitive rhythm and the chance to act it out with finger puppets or stuffed animals. It’s also a fun way to introduce basic subtraction. The humor builds as each monkey falls off the bed, and by the last one, it’s usually full-on giggle mode. Educational and funny? Yes, please.

10. “Baby Shark (But Make It Silly)”

Okay, we know—it’s been done. But when you add your own twists to “Baby Shark” (like changing the animals or using silly voices), it turns a familiar tune into a laugh-out-loud experience. Kids love the predictability mixed with unexpected variations. Add dance moves, funny faces, or costume accessories to kick it up a notch. With the right twist, this song earns its spot on any list of silly songs that will have kids laughing.

A Playlist Full of Laughter

Silly songs have the power to turn frowns upside down, energize a sluggish afternoon, and create shared joy across all ages. Whether you’re blasting these in the car, singing them at bedtime, or choreographing a kitchen dance party, they remind us that childhood is meant to be playful. These silly songs that will have kids laughing aren’t just fun—they’re little moments of magic disguised as music.

What’s your child’s all-time favorite silly song? Drop your top picks in the comments so we can keep the laughter going!

Read More:

8 Ridiculous Things Kids Say That Are Actually Surprisingly True

Secrets from the Mouths of Babes: 10 Hilarious Things My Kid Said That Accidentally Exposed Life’s Truths

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: Family Fun, fun songs for children, goofy songs, kid-friendly playlists, kids music, laughing with kids, musical play, parenting hacks, silly songs

These Are The Top 10 Things Kids Want to Do This Summer But Are Afraid to Ask

June 2, 2025 | Leave a Comment

These Are The Top 10 Things Kids Want to Do This Summer But Are Afraid to Ask

Summer is every kid’s dream season—no school, long days, and endless possibilities. But while parents are busy planning camps, schedules, and chores, children often keep their real wishes quietly tucked away. There are plenty of things kids want to do this summer but are afraid to ask for, either because they think it’ll be too expensive, too messy, or just not what grownups expect. Listening closely to these unspoken dreams can open the door to some truly memorable experiences. Here’s a peek into what kids may be secretly hoping for this summer, even if they haven’t said it out loud.

1. Spend a Whole Day Doing Nothing

It might sound counterproductive, but one of the top things kids want to do this summer is absolutely nothing. No chores, no activities, no rushing around—just a lazy day to recharge. Kids don’t always know how to ask for downtime, but they often crave a break from structure. Whether it’s lounging with a book, building forts, or just cloud-watching, these slow days can spark imagination and emotional reset. Giving them permission to just be can be more powerful than any structured camp.

2. Stay Up Way Too Late

Most kids fantasize about staying up way past bedtime, especially during summer. Watching stars, playing night games, or having a backyard campout feels adventurous. But they may hesitate to ask, knowing the usual rules still apply. Letting them bend bedtime once in a while gives them a sense of freedom and excitement. These small acts of rebellion, when safe and supervised, can make summer feel extra magical.

3. Make a Huge Mess

From slime-making to mud pies, things kids want to do this summer often involve getting messy. But many kids won’t ask, assuming the answer will be a flat-out no. Giving them space to explore without fear of getting dirty allows for uninhibited creativity. Whether it’s painting in the driveway or baking their own chaotic recipe, the mess is part of the memory. A little chaos now and then is worth the cleanup.

4. Try Something That Feels “Too Grown-Up”

Many kids secretly wish to try things they see older kids or adults doing—like cooking dinner, walking to the store alone, or using a camera. These experiences give them a sense of responsibility and trust. They may not ask because they assume the answer will be “when you’re older.” Finding age-appropriate ways to say yes can build confidence. Letting them try adult-like things in safe settings gives them a big summer confidence boost.

5. Skip a Camp or Activity They Don’t Actually Like

Not every kid wants a jam-packed summer, and some dread certain camps or sports but don’t know how to say so. They fear disappointing their parents or missing out socially. If you sense hesitation, it’s worth asking what they really want to do with their time. Giving kids a say in how they spend their summer shows you respect their preferences. Sometimes what they need most is a break from over-scheduling.

6. Spend a Whole Day With You

Time with parents is one of the most overlooked things kids want to do this summer. Between work and errands, quality one-on-one time can get lost. Kids may not ask because they know you’re busy or don’t want to bother you. But a day together—just the two of you—can mean the world. Whether it’s a picnic, a movie, or just running errands with no rush, the real gift is your undivided attention.

7. Go Somewhere Unexpected

Kids love the thrill of the unknown, and many dream of spontaneous adventures. They may want to explore a new park, take a road trip, or visit a quirky roadside attraction. But they hesitate to ask, thinking it’s unrealistic or too much work. Planning a surprise day trip to a weird museum or mystery destination can fuel their sense of wonder. The unknown can turn into their favorite summer story.

8. Invite Friends Over for No Reason

While playdates are often scheduled and organized, kids sometimes just want spontaneous hangouts. They might be nervous to ask or unsure if it’s allowed, especially without a clear “occasion.” Letting them invite a friend over just because can make a regular day feel special. It doesn’t have to be a party—just some free time with friends can mean everything. A little social freedom goes a long way in summer.

9. Be Loud, Wild, and Unfiltered

During the school year, kids are constantly told to sit still, use their inside voices, and stay focused. In summer, they may dream of running, yelling, and letting loose—but feel unsure if it’s allowed. Things kids want to do this summer often involve just being themselves without limits. Letting them have a wild afternoon outside (within reason) helps them shake off stress and feel free. Summer should come with some wiggle room for noise and chaos.

10. Create Their Own Summer Bucket List

Some kids have big plans brewing in their heads but don’t know they’re allowed to voice them. Whether it’s building a treehouse, learning a skateboard trick, or hosting a lemonade stand, they want to lead the adventure. Encouraging them to write their own summer goals empowers them to take ownership of their fun. It’s one of the simplest ways to uncover what they truly want—and help make it happen.

Give Them the Summer They Secretly Want

Not every summer moment needs to be big or expensive to matter. The things kids want to do this summer often come down to freedom, creativity, and time with the people they love. By tuning in to what they don’t always say out loud, parents can create a season filled with connection, joy, and unforgettable memories. Sometimes the most meaningful experiences are the ones that start with a simple, brave question.

What do you think your kids secretly want to do this summer? Share your guesses—or their surprises—in the comments below!

Read More:

Summer Fun on a Budget: 10 Ways to Beat the Heat for Cheap

15 Outdoor Adventures to Transform Your Kids’ Summer

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: childhood memories, Family Fun, parent-child bonding, parenting tips, summer ideas, summer with kids, things kids want to do this summer, unscheduled play

7 Unusual Gifts That Will Make Your Kids’ Friends Jealous

May 2, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Two young boys sit on a carpeted floor excitedly unwrapping a toy gift box.
Image Source: Unsplash

They unwrapped what?!

Most parents know the look: your child returns from a classmate’s party wide-eyed, rattling off details about a mind-blowing present that makes every other toy look…meh. Maybe it was a hover soccer ball that glided across wood floors or a “five-surprise” mystery egg that felt like pure magic. Suddenly your perfectly fine toy stash seems ordinary.

But why play catch-up when you can set the trend?

When it’s your child’s birthday—or when you’re hunting for a show-stopping gift for a niece, nephew, or best-friend—think beyond the big-box aisles. The right choice can be surprising, meaningful, and yes, spark just a pinch of playground envy. Below are seven unusual kids gifts that turn heads the instant the wrapping paper rips, with enough creativity and staying power to outshine generic gadgets.

1. Personalized or Handmade Treasures

Few things say “you’re special” like a gift made just for one child. We’re talking custom storybooks starring them as the hero, name-engraved hoodie blankets, or a plushie that looks exactly like their pet gecko. Custom items instantly become keepsakes and conversation starters: friends will want to flip every page or give that one-of-a-kind plush a squeeze.

Bonus points if grandparents help create the design—family collaboration makes the gift even sweeter. Sites such as Etsy showcase dozens of quirky, laugh-out-loud personalized ideas kids love. Because each piece is made to order, the unboxing feels more ceremonial—no flimsy plastic tray, just a reveal worthy of a drumroll. Years later, when the trend-of-the-month toys are long forgotten, that personalized treasure will still sit proudly on a shelf.

2. An Experience to Remember

Toys break; memories stick. Picture a kids’ sushi-rolling workshop where tiny hands master the art of maki or a behind-the-scenes zoo encounter that lets them feed giraffes eye-to-eye. Every calendar check becomes a surge of anticipation, turning the days leading up to the event into half the fun. When school resumes, your child returns buzzing with stories no shelf toy can match—and classmates lean in because it sounds like a mini adventure movie.

Experiential gifts generate deeper, more enduring happiness than pricey gadgets that lose their shine after a week. They also nudge kids to try new things, boosting confidence and curiosity in the process. To crank up excitement, hide the voucher in a themed clue—goggles for an indoor surfing session, a magnifying glass for a fossil dig, or a chef’s hat for a chocolate-making class. Suddenly, gift-giving transforms into an epic treasure hunt that starts at home and ends with a lifetime memory.

3. Retro Toys with a Modern Twist

Everything old is cool again—especially when you add a splash of 2025 tech. A neon Lite-Brite that syncs to music, a supersize staircase-spanning slinky, or a Bluetooth-enabled lava lamp bridges generations in one glowing swoop. Young kids marvel at the tactile wonder, while parents ride a wave of sweet nostalgia; it’s the rare toy that convinces adults to sit cross-legged on the floor for “just one more” round.

Many daycare and elementary teachers report that children gravitate toward these “weird-cool” classics even when flashy electronic toys sit inches away, proving novelty isn’t always about screen time. Because the mechanics are simple, siblings of different ages can jump in without frustration—instant family bonding without arguing over turns.

Manufacturers now build them with sturdier materials, so they survive the daily drop-kicks that doom vintage originals. Bonus: retro toys often double as funky bedroom décor once playtime ends, stretching value beyond entertainment. They’re unusual enough to stand out yet timeless enough to keep kids’ attention long after the birthday-cake crumbs disappear.

4. Toys That Even Grown-Ups Want

Some playthings are so slick adults whisper, where was that when I was nine. Think programmable marble-run sets with glow-track pieces that can climb walls, AR-enabled telescopes that overlay constellation names on your phone, or voice-controlled robots that crack jokes while learning new dance moves.

These marvels spark genuine inter-generational teamwork, transforming solitary play into family engineering sessions that last well past bedtime. Parents aren’t just supervising—they’re competing to build taller towers or discover new alien planets. The design quality rivals high-end gadgets, so leaving them on the coffee table actually looks stylish (and silently invites houseguests to join).

Choose one and your child becomes the talk of the next playdate and the grown-up dinner party—who knew a seven-year-old could demo augmented reality better than Uncle Mark. Plus, when adults dive in enthusiastically, kids learn advanced problem-solving and collaboration by osmosis.

Close-up of a small orange gift box with a ribbon bow.
Image Source: Unsplash

5. Mystery and Subscription Gifts

Unboxing videos go viral for a reason: suspense sells. Monthly subscription boxes—whether they deliver hands-on science experiments, step-by-step cooking kits, or snacks from a new country—keep that thrill alive all year. Each delivery resets the excitement meter, turning an ordinary Tuesday into Surprise Day. Blind-bag collectibles layer on extra anticipation, making every reveal feel like a mini holiday morning complete with gasps and fireworks emojis.

Friends will crowd around when the next package arrives, eager to peek inside, which means your living room briefly turns into the hottest livestream on the block. Parents win, too: subscriptions spread costs across months and eliminate frantic last-minute shopping runs before parties or report-card celebrations. Many services now tailor difficulty levels to your child’s age, so boxes “grow up” right alongside them. By gift’s end, kids have a curated collection—and a newfound passion—without a mountain of once-and-done plastic clutter.

6. DIY Kits That Spark Creativity

Hands-on projects transform idle afternoons into proud showcases—and sneak STEAM learning into everyday play. From bath-bomb labs that teach chemistry reactions to solar-powered rover kits that introduce basic engineering, DIY gifts encourage kids to make rather than just consume.

The sense of ownership skyrockets when classmates spot the finished product—a shimmering geode grown in your kitchen or a handmade neon tote—sparking curiosity (and a sprinkle of envy). Because each kit unfolds over hours or even days, they build patience and problem-solving grit that quick-click gadgets rarely inspire.

Parents can document the process in photos, then help kids present a mini “how I built this” slideshow for show-and-tell—instant confidence booster. Many kits include refill packs, extending the life of the fun well beyond the first try. Choose themes that align with budding interests—art, robotics, eco-gardening—and watch your child’s screen time drop without a single argument. In the end, they’re left with both a cool creation and a tangible reminder that they can figure things out solo.

7. Custom Wearables That Actually Glow

Light-up sneakers walked so today’s sound-activated LED hoodies and color-changing backpacks could sprint. Kids can now sport caps embroidered with their name in electroluminescent thread or T-shirts that shift hues with body heat, turning ordinary hallways into personal runways.

Whether at a birthday bash, school dance, or twilight field trip, your child becomes a walking disco ball—in the best possible way—which translates to instant visibility for safety and for style. Many makers let you upload original art or slogans, merging self-expression with next-level tech flair.

The result is a wearable bragging right friends line up to borrow—though the battery pack stays with its rightful owner. These pieces often include rechargeable modules, sparing parents the endless AA battery hunt of yesteryear. Because the electronics are removable, the garments can still hit the washing machine without drama. After dark, snap a slow-shutter photo to immortalize the glow trails and solidify your kid’s status as coolest trendsetter on the block.

Choosing Gifts That Spark More Than Smiles

Sure, it’s delightful when a present triggers a chorus of “OMG, that’s so cool!” Yet the real magic of these unusual kids gifts lies in what happens next. Personalized items nurture self-esteem. Experiences broaden horizons. DIY kits seed creativity. Even envy-inducing glow gear invites social connection—everyone wants to join the light show, after all.

When browsing for the next big surprise, ask: Will this gift create a story? A tale about conquering a climbing wall, coding a robot’s first dance, or reading a bedtime book starring the child themselves will outshine any trendy trinket. And remember: you’re not just handing over an object; you’re giving a dose of joy, confidence, and maybe a lifelong memory.

Have you discovered a gift that made kids (and parents) gasp, “Where did you find that?” Drop your epic finds in the comments—we’re always looking for the next jaw-dropping idea.

Read More

  • Affording Children’s Gifts and Toys
  • A Homemade Gift to Light the Way
Samantha Warren
Samantha

Samantha Warren is a holistic marketing strategist with 8+ years of experience partnering with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between. With an entrepreneurial mindset, she excels at shaping brand narratives through data-driven, creative content. When she’s not working, Samantha loves to travel and draws inspiration from her trips to Thailand, Spain, Costa Rica, and beyond.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: birthday gifts, experiential gifts, Family Fun, gift ideas for children, jealousy-inducing toys, parenting tips, personalized gifts for kids, unique presents | Gift Guides, unusual kids gifts

6 Holiday Family Movie Night Ideas That Will Make Your Winter Extra Cozy

November 19, 2024 | Leave a Comment

family movie night ideas
123rf

There’s something magical about gathering together on a cold winter night for a cozy movie marathon. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning memorable movie nights with your loved ones. These family movie night ideas will bring warmth, laughter, and a touch of holiday spirit to your home. Here are six fun and festive ways to make your next family movie night unforgettable.

Create a Hot Chocolate Bar

A hot chocolate bar is a perfect addition to any family movie night, making it extra special for everyone. Set up a station with different types of hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles. Let the kids get creative and make their own custom hot cocoa creations while you watch your favorite holiday films. This is one of those family movie night ideas that’s sure to become a new tradition.

Build a Blanket Fort

Take your family movie night to the next level by building a cozy blanket fort in the living room. Use blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to create a magical space where everyone can snuggle up together. It’s a simple yet exciting way to make the experience more intimate and fun. This creative idea is perfect for making lasting memories and enjoying quality time with the kids.

Have a Themed Movie Marathon

Pick a holiday theme and choose movies that fit the vibe for a fun and festive movie marathon. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Christmas films, animated favorites, or heartwarming family stories, there’s something for everyone. Make a list of movies to watch and enjoy them back-to-back with snacks and cozy blankets. This is one of the best family movie night ideas for a full night of entertainment.

Make Homemade Popcorn Mixes

Movie night isn’t complete without popcorn, but you can make it even better by creating your own gourmet mixes. Set up a popcorn bar with different toppings like chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, and flavored seasonings. Everyone can build their own popcorn creation, adding a personalized touch to the night. This is a tasty and affordable way to elevate your family movie night experience.

Play Holiday Movie Bingo

Add an interactive twist to your family movie night with a game of holiday movie bingo. Create bingo cards with common holiday movie scenes or phrases, like “Santa Claus appears” or “a snowball fight.” As you watch, mark off the squares when you see the scenes play out. It’s a fun activity that keeps everyone engaged and adds a little friendly competition to your family movie night ideas.

Cozy Up with Matching Pajamas

For a truly special family movie night, have everyone wear matching holiday pajamas. It sets the tone for a cozy, unified experience and makes for adorable family photos. You can even surprise the kids with a new set of pajamas before the movie starts. This small but thoughtful touch can make the night feel even more magical and memorable.

Get Ready for a Cozy Winter Night In

These family movie night ideas are all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that everyone will love. Whether you’re building a fort, enjoying homemade snacks, or wearing matching PJs, the goal is to spend quality time together. Choose your favorite ideas from this list, and get ready for a cozy night full of laughter, love, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to make the most of the winter season with the ones you love.

Latrice Perez

Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.

Filed Under: holidays Tagged With: cozy winter activities, Family Fun, family movie night ideas, holiday movie night, holiday traditions, movie marathon tips

Saving on Family Fun

March 19, 2014 | Leave a Comment

Saving on Family FunOne of the biggest changes in our budget is the need to account for an additional person when it comes to family outings.

Everything from plane tickets, to dinners out to attending our local hockey team now have three people instead of two. Though this is something we obviously expected with a child, it was nice to enjoy the early days!

Gone are the newborn days when she would quietly sleep through the odd dinner out or stay snuggled in my arms, usually asleep during a local hockey game. The little girl is a full grown toddler who now demands her own meals and requires her own seat and if we’re not careful, it can get crazy expensive.

While there are certain things we can’t do anything about, like extra seat for airplanes there are many other areas you can save on.

Meals Out

Eating out isn’t a huge part of our lives (I’d much rather entertain at home) it does happen occasionally. When possible, we opt to look for restaurants that not only have a kids menu but offer discounts for kids such as kids eat free.

Growing up we would go to a restaurant where they offered free Shirley Temples for kids and my parents had to pay $0.10/pound of body weight for kids under 12.  Though restaurants probably can’t get away with literally weighing kids in the restaurant anymore, there are still many places the have kids eat free with the purchase of a regular entree.

Online Deals

Online sites such as Groupon can be a great place to find coupons and deals for a family that makes an otherwise unattainable event, possible. This can include things like buying discounted restaurant (I often buy gift certificates for our favorite restaurants when they come up at 50% off) or deals on ticked events.

Take Advantage of Specials

Our local movie theater caters to families during regular school breaks such as spring break and Christmas break by putting on discounted days and promos like buy one ticket get one 50% off. During the rest of the year they offer a cheap ticket price on Tuesday. Going to the movies on Tuesday if the only way I pay, especially with children. If you don’t know, call and ask!

Friends of ours always take advantage of our local stage theater by taking their kids to ”pay what you can” night. Basically you show up on the first Tuesday of the seasonal performance, stand in line and pay whatever you can. Tickets normally start at $40 per person but on this night you can pay as much or little as you want.When you have a family and a budget this sort of event is perfect. This is something the theater has always done but never makes a big public announcement.

Good deals usually require some digging!

Membership Discounts

Sometimes it pays to have a kid (in terms of savings acquired).

If I wanted a membership to our local rec center I would be looking at $600 per year as an individual or I could get a family price (no limit on children) for $750 for the year. My husband, daughter and I can all capitalize on the gym, pool, rink and hundreds of classes for only $150 more per year and as our family grows the price stays the same (as is it locked in as long as you renew annually). This membership also gives us some ”free” events to partake in during the year when we’re looking to have a little family fun without breaking the bank.

How do you save on family fun?

Catherine
Catherine

Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.

plungedindebt.com

Filed Under: Money and Finances Tagged With: Coupons, Discounts, eating out, Family Fun, Frugal, memberships, save money

How to Have Family Fun on a Budget

April 16, 2013 | 4 Comments

Family Fun on a BudgetAs a parent, you want to provide your kids with the best and you are looking forward to all family fun opportunities. Sometimes, however, financial limitations stand in the way of having a good time.  Having family fun on a budget is possible, as long as you are willing to put some effort into the process and to get creative. Here are several great family fun possibilities that will be almost 100 percent free.

 

Explore Nature

Instead of going to the cinema or to another local hotspot, start exploring nature with your children and spouse. Children today have been disconnected from nature and as a parent; you can do a lot to correct that.

A family picnic can be a great bonding experience. Pack some sandwiches, soft drinks and your favorite games. Use the day to explore nature, to show your children interesting things about plants and animals and to relax.

 

Avoid Popular Tourist Attractions

Stay away from the popular tourism attractions. Theme parks and other intensely advertised fun places will usually cost a fortune. At the same time, you will have to deal with a large crowd and very often, getting in will require several hours.

There are so many little known fun places in your city. You can have a city tour using public transportation buses. Show your children historic places and the most popular landmarks. You can have an entertaining history lesson and everybody is going to be having a blast.

 

DIY Family Fun

When you are trying to come up with something cheap to do as a family, always consider do it yourself projects.

Crafts and arts will encourage your children to fantasize and to explore their creativity. Such activities are inexpensive. Once you buy the basic supplies, you will get to use those several times.

Paint greeting cards together. Buy some clay and work with your little ones on the creation of handmade jewelry or action figures. You can even create your own board game that you will get to enjoy as a family, once it is finished.

 

Make Family Meals Together

Restaurant food can be of low quality and if you want to ensure healthy and delicious family meals, you will have to spend a lot of money on it. Just do a simple calculation to find out how much you are spending on eating out.

Cooking family meals will save you some money and it will also be the perfect family fun activity. Make cupcakes with your kids. You can organize a cupcake decoration contest or another fun competition that has something to do with food preparation or decorating.

Use these moments to teach kids about healthy food and the preparation of delicious and nutritional meals. Such activities will be both fun and highly educational.

 

Monitor Expenditure

Monitor expenditure and find out what you have been spending money on. Taking a look at the monthly spending list can provide some useful ideas about cutting down costs and discovering alternative, inexpensive forms of family fun.

Single parents should stick to fiscal discipline, though they would love to pamper their children. If necessary, work with forensic accountants to figure out what is going on in terms of spending. Such professionals like Forths Forensic Accountants will be of great assistance if you are going through a matrimonial dispute, as well.

You can have family fun without spending a fortune on it. We live in a commercial world and brands want you to think that you need to spend money, in order to be happy. Creativity and the desire to find alternatives to typical family activities will give you access to new fun possibilities. Quality family time is all about enjoying each other’s presence and trying to please your children. Being motivated to accomplish the goal will help you do it, even if you have no money to dedicate to family entertainment.

How else do you have fun on a family budget?

Brian
Brian

Brian is the founder of Kids Ain’t Cheap and is now sharing his journey through parenthood.

 
Email • Google + • Facebook • Twitter

Filed Under: Family Time Tagged With: Family Budget, Family Fun

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
Best Parenting Blogs

Copyright © 2025 Runway Pro Theme by Viva la Violette