Big Fun for Big Families

I knew that having a large family meant it would cost a lot to raise our children – food, clothing, shelter, education.  Unfortunately I never really considered the cost of entertainingthem.  With five children, the cost of doing nearly anything fun together is prohibitive.  We don’t go to the movies ($50+), the zoo (roughly the same), or amusement parks (forgettaboutit).  Not unless we can find deals or free days, which even then are few and far between and usually include large crowds and large amounts of patience.

Last summer I was feeling particularly down about not being able to provide our kids with the rip-roaring quintessential “great times” it seems every American family is entitled to, so I ignored our bank balance and took all five kids to Rainforest Cafe for the first time.  We ate a mediocre lunch in a crowded restaurant that was so dark and so loud it scared the bejeepers out of my toddler.  All that for the mere price of $100.  Yes, after lunch and tip, my purse was $100 lighter – CRAZY!  I was so angry with myself, not just for spending money we didn’t have, but for being suckered into the idea that I just HAD to provide my kids with that experience.

And yet, I think that’s very normal – wanting to provide those Oooh and Ahhh moments.  I just don’t understand why so many companies make them nearly impossible for families like ours who – nevermind being larger than average – are living on a tight budget, which is something almost every family these days can identify with.

One of my hopes for 2010 is to find creative, resourceful ways to have big fun with our big family.  This is made all the more difficult by the fact that we live on one income, but I’m determined to make things happen.  One thing I’ve already done is register for Disney’s Give a Day, Get a Day program.  Basically, you register to volunteer with an approved organization in your area, fulfill a volunteer assignment, then get a free 1-day, 1 park ticket to Disneyland or DisneyWorld.  You can register up to 8 people in your household, from ages 6yo and up (though you have to check with the individual volunteer groups on their age requirements – most I saw were 10 or 12 and older).  This may be the only way our family ever gets to visit a Disney park, and I’m really hoping everything falls into place.

I must say, our kids have learned to be easily pleased by the simplest of things, and for that I am truly grateful.  But sometimes – just sometimes – I’d like to blow their socks off and give them a fun time beyond their expectation.  And I can safely say that does NOT include a return trip to Rainforest Cafe.

You might also enjoy these related posts from Tree, Root, and Twig:

1. My Interview for the “Mothers of Large Families” Series

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