Entertainment and doing things outside the home can be costly for a large family. Try going to a Major League Baseball game, sitting in seats where you can actually see, and you'll be paying a hefty price when you are a large family. So, what can you do? Our family has found just as much fun inside the gates of a minor league game for half the price or better. The stadium is smaller, the players haven't made the big league, but they still can show you what baseball is all about. There are minor league teams across the United States and in Canada. Our home town has the luck to be an hour from two different teams. We have also gotten great deals on packages of tickets. This year we got 12 tickets for $66, making it $5.50 per ticket. The tickets we bought were undated general admission tickets that could be used at any game or combination of games. They also have promotional nights where they give out items for the first certain number of people to enter the stadium. My children loved getting baseballs and team beanies to name a couple. You might even have a stadium near you that provides picnic tables and grills outside the stadium to have your own tailgate party before the game!
There are also semi-pro football, basketball and hockey teams that you could enjoy. Don't forget about the sports at your local schools, they are less expensive and the money goes to the school. We also enjoy just hitting some of the youth league games to watch children in our community play. The two benefits of watching the local teams play is that it is normally free and it really gives the kids a boost to have fans in the stands.
Maybe sports just aren't your thing. There are other wonderful things out there that are inexpensive and entertaining. Check out the National Park Service, there is probably a National Park in your area that offers low cost camping and probably some great hiking. State Parks are another great outdoor place. Many offer camping, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming and much more.
If you would like to take the family to something in the performing arts try local theatrical or musical groups. Their performances are much cheaper than those you find in the centers in the city. You can also check with your schools and see when they are having concerts or plays. Many times there are dance studios that hold recitals open to the public. Look in the entertainment section of your news paper and you might find puppet shows, nature exhibits, musical productions and much more at lower prices. I have seen several child based performances for prices as low as one to two dollars.
A great source of free entertainment is also found at festivals and fairs. I have found that admission to the festival/fair is free as is the entertainment. You only pay for food, rides, games, or trinkets that you might want to buy. You would be surprised at how many of these events have some well known talent as well as local talent.
The bottom line is that free and inexpensive entertainment is there for the enjoyment if you look for it.
Click here for a map showing the locations of Minor League Baseball Teams A listing of Semi-pro Football teams The National Park Service A listing of State Parks |
