There are so many ways to save money on entertainment. Here’s a list of some that I’ve come up with. Please take a few minutes and add your own!
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1) Cancel cable and go with a cheaper option. (see yesterday’s post and facebook thread for options!
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2) Eat out less often. Use Restaurant.com gift cards (I look at these more like coupons!), Groupons, and other coupons when you eat out. Drink water instead of pricier drinks. Consider splitting a meal. Restaurant portions are often quite large. Also, keep in mind that lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner menus.
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3) Date creatively. There are many activities you can do that are free or inexpensive. Eat at home and then go out for dessert. My husband and I love going to an outdoor mall in Salt Lake City during the holidays. There is such a festive feel in the air and the hot chocolate is yummy. You can also go on a night hike (in warmer weather!). Take a picnic with you and enjoy the stars. Watch for meteor showers. Go to a park and swing on the swings or fly a kite. Do a service project together. Play board games. Purchase a year pass somewhere you both love. My husband and I got a pass to the planetarium and went there multiple times during the year. When you do go out, have a babysitter swap with a friend. Free babysitting can save a lot!
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4) If you still rent movies (as opposed to doing the Netflix thing), look for a free redbox code or get your dvd from your local library. When going out to a movie, go to the matinee… less expensive and less crowded.
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5) Have people over to play games, watch a movie or just hang out.
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6) Volunteer as an usher for a local theatre to get tickets to plays, etc. for free. Find out if they offer discounts for dress rehearsals. Also find out if they have last minute discounts to fill the seats in the last hour before the show. Check your local theatres for details.
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7) Find out when your local zoos, museums, theatres, amusement parks, etc. have their discount days.
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8 ) If you have a Cabela’s nearby, call ahead and ask when they feed the fish and then take your family to watch.
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9) If there’s an event you want to attend, find out if there’s a group rate and then get a group together! Bowling alleys also often group rates. Make sure you utilize group rates you are already entitled to through AAA, your insurance company, your credit union, etc.
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10) Check your community calendar (and those in neighboring communities) to see what festivals occur in your area and attend. Take a lunch and enjoy the festivities. There are also many free concerts, etc. The community calendar is a great resource for free or low cost entertainment.
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11) Many stores (JoAnn’s, Michael’s, Home Depot, etc.) offer activities for children throughout the year. Check with local stores to see what is offered and when.
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12) Check out a local college or university for free lectures, art exhibits, concerts, etc.
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13) Develop or reignite interest in an inexpensive hobby.
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14) Join or start a book club. I started a book club 8 years ago and it’s still going strong. I LOVE my book club.
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15) Speaking of books, read one together as a family! One night before Halloween last year there was a thunder storm and we sat around and read Ray Bradbury’s, The Halloween Tree. Great memory!
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I’d love to hear your ideas!