We all know that we ought to be spending more quality time with our families, but sometimes the cost of fun activities can be prohibitively high, especially if you have a large family. Going to the local swimming pool, going to the zoo or taking a trip to a theme park is a great way to spend a happy day together but it could also cost a small fortune. If you’re on a tight budget, the prospect of a long summer vacation or of endless weekends with the kids moaning that they’re bored can be a depressing one.

Luckily, there are lots of things that you can do as a family group without spending a lot of money. Here are just five of the things you can try this year.

1.Get Outdoors

Whatever the time of year, there’s plenty to see and do in nature. Heading to a beach, a wood or even a park is a wonderful way to get closer to nature, and not only will you have quality time together, you will also have a great educational opportunity for the kids. In the Fall, you can go out and collect leaves, pine cones and acorns to make some seasonal art when you get home. In the winter, you can head outdoors to play in the snow or to build a snowman. In the springtime, you can make your own I Spy book and go out looking for signs of the new season. In the summer, there’s a world of opportunities outdoors, from playing ball games in the park to taking a hike along a local trail. Don’t forget your comfortable shoes! You can find more details about how to choose the best ones for you here.

2.Find A Free Museum

There are lots of free museums all over the country, you just need to seek them out. Not only do they represent a fun way to spend the day together without spending a cent, they’re also another way to help teach your children about new things. Whether you’re visiting an art gallery or a museum about local history, you’ll find plenty to entertain you and you’ll have a lot to talk about afterwards. Some free museums even offer craft activities or programs of events for families so you can get even more out of your visit without having to pay a cent.

3.Go To The Library

Another free activity that you may never have thought of before is heading off to your local library. Many libraries have programs running during the school vacations with storytelling, craft activities or workshops that you can take part in for free or for a very low cost. Even if there’s nothing special happening, it’s still a lot of fun to take a look at all the different books and to choose something to read at home.

4.Go See A Cheap Movie

Lots of cinemas now offer low cost screenings for families at the weekend or during the school vacations. Although these movies do cost money, the fee is quite nominal and you can take in your own candy and drinks to save even more. Some cinema chains even offer family movies for free at off-peak times such as weekday mornings – as long as you’re prepared to get up early!

5.Have A Camp Out At Home

If you can’t afford to take a summer vacation there’s no need to feel like you can’t have a camping experience in your very own home. Pitch a tent in your back yard, light up the barbecue and toast some marshmallows. You can sleep outdoors under the stars and it’ll be just like the real thing except you’ll be able to pop indoors to use the bathroom!

These are just five of the free or low cost activities that you can try if you’re on a tight budget this year. You’ll still be able to spend quality time together as a family, and actually you may well find that you have more fun and become closer as a group without spending so much money on expensive activities. After all, how close can your family get at a theme park?