Fun and Frugal Family Night

Dinner and a movie with the kids? Not unless it's payday. Going out for a meal and a movie can run a family of four right up near the $100 mark. Here are some ideas for doing family time on a dime.

1. Got games?

Board games and cards develop strategic thinking and encourage interaction. Give prizes—like "Get out of room-cleaning free" or "Dad makes pancakes" coupons. Host another family for a night of kids versus parents or have the kids teach you a video game.

2. Dig for discounts.

Ask when local attractions drop their prices. Maybe Wednesdays are half off at the museum, while Tuesday nights you can buy one game, get one free at the bowling alley.

A weekly activity is a good way to meet other families with a common interest. Film-buff families can take in matinees, check out DVDs from the library, or join Netflix for a fee that's less than the price of one adult movie ticket.

3. Keep learning.

A family membership to the YMCA will cost you upfront but can pay off in the long run if you use it together for fitness classes, open swim and other activities. Or learn a language. Find a well-priced tutor (a French major at the local college, say). You and the kids can help each other practice between lessons.

4. What's cookin'?

Find out who's the Iron Chef in your house with a tasty night of competition in the kitchen. Pair little ones with an adult. Let older kids create their own concoctions. Try cookie decorating, pizza building, or an international night with food, music and a rented foreign film.

5. Reach out.

Check on family volunteering opportunities in your area (a park clean-up, for example) or create your own. How about walking a dog, running errands or raking leaves for an elderly neighbor? Ask the kids to exercise their imaginations!