When Barb Schwarz created concept of preparing a house for sale, she called it Home Staging® because of similarities it has with setting a movie stage. Imagine you are setting stage for your home's movie debut. Be director of a best seller. Before your cameraman sets up, make sure your stage is set. Remove clutter, put out your best towels and bedding, turn on all lights, draw up curtains and then let cameras roll, preserving image for all to see over World Wide Web.

Of course re-shooting, not only, takes extra time and money, but you may not be able to regain interest of those who have already passed listing by. If your house isn't quite ready for its debut, I strongly advise waiting until it is before shouting action.

Staging® is a Federally Registered Trademark of StagedHomes.com

Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) is a Trademark of StagedHomes.com

I prefer not to use these for family night since my oldest daughter likes to go to rink on “teen night” The rink socks it to them at $6 an entry. They know where money is! This is a social event that many teens in area just can’t miss! This way she can get in free if she goes with a paying friend. Sometimes, just to be fair, we share savings with her friends and each of them only has to pay $3. This way she doesn’t feel like she’s taking advantage of anyone.

Bowling: this can be a great low cost avenue for FUN if you don’t get carried away. Usually you have to pay by game, per person. So set your limits and have fun. Most lanes have bumper guards now that prevent little ones from excessive “gutter ball blues” It helps put fun back in it for very young children. A great feature. Even for fumbling adult. Who am I kidding, I love those bumper guards! Most alleys have a discount night. So, try to plan your activities so you can enjoy benefits of discounts.

Just a Note: Both of above businesses usually offer birthday party rates as well. If you’re not into planning your own party at home (by far most economical way) then consider checking out party packages.

Cookouts and Picnics: Cookouts don’t have to be for special occasions. We have several wonderful parks in our area that sport wonderful playgrounds and scenic walking or biking trails. So take boredom out of lunch one Saturday or Sunday afternoon and throw together a cookout or picnic at your local park. My kids just need to get out of house sometimes. They don’t really care where they go, as long as they go somewhere!

As I mention on my Family Entertainment page (www.simpledebtfreeliving.com/family-entertainment.html) , parks are a great resource for free fun! The internet is a great resource for finding new, different, and exciting parks in your area. Just do a simple search and you will probably be amazed at numerous parks within driving distance from your home. So keep it interesting and travel a little bit to get to exciting new places!

An extra bonus . . . . You will be making great memories for your kids!:)

Museums and Historical Landmarks: Don’t think you have any near you? Bet Ya’ do! Why even in far out sticks of nowhere you might be surprised to find a museum within a reasonable distance. I am blessed to live in a highly cultural area between Washington DC and Baltimore. So museums, tourists attractions, and historic landmarks (yes many of them Free) are abundant.

But, no matter where you live, do a little research (yes, again) and I’ll bet you’ll find some interesting attraction or museum convenient to your home. If in a rare case you don’t, then plan to visit an area on a weekend trip where you can enjoy these types of historic attractions.

This is a great way interact with your kids. It’s fun, educational, and provides an opportunity for conversation (Now that’s something those teens don’t offer up much). Choose games that everyone enjoys and is capable of doing. Games that suit family’s entire age span are always more fun. And, there are many out there.

If you have a large family with some large age differences, you can opt to have two game nights so you can include games suited for younger children that older ones might get bored with. Of course, always provide option for older ones to be included. Sometimes, believe it or not, they just enjoy quality time with parents and siblings. :)

Well, that should keep you busy for now! And Remember, it doesn't have to cost alot to be alot of FUN!