With these tough economic times, it might be harder to go out and do the things you used to before. From eating out in restaurants to patronizing amusement parks, automobile shops or retail store, life is simply more expensive.
And while taking the family out for a vacation is always fun, it is important to remember to stay within the budget you can afford. Fortunately, there are several ways you can transform your home into all of the locations listed above in an inexpensive and easy way and without the use of a contractor.
Fine Dining
It is understandable not all of us can afford to go out to nice restaurants on a regular basis. Fortunately, having a family dinner at home is one of the best bonding times a family can experience. This is why it is great to once in a while have a “fine dining” night at home.
To do this, try searching online for a recipe your whole family will love and doesn’t have for dinner too often. My suggestion? Pesto Linguini with herb crusted and lime chicken breast, a side Caesar salad, homemade garlic bread and fresh lemonade for a beverage.
Set the table with your best dishes, light a candle for the centerpiece or perhaps place a vase of fresh flowers. Don’t forget to turn off the TV!
Amusement Water Park
Amusement parks are black holes for money. Instead of taking the whole family out to one, try making a water park one at home!
For this, lay a huge tarp over your lawn. Then set the hose up at the top and get the entire tarp soaking wet. You will also need to get a few buckets filled with water and mix in some dish soap, making a sudsy combination. Run this down the entire tarp as well, making it even more slippery.
Have fun on your home made slip and slide! Just make sure everyone participates — even mom and dad!
Auto Shop
Sometimes you’d like to have your car worked on to improve performance or get some detail work done. If you’re capable of doing it yourself, however, this is a great activity to do at home.
When renovating dad’s Mustang, you might be able to find classic parts and work on it with the kids’ help. Doing things like changing your oil at home will also help you save money and turn your home into your very own auto shop.
You can teach the kids all about your favorite car, showing them Mustang’s classic parts, their function and where they belong.
Shopping Extravaganza
Going out shopping to an outlet store or the mall is a fun activity, but an expensive one. Instead, why not have your very own yard sale?
Every member of the family can gather some things they’d like to include in the sale and help set it all up outside that morning. This is a great way to clean out some of the house and have a bonding experience the whole family can enjoy (oh yeah, and make some money, too!).
Throughout the morning, perhaps everyone can take shifts watching your yard sale while a few of the other family members go around “shopping” at other yard sales in the community.
Byline: Written by Holland Pintarch


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