These days, with spiraling prices and layoffs, it seems that everyone is on a budget. To some, this is a way of life and has been for as long as they can remember. For many, this is a new situation and are at a loss as what to do.

If you fall into this later group, don’t despair. Living on a budget doesn’t mean that your life is over. Look at your situation as a challenge and an opportunity to learn new things. Learning how to keep your kids entertained is one of the things you will learn and it’s not that hard.

Many parents make the mistake of thinking that they need to supply their kids with "things" that take money. They work and work to provide these "things" stressing themselves out about it when the funny thing is that "thing" was right in front of them the whole time.

The "thing" that your children want most is your time. Nothing you buy at a store can compare to this. So while your children are still young, take the opportunity to spend time with them talking and getting to know them.

Fortunately for you, spending time doesn’t cost anything so it’s a great thing to start when on a budget. Here are some fun cheap things to do with your kids that cost little or nothing.

Local Fun - Check your local newspaper for listings of events in your city and surrounding areas.

Rainy Day Fun - Put aside a few toys and activities that you only get out on rainy days. This way your kids won’t say, "I’m bored with that!" or "We’ve done that a million times!"

Some ideas are dress up, makeovers, building tent cities, coloring, card and board games.

Parties - You don’t have to have a big blowout. Let your kids invite a few friends over to play. Fix one special treat and maybe a game or two and you have a party.

Crafts - All kids love to make things. Visit different sites online for plenty of ideas. If you want, you can get extra creative and tie the craft to something your kids are learning in school for extra learning reinforcement.

Cooking - There are many sites online that have recipes for kids to make and instructions for teaching your children to cook. Who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire one of the kids to take over cooking duties.

Outdoor Fun

Vacation Fun - Yes, you can still take vacations on a budget. You just need to make some different choices.

Check around and see if friends or family members have a vacation home or cabin somewhere relatively close.

Vacation with another family and split the costs.

Take advantage of nearby vacation spots in your city or state.

You see? With just a little creativity, there is still plenty to do and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Just remember that the most important thing is the time you spend with your kids - priceless.