Family Fun Ideas On A Budget

One topic that is mentioned to us quite frequently is money. Often times solo parents have a desire to do fun and creative things with their kids, but are held back by either a lack of finances or the issue of not really knowing how to manage finances well. The concerns financially can hold us back from making decisions and also from enjoying some adventures with the family.

One of the outlets for my son and I is to take daily walks along the ocean and to discover area beaches that have really cool rocks to climb on, seashells that we can collect, especially sand dollars. We also have found some areas that have little islands to walk out to and explore. The only expense is the gas to get there. The benefits definitely outweigh any fuel cost. The conversations that take place are healing and for me a gift. I enjoy listening to my son share what’s going on and what he is looking forward too. We talk about whatever comes to mind all while getting fresh air and exercise with gorgeous scenery.

Camping has been another adventure that we developed when our family became the two of us. We had a tent given to us and the first year we pitched the tent in the house for a couple months in the Winter and had a lot of fun. We even invited other single families over and made homemade pizza using the camping utensils etc. It was a lot of fun for all of us. Once the warm weather hit, we pitched the tent in the backyard, and eventually we graduated to a campground.

Game night with dinner has been a great memory. We look forward to game night. Sometimes we play cards, other times it is a board game like Sequence or Monopoly. Often times the game night is shared with doing a puzzle. We have friends and family who share in these nights too. The game and puzzle nights mean even more now because my family did this growing up, and after my son was born that tradition continued with my Dad. He really enjoyed all aspects of cards, games and puzzles. He was amazing with puzzles. We would have one with hundreds of pieces of blue sky and he would have that done so fast, he had the knack for it. Once my son was old enough to engage in puzzling with his grampa, we soon discovered that they shared the same knack. What a gift, as it was a connection they shared, which ultimately nurtured a sweet bond between the two of them which they both needed. I saw God work through my son in ways that impacted my Dad’s life for the better. It brought so much joy to watch and experience the healing that took place in both of them. God Planted the seed and nurtured the growth of their bond through weekly and sometimes daily puzzling and games. Only God could orchestrate something so beautiful as that.

We are so grateful to God for the precious time with my Dad, as he passed not too long ago. But, we have some very special memories for which we are thankful for. We continue the tradition and think of my Dad and smile. 

Reading has been a constant in our home. When my son was born, I read to him a lot, and still do. I love to read and write, and my son has always enjoyed being read to. He said it is relaxing and a time he enjoys as a family. Our dog even seems to enjoy it. Our reading time as a family is usually at night or on a weekend afternoon. It’s a great way to help yourself and the kids to be quiet and let go of the stresses of the day. It is fun to hear the kids share their favorite parts of the story and who their favorite person or character is in the book. It is a special family time for sure. It is something we also do when we are camping or boating and taking a rest on an island or the boat. Reading is relaxing for all of us.

Volunteering is a great thing to do, especially as a family. I do know that there is a lot to figure out on a daily basis as a single parent. I also know the gift and benefits from volunteering, especially as a family. It helps us keep things in perspective and it also reminds us of how much we have. We all have periods of time where we feel as though we have lost so much, and we have. But it is also important to realize that we are not alone and there are so many people going through hardship and loss too. Giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others is incredibly rewarding for us and our kids. Giving back also teaches the kids a valuable lesson about doing for others even when life is hard for you. It also shows your kids that even though things are tough right now, that doesn’t mean we get stuck in the hard places, and not do something to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Our kids are watching and learning from us. Let’s do our best to teach them healthy and positive life changing tools that will benefit them throughout life, as well as those around them. As adults, we also benefit from these lessons. It is good to be reminded of what we do have, and how we can help others in their time of need.

Would love to hear how you and your family give back and make a difference. Sharing these things can help all of us come up with ideas to give back and Bless others.

Would also enjoy hearing your ideas of low or no cost fun you and your kids have come up with.

What can you do today, this week, and this month to bring joy to someone else?

Remember that small steps forward lead to great victories.