Quality Family Time On a Budget, By Hannah Keeley

Family Time - Families are tightening their budgets, and for many this means fewer activities outside of the home. With less dining out, movie outings, sports games or even summer camp, there's no better time for budget-conscious moms and dads to really connect and spend quality time with their kids.

Start At Home - One of your biggest monthly investments is your family home, so why not get your money's worth? If your kids don't think staying home is cool, here's your opportunity to get creative.

Establish a weekly game night - There's no need to buy new games. Simply ask other parents if they have games that you can borrow.

Subscribe to a home movie rental service - Let the kids add their favorite movie to the queue as a reward for an accomplishment.

Dining in Style - With the kids out of school and longer days, there is no better time for the family to be together than at dinnertime.

Keep the meal simple - This way the family can prepare it together. I like to use affordable canned vegetables, like Libby's, in recipes and as side dishes because they are delicious and easy to prepare.

Dine Out - Dine outside at least once a week. It doesn't matter if you have a patio or you do it picnic style.

Get Out of Town - You don't have to give up the precious memories created during annual summer vacations. While theme parks and tropical escapes may be the gold standard of summer retreats, there are a lot of great locales closer to home.

Road Trips - Look for locations three to four hours away to save on airfare, and make it a road trip. Try camping. Once a popular option, many young families are getting back into the adventurous spirit of camping.