A home entertainment system is going to cost more upfront, but in the long run you may save money. Other ideas to help entertain your family at home are: sleep-over movie or concert night. Move all your mattresses and blankets into the family room, get the popcorn and enjoy.

Try backward day. Have breakfast for dinner or put your clothes on backward. Conduct a treasure hunt. Make a list of items the kids can find at home. The first person to find everything on the lists get a bonus.

Hold a family Olympics. It won't cost you a thing to come up with events like the crab walk and water balloon toss. Finally, have a theme dinner night. Make spaghetti, put on some Italian music and share fun facts about Italy at the table.

These are simple suggestions that won't break the bank, yet some parents say the family fun is priceless.