Funds for entertaining yourself and your Family

Family entertainment is important, especially if you have children. That's why it's so important to include family time in your budget planning. Set aside funds for entertaining yourself and your family. Your Saturday savings challenge is to think of a number of ways to entertain your family on a budget. Budget a family movie night, a weekend local trip, a sightseeing tour of local attractions, or a dinner out once in a while. Plan for it and you'll have the finances available to do it! I know it can be difficult to plan entertainment if you're on a really tight budget. Here are some ideas for family fun that could help you save money.
Bringing in a tradition of family nights at home is a great way to save money on family entertaining. Designate a night each week for family games, crafts, movies, and even cooking. Some of these are also great ways to sneak in quality time with your kids! On game night choose games that are suited for the age range of all children, or have two game nights if ages vary drastically. Dedicate one family game night to younger children, the other to older children. Adults, of course, should participate in both.
Family cooking night is a good time to practice math skills, as well as have loads of fun and yummy treats. Whether you cook desserts or bake bread (which is great fun for the children!), children get a lot of practice using fractions in measuring. Here's a family favorite that children love. Your children will think their at the carnival!

Funnel Cakes (Makes 4)
1 Egg
2/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 & 1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powdervegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar for dusting cakesOne Funnel

Combine dry ingredients. In separate bowl, lightly beat egg into milk. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix well, until smooth. Place about 1 inch oil in frying pan or electric skillet. Heat to 350 degrees F. Note: Adults should always do the actual cooking when hot oil is used. Use a ladle to scoop one full ladle of batter into funnel (be careful to hold one finger over hole of funnel to prevent leakage) Hold funnel over oil. Starting at center, release finger from hole of funnel, and moving around in a circular pattern dispense batter until all in funnel is gone. Turn over with tongs when light golden color is achieved. Cook other side to lightly brown and remove to drain. Shake or sprinkle on dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Family Crafts can be not only entertaining, but could provide lasting family treasures and decorations. During holidays create holiday specific ornaments and crafts, Children's homemade crafts can be displayed and then stored for their future enjoyment. Children love going back and looking at items they created during younger years. Scrapbooking is becoming a popular family pastime that you may consider for a craft night.
Going to the movies today is cost prohibitive for many larger families. Even a family of four can break the bank it they enjoy the snack bar. But, you can enjoy your movies at home and have your snack too! Rent movies for a family movie night. Enjoying movies at home can prove to be cheap entertainment for the entire family. Pop your own popcorn. Don't use those little microwave bags. They cost tons more than investing in a good popcorn popper and regular popping kernels. Bake goodies on your cooking night in preparation for family movie night snacking.
Besides enjoying family nights at home, you can enjoy some low cost entertainment out. Many bowling alleys and roller skating rinks have family night where entrance and game fees are reduced. If you choose to dine out, look for family nights at restaurants, and/or use restaurant coupons to save money on the bill. You may have historic landmarks in your area that your children would enjoy visiting. Use your imagination to cut costs on family entertainment. Have some family fun and save money too.