A family outing can be a great bonding experience, and parents may be happy to learn that there are budget-friendly activities that merge enjoyability with affordability.

· Movie night under the stars: For the relatively low cost of a mini projector and accompanying screen, parents can host outdoor movie nights in the backyard. Some of these products even come with screens at no extra cost.

· Picnic in the park: Families might consider packing up favorite picnic foods and heading outdoors for a picnic in the park.

· Explore family history: Many family members find that digging into their own histories is a way to learn more about who they are. Families might purchase a DNA test kit and then use the information that they glean from test results to conduct their own research on the history and culture of the countries their ancestors called home.

· Exercise: Exercising together is a great way for families to promote their good health while having a good time. Traditional workouts with weights and time on a treadmill might be enjoyable for some families, while others might prefer to go for a hike, kayak in a nearby lake, take up jogging, or even play a favorite sport together.

Parents know raising a family can be expensive, but these are economical activities that families can enjoy together.