Parks. A park is a fun place to spend time as a whole family. Even adults can appreciate a good slide. Some parks have ponds with ducks, and you can have a great time, and spend a whole hour feeding the ducks, and watching them fight over bits of bread, dried corn, etc. A park is a great setting for turning an ordinary meal (sandwiches) into something special (a picnic). So, take advantage of your local parks, and enjoy the benefits you get from spending less by going somewhere free.

Bike, skate, blade. Almost anywhere you go in the country you will find paved trails and paths that are set up for biking, blading, skating, hiking, walking, and running. Going on a family bike ride, or going roller blading with a friend or spouse can be a lot of fun. It is also low cost. A two hour bike ride is basically free (if you own a bike already), whereas two hours spent in a movie will cost you $7.50.

Nature walks. You can spend a fun evening in nature collecting pretty wild flowers, interesting rocks, spotting birds, etc. A nature walk is relaxing and fun, and can be an inexpensive, fun way to spend an evening.

Outdoor cooking. One fun way to take advantage of the outdoors is to enjoy some outdoor cooking. Build a little fire and roast marshmallows and hot dogs over it. Or, wait for the fire to die down, and cook tin foil dinners in the coals. A campfire dinner, or even a dutch oven dinner, is a lot of fun, just as much fun to prepare as eat, and saves you a whole ton compared to eating out at a restaurant. So, next time you want to do something fun for dinner, make it an outdoor night, and enjoy the savings.

Water play. One of the greatest things about the outdoors is the unlimited potential for water fun. There is always something fun about water, whether it is a beach, a lake, a river, or a stream. You can body surf, boogie board, surf, skim board, snorkel, swim, raft, tube, sun bathe, fish, splash, and any number of other things in the water. Sometimes just wading in a stream, or floating on a tube down a lazy river can fill hours will enjoyment for no cost.

Winter fun. In the winter many people think outdoor entertainment has to be expensive, such as skiing and snowboarding, but sledding and snow shoeing are two very inexpensive winter options that are also a lot of fun. Or, simply build a snowman, snow fort, have a snow fight, or make snow angels.

No matter what time of year it is, you can find something fun and free in the great outdoors.