An Affordable Treasury of Fun

There’s no easier way for kids to explore new and exciting worlds than cuddling up with a favorite book.  Adventures await on each page and there’s no telling where your child’s imagination can take her once she peels back the front cover. And that’s just with one book.  Imagine the fun kids can have when they are gifted with a treasury of stories. If you are looking for an affordable way to keep your kids entertained this summer, consider investing in a box set of books.  My daughter adores her Little Critter Bedtime Stories set.  The colorful collection is a … Continue reading

Five Free Family Fun Moments

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or even cost a thing at all. While taking in a movie and snacks at the theater might cost you $60 or more per family, isn’t it nice to know that there are still some things in life that are free? 1. Family game night. The popularity of family game night might have started as a marketing campaign for Hasbro to get you to buy more games, but the idea is not a bad one. Many of us grew up playing board games and have many fond memories of the hours we spent … Continue reading

Holiday Fun for Free

Various retailers have been displaying their holiday merchandise since Labor Day, so it’s no surprise that city Christmas parades are taking place earlier and earlier each year. Yesterday, I discovered that our town’s annual holiday parade is heading down Main Street on November 17th this year. A Christmas parade less than three weeks after Halloween? Apparently, this early-bird trend is sweeping the nation and it’s not just parades, but a slew of other holiday-related events as well. On the bright side, many of these festive experiences are free and open to the public, allowing cash-strapped families a chance to get … Continue reading

Disney by the Bay and Other Family-Friendly Travel Attractions

Disney in San Francisco? It’s no joke. Beginning October 1st, you’ll be able to get a taste of Disney by the bay… San Francisco Bay. That’s where The Walt Disney Family Museum will be opening. The new structure, dedicated to all things Disney, will feature 10 galleries focusing on different chapters in the life of founding father Walt Disney, from his early years in Kansas City to his arrival in Hollywood in the 1920s. The museum also spotlights Mickey Mouse’s dad’s technological genius, like synchronizing sound to a cartoon. Other displays include the one-of-a-kind Oscar statuettes awarded to Snow White … Continue reading

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian – A Great Sequel!

I was among the moviegoers that saw Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian on Memorial Day, its opening weekend. I usually don’t like sequels, but made an exception to see this one since my four year old son had been asking since seeing the “Fire Powa” commercial. Will loved the first one, so I figured he would like this one and I was right. This sequel follows former museum night watchman Larry Daley (Ben Stiller). The reason he is a former night watchman is his invention business has taken off. However, his “friends” at the museum need him. … Continue reading

More Free Family Fun in the Great Outdoors

If you get off the couch and out of the house this summer, you’ll find that there are a host of exciting events just waiting for your family to enjoy. Not only will you get the chance to have fun in the sun, but all of the following family-friendly attractions are free: MARYLAND Ocean City is making summer fun for kids and their parents with an array of free activities, from movie nights, concerts and storytelling around a bonfire to shows and demonstrations at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Don’t miss Tuesday night “Beach Olympics” where you can go … Continue reading

Family Fun at the Museum… at Night

Hollywood’s new summer flick, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, has only been in theaters for 24 hours and it’s already on target to set box office records. Cha-ching! The movie’s producers could be happier. Ditto for curators at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. given that they anticipated that the movie — starring Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and Amy Adams — would translate into big business for the home of the real airplanes and artifacts featured in the flick. Not content to leave anything to chance, execs at the Smithsonian are running kid-friendly product promotions, including chances … Continue reading

Simple Summer Fun

Nothing says summer more than a fun family road trip. Unfortunately, the dismal economy has many clans looking for alternatives to traditional treks across the country. If you are on the hunt for wallet-friendly activities that will keep your kids happy and help preserve your sanity, consider the following: BACKYARD VACATION Who says you have to drive hundreds of miles to a national park to experience adventures in the great outdoors? Save money and create your own Camp Wannahavefun in your own backyard. You can purchase a fire pit from a home-improvement store like Lowe’s for as little as $60. … Continue reading

Affordable Memorial Day Fun

There’s no need to drain your family’s bank account to pay for an ultra-luxe Memorial Day weekend getaway when there are dozens of affordable options available. Big fun doesn’t necessarily have to put a big dent in your wallet. Take a look at these kid-friendly activities that are ideal for the long holiday weekend: *Visit a local museum or arts center, some may be offering holiday discounts. *Many local malls, craft and garden stores will be sponsoring free demonstrations or workshops during the holiday weekend. *Check out local bookstores and coffee shops, which often hold author readings or feature live … Continue reading

$15 Fun

What is the most fun that you and your entire family can have for just $15? Make this challenge a part of your regular family fun and you’ll save money while having some great new experiences. Our entertainment budget is pretty much non existent. Paying for food, the mortgage and our heating oil seemed more important. We seldom do anything together as a family for entertainment if it costs money, unless there are really special circumstances. That said, we have still be able to have plenty of fun times, especially during the summer. Challenge the members of your family to … Continue reading