Time together is the best investment you can make in the family. The best thing about family outings is that they don’t have to cost a fortune to be fun for everyone.

1. Hit the skating rink – but try to avoid doing it literally. For just $5 a person we can skate at our local rink for the whole day. We have to add in some money for food because we can’t bring our own, but it’s a great time for the whole family (we range from 3 to 42), it’s good exercise and it’s a perfect rainy day adventure.

2. Movie memberships – Blockbuster offers a great rewards program so that we can rent one new release movie and get one favorite for free. A couple of these deals and we are set for a great rainy day weekend or just a couple of family movie nights. For the best deal, check out a movie at the local library.

3. Take a hike – getting out and enjoying some fresh air is a fun way for the whole family to get some exercise and spend time together. Add some intrigue to the outing by looking up some letterboxing or geocaching locations (and make the hike a treasure hunt).

Family time doesn’t have to cost much to make memories that will last. Put some ideas into a jar and let your children take turns picking out a family adventure.