What We Spent on Kid Activities This Weekend!

#moneyhabits #lemon8challenge

This weekend was all about getting out of the house with our kid as the weather was really good and we wanted to enjoy without overspending.

We did a library visit and a holiday light show for free, then spent $35 at an indoor play park.

We also grabbed food along the way and some ice cream treat for a total of $50.

Writing it out like this helps me see how a mix of free and paid activities actually balances out.

#budgetfriendlyactivities #kidsactivity #spending

Illinois

Illinois
2025/12/21 Edited to

... Read morePlanning kid-friendly weekend activities can be a rewarding challenge, especially when trying to manage expenses wisely. Taking advantage of free local resources such as library visits and holiday light shows offers great entertainment without impacting your budget. Libraries not only provide a quiet place to read and engage with interactive events, but they also often host story times and crafts for children at no cost. Additionally, attending community holiday light shows can create memorable experiences for kids, fostering a festive spirit without the need to spend money. Incorporating these free activities with occasional paid outings, like visiting an indoor play park, creates a balanced approach that keeps children engaged without overspending. Spending $35 on an indoor play park offers a safe and stimulating environment where kids can play and socialize, promoting physical activity even during less favorable weather. Food and snacks, including irresistible ice cream treats totaling $50, add a nice touch to the day, though keeping this cost moderate helps maintain the overall budget. By mixing free experiences with select paid activities, parents can craft fun, varied weekends that nurture family bonding and children's development while staying within budget. Tracking and reflecting on your spending, as shown here, assists in making mindful decisions for future outings. Sharing these insights with other parents encourages community-wide budget-friendly enjoyment and highlights creative ways to celebrate family time in Illinois and beyond.

Related posts

A laptop displaying a document, surrounded by handwritten notes and books, with the overlaid text 'Premed Extracurricular activities'.
A list of various extracurricular activity categories for premed applications, including Artistic Endeavors, Community Service, Hobbies, and Physician Shadowing.
Text outlining guidelines for medical school applications, emphasizing significant experiences, chronological order, and identifying up to three 'most meaningful' experiences with additional character space.
Premed Extracurricular activities
#premed #womeninmedicine #Activities #AMCAS
Future Dr. 🥼🩺

Future Dr. 🥼🩺

414 likes

A list titled '50 Things To Do With Your Kids Indoors' featuring various activities like building a fort, board games, treasure hunts, baking, dance parties, reading, and crafts, presented in a two-column format with numbered items.
A colorful graphic titled 'FUN INDOOR Activities for Kids' listing 60 ideas such as making playdough, writing stories, doing puzzles, baking cakes, and building forts, accompanied by playful illustrations of craft supplies and a potion bottle.
An educational poster titled 'KIDS YOGA' displaying 16 different yoga poses, including Tree Pose, Camel Pose, Warrior Pose, and Down Dog Pose, each demonstrated by a cartoon child in a clear, illustrative manner.
More kid activities
I see everyone loved the online kids friendly games, here’s more kids games. Indoor Kid friendly activities #Lemon8Diary #kidsactivities #kidsindoor #fyp #explorepage✨ #shareyourthoughts #Activities #kidscrafts
Spiritual.Junkie

Spiritual.Junkie

3110 likes

A cover image features a blurred couple in a field of tall grass, with a central beige box overlay stating "18 IDEAS for RELATIONSHIP FUN CHECKLIST." The Lemon8 logo and username are visible.
Try These Activities With Your Partner
#lemon8partner #Lemon8 #Lemon8Diary #relationship #relationshipadvice #coupleideas #relationshiptips
Better Me

Better Me

260 likes

A woman sits at an outdoor restaurant table with text overlays "I LIVED IN ITALY for free", "HOW I DID IT", and "HOW MUCH I SPENT", inviting viewers to swipe for details on her experience volunteering in Italy.
A woman sweeps a floor in a hostel room, illustrating her volunteer work. Text explains she volunteered for 3 months, receiving free accommodation and meals for 25 hours of work per week, including cleaning and reception duties.
A table set with plates of pasta and drinks, detailing the monthly expenses for living in Italy. Text explains money was spent on leisure, exploring, and toiletries, with a breakdown of train tickets, dining out, and toiletries costs.
How I lived in Italy for free and what I spent 🇮🇹
Here’s how I did it ⬇️ I volunteered in a hostel for 3 months! I received completely free accommodation and 3 meals per day in exchange for 25 hours of work per week with 2 days off. I found the opportunity through Worldpackers. 🌍 My tasks ranged from cleaning the rooms, reception, helping w
Sarah Close

Sarah Close

753 likes

NYC Weekend Activities🗽on a BUDGET
We all know that New York city can be one of the most expensive tourist destinations, as a local I thought I’d share some of my favorite inexpensive NYC weekend activities! (That won’t empty your pockets) 🏢💰 - Check out the Staten Island Ferry! The service is 100% FREE - This is also one of
francishilton 🍋

francishilton 🍋

1090 likes

A woman stands in a multi-level library with bookshelves, with text overlay asking "How much $$$ You need for a week in Seoul 🇰🇷" and indicating to swipe for flight, hotel, and activity costs.
What I spent for a week in Seoul 🇰🇷
If your looking to budget your next trip and it just so happens to be South Korea, I got you 😉 Comment 🇰🇷 for a 7 Day itinerary! Flight $800-$1500 ✈️ No, I have seen flights go as low as $730 this past summer all the way up to two to $3000 depending on the seat in the airline. The best tip
LaRiah Glasper

LaRiah Glasper

1411 likes

4th of July activities 🇺🇸🎨
Can you guys believe we are a week away from July ? 😭 where did June go? 😕 Anyways, let’s get crafty with our kiddos this upcoming holiday ( 4th of July) 🥰🎨 Here are a few ideas I found, there’s so many cute ones. I already got my 2 favorite that I will be making with my kids. #toddlercrafti
Vianey Chavez 🫶🏼

Vianey Chavez 🫶🏼

83 likes

No spend activities for students this June! 🍋
I reviewed my May expenses and honestly, it's not good. I've spent quite a bit on stuff that I don't really need, so I figured I'll share some no-spend activities that we can do this June. These activities can provide entertainment, learning, and social interaction without requi
teal.days

teal.days

1383 likes

Weekend Activities: Savory or Sweet Grits?
Salt or sugar on your grits? What’s your preference? Grits are so good and comforting and a great way to gather family around. I love grits for breakfast. TBH, I love and can eat grits any time of day. Grits go with eggs and bacon and seafood or chicken. The dish pairs well with anything. Ch
FleurishwithZ

FleurishwithZ

1309 likes

The entrance to Luna Park in Coney Island, featuring a large smiling face sign and roller coaster tracks, with text overlay announcing "5 ACTIVITIES UNDER $10 TO DO IN NYC RIGHT NOW."
A view of the "Tom's Coney Island" building and part of the Luna Park entrance, with a roller coaster in the background. Text describes Luna Park's Halloween Harvest Fest and free admission.
An interior shot of a dine-in theater showing shelves of snacks and a "MOVIE NIGHT" sign. Text highlights "Wicked Wednesdays" at Look Dine-In Cinemas with $6 tickets.
Cheap NYC: 5 Activities Under $10 to Do Right Now
🗽One of my favorite things about New York is that no matter your financial status, there will always be something for you to do that fits your budget. 💸 So I wanted to share 5 cool things you can do in the city right now, all under $10 (per person). 1. Visit Luna Park in Coney Island 2.
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

608 likes

do these activities for an amazing fall season!
I love love love fall. I was born in October so maybe that’s why but I just adore this time of year. you still get to enjoy the warmth of the sun but the air is crisp and the vibes are so cozy. magic! I am going to need to make a part 2 of this because once I got started, I realized I have so mu
allison wetig

allison wetig

21 likes

A vibrant image featuring a green field with white daisies. Overlayed text reads 'Spring Activities' and '50 WEEKEND ACTIVITIES', with a pink banner stating 'Things to do during the weekend to enjoy spring 2024 - on a budget'. The bottom includes 'lemon8 @inesblond' and '#WEEKENDACTIVITIES'.
Against a backdrop of a green field with white daisies, a white box lists spring weekend activities 1-10. These include going for brunch, creating a spring playlist, buying flowers, visiting a farmers market, growing a plant, making a smoothie, organizing a picnic, getting breakfast and iced coffee, visiting a new park, and reading a book outside.
Set against a green field with white daisies, a white box displays spring weekend activities 11-20. The list includes watching a sunrise or sunset, washing a car, visiting a farm, walking barefoot in grass, attending a game, bike riding, visiting a flower field, attending an outdoor concert, making jam, and going on a hike.
50 WEEKEND ACTIVITIES ON A BUDGET
I am the kinda person that always want to get the best out of every season and do as many activities even when I am on a budget. Honestly I just want to make memories and have amazing time with my loved ones, and because I am sure you would love have some ideas I made this list of things you can
Ines blond

Ines blond

55 likes

An evening view of the Griffith Observatory overlooking the Los Angeles cityscape, with the text 'Los Angeles Cheap Things to Do' overlaid, serving as a guide cover.
A group of people practicing yoga outdoors on blue mats in a grassy, tree-shaded area, illustrating 'Runyon Canyon Yoga' as a donation-based activity.
A vibrant outdoor flea market scene with numerous stalls selling various items like clothing and art, bustling with shoppers, representing the 'Melrose Trading Post'.
LOS ANGELES GUIDE INCLUDING FREE ACTIVITIES 🌴🚲🎡
Runyon Canyon Yoga: Every morning at 10:30am in a quiet grassy nook near the popular hiking trail Cost: donation based Melrose Trading Post : Flea market every Sunday selling everything from clothing and jewelry to food, art, and furniture Cost: $5 admission fee Griffith Observatory
Lex in the City

Lex in the City

445 likes

ACTIVITIES TO DO FOR ANXIETY RELIEF 🌿
Here are some anti-anxiety activities Social media detox: reduce time spent on social media or detox for a few days Deep breathing exercises ~ take slow, deep breaths throughout the day Outdoor walks ~ spend 20-30 minutes walking Yoga ~ attend a yoga class or hot yoga to relief anxiety and st
Cleo Natalie

Cleo Natalie

108 likes

Halloween Activities to do with your Kids 🎃👻
Here are some fun activities and craft ideas to do with your kids this fall! 🎃 I can’t wait to try them!! #halloween #fallactivities #fallcrafts #halloweenactivities #halloweencrafts #kidcrafts #craftideas
Shaylee Kay

Shaylee Kay

270 likes

A night view of a grand, illuminated building in Washington D.C., possibly a government building, with a flowering tree and a fence in the foreground. The image introduces a guide to Washington D.C. activities.
A collage featuring the exterior of Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips at The Wharf, a close-up of fish and 'dirty' fries, and two people outside. The restaurant serves fish, chicken, and shrimp, rated 10/10.
A collage showcasing The Wharf's waterfront and a donut from District Donut, alongside the historic Eastern Market in Capitol Hill. It highlights shopping, dining, and artisanal crafts.
Ultimate DC Bucket List: 9 MUST Do Activities!🇺🇸✨
Planning a trip to the U.S. capital? Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do, eat, and see in Washington, D.C.! 💫 1. Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips 📍 Location: The Wharf 🍽️ Menu Highlights: • Fish, chicken, shrimp • Dirty Fries: Loaded with cheese, jalapeños,
Anna🫶🏼

Anna🫶🏼

123 likes

SCREEN-FREE ACTIVITIES FOR 1 YEAR OLDS (pt 1)
Trying to keep up with these tiny humans can be tough sometimes! They have so much energy, non-stop running, jumping, playing, walking! But, at some point they get tired of doing the same thing over and over! Here is an activity that my 1 year old loves!! It’s also a great developmental activit
Kelly Cardoso

Kelly Cardoso

368 likes

A young woman sits on a green leather couch, holding a drink, with text overlay indicating she is sharing babysitting activities as an aspiring elementary teacher.
Children's hands are seen coloring 'Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt' worksheets on a wooden picnic table, with markers nearby, illustrating an outdoor activity.
Several rocks are painted to resemble colorful fruits, including an orange slice, kiwi, strawberry, and watermelon, showcasing a rock painting activity.
Babysitting activities!
This summer, I took on the roll of a babysitter! I currently babysit for a family of FIVE kids. They all range from infant- around 6/7 years old. These activities were for the older kids of the group and they LOVED each one! Each activity is an outdoor activity which not only gives them fresh air a
Denae Huisa

Denae Huisa

212 likes

An illustration of Goddess Aphrodite emerging from the sea on a large seashell, holding a pink rose. She wears a flowing white gown with long hair, set against a sunset ocean and rocky coast. Text reads "Goddess Aphrodite How I Spent My Venus Day".
♡ 𝔳𝔢𝔫𝔲𝔰 𝔡𝔞𝔶 ♡ (𝔥𝔬𝔴 𝔦 𝔰𝔭𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔦𝔱)
𝚑𝚒 𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚕, 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚞𝚜 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜 ♡ 𝚒 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚒 𝚍𝚘 𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚗 𝙰𝚙𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚟𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚍𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚘. 𝚒 𝚍𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚍𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚏𝚏 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚋𝚒𝚐 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜, 𝚍𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝚒 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚊𝚕𝚜𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚑𝚘
✰𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖙 𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖑✰

✰𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖙 𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖑✰

29 likes

Weekend Activities: Family Breakfast
Nothing like a big family breakfast on the weekend. It’s a tradition and I strive to do this every weekend. So good, comforting and a great way to gather family around. Check out this video and tutorial of me making homemade biscuits for breakfast. Watch until the end because that’s where the recip
FleurishwithZ

FleurishwithZ

2335 likes

A vibrant kitchen with disco balls and a neon sign, featuring stand mixers on a counter. The image introduces "Unique NYC Experiences: FOODIE EDITION."
A close-up shows hands piping filling onto green macaron shells, illustrating a macaron/croissant baking class at Mille-Feuille Bakery in Greenwich Village, taught by a French chef.
This image displays various cheeses, crackers, and dough on a floured surface, with a hand holding a piece of dough. It highlights Murray's Cheese classes in West Village.
FUN NYC ACTIVITIES FOR FOODIES 🥐🧁🍕
🥐 Macaron or Croissant Making Mille-Feuille Bakery in Greenwich Village offers 2 hour pastry baking classes on Saturdays and Sundays led by a French born chef. You can choose a macaron class or croissant class which includes the preparation, baking, and learning the history and theory of pastri
Lex in the City

Lex in the City

924 likes

Summer Time Activities for After Work
we all have 168 hours in our week. a third of those are spent working/commuting (if you’re lucky), a third of the are spent sleeping. leaving us around 68 hours to eat, shower, and take care of our bodies and homes. 68 hours sounds like a lot, but the average person spends 4 and a half hours on
staci york 💛🍋

staci york 💛🍋

238 likes

Miami Weekend Activities 🚆 Brightline Train
Skip the drive or the flight and experience the luxury of high speed train travel! Brightline’s trains run multiple times a day between Miami and Orlando — with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. If you’re starting in Miami, take the Brightline up to Orlando
brittany

brittany

227 likes

How Much I Spent Bi-Weekly As A 22 Year Old in FL
Here’s a brief breakdown of my bi-weekly spending. Being post-grad for the first time is a rude awakening. In college I spent money whenever I wanted without thinking my—and most of the time the money wasn’t mine, so it wasn’t as important to me. But now with my own salary, it’s been crucial to wri
Rachel Furlong

Rachel Furlong

161 likes

Creative and fun weekend activities on a budget?
Doing fun things at the weekend may cost a lot. Apart from the obvious things like going for a walk, or a bike ride. What fun things have you done in the past that don’t cost a lot? #lemon8tainment #letschat
Lemon8tainment

Lemon8tainment

107 likes

10 MUST-DO Fall Activities in NYC 🍂🗽
We’re almost a month away from the official start of fall, and I don't know about you, BUT I AM SO EXCITED! If I could choose the best place to see and experience fall, I would always say New York . The city becomes magical - the leaves changing, the colors of everything… it’s just PERFECT.
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

73 likes

A WEEKEND IN DESTIN, FL 🌴🍋
Spent the best weekend in Destin! Perfect getaway for a girls trip. 🌊 Harbor Walk Hangs: Ate delicious food and had so much fun with all the activities at Harbor Walk! Seriously, so much fun stuff to do! 🏖️ Miramar Beach Bliss: Yeah, parking was a bit of a hassle, but once I hit the sand, it
lali 🤍

lali 🤍

45 likes

A Magical Weekend in Big Bend National Park✨
This past weekend, my husband and I escaped to the enchanting Big Bend National Park and it was nothing short of magical. 🌌✨ We started our adventure with a hike along the stunning Santa Elena Canyon Trail. The towering cliffs and the serene Rio Grande made it feel like we were in a different wo
DestinyK

DestinyK

18 likes

Screen-free activities (pt 2)
Here’s another screen-free activity that you can do with your little one! You’re going to need: Construction paper Wall-safe tape Paintbrushes A cup of water & towels! Start off by choosing 6 colorful construction papers! You’re going to make two rows, place the paper on top of
Kelly Cardoso

Kelly Cardoso

823 likes

Fun 4Th Of july activities
These are the perfect summer 4th of July activities!! #fourthofjulyweekend #july4th #funsummer #summertime fun #funsummerideas #fourthofjuly
ellie!!💐

ellie!!💐

962 likes

Toddler activities
Now that Belen is a toddler, she loves to be hands on. I’ve been having fun finding new activities to do with her everyday & she loves it. My days are spent with her 24/7 so will be sharing more of these. Do you guys like this type of content?? 🎨🩷🧡🩵💚 #sahm #toddlermom #toddleractivities
Lidia Lawton

Lidia Lawton

121 likes

Weekend Activities : Discover Key West ✨️
Hi, lemons! Time for fun in the sun!Welcome to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, where the sun shines brighter, the beaches beckon with their soft white sands, and the laid-back atmosphere invites you to relax and unwind. This tropical paradise is not just a destina
Lifestyle Babe

Lifestyle Babe

13 likes

My non traditional premed activities
It was my experience that having unique activities on your application among your other normal premed activities highlights you as an individual & gives the admission committee good things to ask about in interviews. Yes I had research, clinical hours, and volunteering but a lot of my applicati
Becca Watson

Becca Watson

8 likes

3 Dinosaur Sensory Activities
🦕 DINO-mite fun for little explorers! 🦖 Set up these easy dinosaur activity bins to keep your kids entertained and learning through play! From fossil digs to dino rescue missions, we’ve rounded up our favorite ideas (printables included!) in this blog post 👉 link in bio. 🥚 jello eggs 🥚 fizzi
Chels • Kids Activities & Play

Chels • Kids Activities & Play

28 likes

how much i spent this weekend on one income
this weekend was a slower but busy one. my husband went hunting Saturday while the kids and i did some trick or treating and came home to watch movies. spent $31.68 at walmart took out $200 in cash and spend $46 at the bent n dent on some odds and ends. sunday was spent running errands, gra
•Lauren• SAHM 🌙 ☀️

•Lauren• SAHM 🌙 ☀️

9 likes

Do a no-spend weekend savings challenge with me!
Do you need to save a little extra cash? A weekend savings challenge is a perfect way to do so. A no spend challenge is where for the time period you specify, you do not buy any ones but only spend money on your needs. That means no entertainment like concerts or going out with friends or eating
Kylie 💸🫶🏻

Kylie 💸🫶🏻

27 likes

Miami Weekend Activities 💗📍 SAVE POST 🚨
Hi babes, this is part 1. Me and my boyfriend like to try new things around here in Miami so here is a list of a few things to do here in Miami if you live here or are traveling here 💗 1. Butterfly Garden - 📍 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden ❤️ This place is huge, it’s really beautiful and t
krissy ❀࿐

krissy ❀࿐

86 likes

An aerial view of a tennis court with palm trees and a road, featuring the overlaid text 'Free date Ideas Pt. 2 (Outdoor edition)', suggesting outdoor activities.
A scenic golf course with a green, a sand trap, and a yellow flag, accompanied by a search bar displaying 'Golf' as an outdoor activity idea.
A blurred image of two people holding hands and walking on a paved surface, with a search bar showing 'City walks' as an outdoor activity.
Fun Outside Activities To Do When You're Bored
If you're anything like me, you can’t think of one thing to do once boredom hits. To combat that, I figured my best bet was to go ahead and write some down to look back on during those times of indecision. Golfing- whether you go out and plan an actual game of golf, or just go out to wack s
Meagan🌷

Meagan🌷

131 likes

See more