Entertainment On A Tight Budget
Whether its school holidays, the weekend or a social get together on a weeknight, keeping busy and entertained can be expensive.
So if you’re kicking about this weekend wondering how to keep yourself or the little ones entertained why not try out some of these ideas?
Evening entertainment
Instead of heading out to dinner, or to the pub, or to the movies, why not have friends around for dinner. Not only is it more social, but a lot less costly than several rounds of drinks. If you have children there is no need for a baby sitter and if your friends have children they can keep each other entertained.
A DVD night can save around $15 per person and you have the luxury of wearing track pants and uggs. If DVD’s are not your thing than perhaps board or card games. Yes it might sound droll, but believe it or not I’ve had many wonderful nights playing Uno drinko or getting creatively crass with my Scrabble spelling.
If you’re in the mood for something fancy than why not make it a theme night where everyone gets dressed up? There’s no cover charge to get in, no one has to drive home if they have a little too much to drink and you don’t have to scream your lungs out to have a conversation with the person next to you.
Get your heart pumping
Check out your local community centre, there are many discounted fitness/ leisure classes available and most run school holiday programs for the kids. If it’s good weather get outside, go for a walk/ ride a bike/ roller blade/ go fishing, not only is it free entertainment, it’s good for your health.
If you’re stuck inside, why not see what exercise DVDs are available from the library? Last holidays I borrowed a Zumba DVD off a friend of mine. I spent 1 hour in my lounge room with a girlfriend trying it out and spent a further ½ hour rolling on the floor laughing.
Alternatively read a book, try some creative writing/drawing/painting, spend time finding out what hidden talents you possess, you may surprise yourself.
Hold a working bee
Does it seem as though you have endless odd jobs around the house? Maybe you have a big project you were going to get to ‘when you have the time’, but never seem to. If you have friends who are reasonably competent with their DIY skills or maybe they have project management skills, write yourself a list of what work you would like to get done and send out invitations.
You will be expected to put on lunch – but the good old bbq never goes astray. I’ve been to several working bees now and had a great time, not only is it affordable and social, but it’s great to sit back when it’s finished and know that you’ve contributed to something worthwhile.
For the kids
During the year save up egg cartons, tissue boxes, toilet rolls and glass jars. These make excellent items for arts and crafts if you have young children. Kids love a challenge, so why not hold some competitions and use stickers or inexpensive items as rewards. See who can build the biggest tower without using sticky tape, or if you’ve seen ‘Minute to win-it’ why not try out some of their tests?
Decorate jars with paints and use them as pencil holders or plant pots. For further ideas see article on affordable arts and crafts for kids.
How do you stay entertained for less?
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