thriftybunch

Family fun on a budget

More fun together. Less money spent.

Plain-English guides for parents and caregivers: free things to do at home and nearby, how to use the library, parks and free museum days, cheap day trips, birthday parties on a budget, and when a membership is worth it.

Free fun ideas Is a membership worth it?

This weekend$12 total

  • SatStory time at the libraryFree
  • SatPicnic at the park$8
  • SatBoard game nightFree
  • SunBike trail, then ice cream$4

Fun jar this month$22 left

An illustrative plan. Check times and prices before you go.

Start with one of these

IdeasFree fun by seasonSpring, summer, fall and winter. CalculatorMembership or not?Visits to break even. ChecklistFamily FunSixteen steps to more fun for less.

15 family fun guides

Fun at home

Out and about

Trips and occasions

Plan and save

Free download, no email needed

The Family Fun Planner

Set a family fun budget, list free spots near you, plan each month, pack with an outing checklist and keep a rainy-day list for when plans fall through.

Get the free PDFSee the Family Fun checklist

Coming soon

52 weeks of low-cost fun

Family Fun Year Kit: 52 printable weekly activity cards for every season and age, plus a family fun budget, an outing planner and rainy-day lists.

$8 once, for the whole family. 30-day refund.

See what's in the kit