BUDGET FAMILY FUN
Loose change can equal quality time, as ING money expert TIM NEWMAN explains
Take a ferry ride Rather than be one of the 11 per r cent of Australians who throw small coins away, save those cents and put them towards a family ferry ride. There’s plenty to see from the water! AVERAGE PRICE $30 for a family of four
Redecorate your kids’ rooms Organise a weekend to declutter and redecorate the children’s bedrooms. It’s a low-cost activity that’ll bring the family together, and keep the kids occupied! Grab some paint and add some budget-friendly furniture such as a storage unit from Kmart. AVERAGE PRICE $20 for paint and $25 for a bedroom storage unit
Take the kids out for a flipping good time If the kids are bouncing off the walls at home, why not head to a trampoline centre. Deal sites such as Groupon offer some great family vouchers for trampolining. While you’re checking out their deals, you’ll find other out-of-thebox activities at a low cost, too. AVERAGE PRICE $14 per person
Go camping in the backyard Forget about budgeting for petrol and site fees – create a personalised campground in your own backyard! All you need is some camping gear, marshmallows, snacks and board games, and you’re ready for a cheap and entertaining family night. AVERAGE PRICE $40 for the snacks and $0 for the old camping gear and board games!