Going Out to Events with the Kids

Should we stay or should we go? That was the big question running through my mind on the morning of our city’s annual cultural festival. The event my kids look forward to every single year.

As much as I wanted to pack everyone up and head out for a fun day together, I also knew that going out to events with kids usually means spending money we didn’t plan for. And since our family is focused on paying off debt and being intentional with our spending, I hesitated.

But then I reminded myself of something important. While our financial goals are a priority so is creating memories with our children. They won’t be little forever. And some experiences are worth more than the dollars spent. So, we decided to go. And I’m so glad we did.

Why We Chose to Go

Skipping the event would have been the easier and cheaper choice but there were several meaningful reasons why attending made sense for our family.

Food as a treat – Our family has been cutting back on takeaway food to save money so this event gave us the perfect excuse to indulge in some of our favorite dishes without feeling guilty. It was like a mini reward for sticking to our goals.

Cultural connection – This festival only happens once a year and it’s deeply tied to our culture. As parents, we want our kids to understand and appreciate their heritage. Events like these give them a chance to see, taste and experience traditions in a lively and memorable way.

Family tradition – For the past several years, attending this event has become our thing. It’s something the kids look forward to and we love building on those memories together.

Shared joy – The truth is, we all enjoy it. The food, the music, the dancing. It brings out the kid in all of us. There’s something really special about laughing together, trying new foods and just being present as a family.

Budget friendly entertainment – The best part? Entry is free! We could soak in the music, watch the entertainment and explore without spending a cent if we chose to.

Teaching the Kids About Money Along the Way

Of course, I didn’t want this to turn into a day of endless “Can I have this? Can I buy that?” So before we left, we had an honest conversation with the kids about the money side of things.

We explained that we hadn’t budgeted for this event ahead of time so if they wanted to buy food or candy, it would come from their own savings. To make it fair, we helped them set spending limits and gave them their budget in cash. What happened next was eye opening.

Instead of begging for everything they saw, the kids carefully checked prices, weighed their options and thought twice before spending. Watching them make their own choices and sometimes even say “No” to themselves was a proud parenting moment. Spending their own money made the experience completely different. It wasn’t just a family outing. It was a lesson in budgeting, value and making thoughtful choices.

How to Prepare for Going Out to Events With Kids

If you’re balancing financial goals with family fun, here are some of the strategies that worked for us.

Set a budget – Decide how much you’re willing to spend at the event. Share that number with your kids so everyone’s on the same page.
Talk it out first – Before you even leave the house, explain why you’ve set the budget and what it means. Kids are surprisingly good at understanding limits when you give them context.
Carry cash – Swiping a card makes it way too easy to overspend. Cash makes the budget real, visible and finite. If your kids are old enough, let them hold their own money. It’s a powerful way to teach independence.
Window shop first – Walk around, explore the stalls and look at all the options before buying. Encourage your kids not to spend all their money in the first 10 minutes.
Take your time – Events can feel overwhelming. Slow down, enjoy the music and let the kids really think about what they want before making their choices.
Capture memories – Snap photos, record little videos and soak up the atmosphere. Often the memories matter more than anything money can buy.
Be mindful with spending – Show your kids how to track their money as they spend it. Remind them that once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Have an exit plan – Decide ahead of time what happens when the money runs out. Maybe you keep enjoying the free entertainment or maybe that’s your cue to head home. Having a plan avoids the “Just one more thing” arguments.
Reflect together – On the way home, talk about what everyone enjoyed most and what they learned. This not only reinforces the fun but also helps your kids connect the dots between money choices and experiences.

Looking Back: Was it worth it?

Absolutely. The kids came home buzzing with excitement. Eager to tell their Dad who had to work all about the performances and the food they tried. They even proudly shared the little treats they brought for him.

Yes, we spent money we hadn’t planned for but we also created priceless memories and gave our kids valuable lessons about budgeting, gratitude and culture. And here’s the thing. Debt repayment and financial discipline are important but so is living your life along the way. Finding that balance is the real win.

Final Thoughts: Going Out to Events With Kids

If you’re trying to save money or pay off debt, it might feel like family outings are out of reach. But they don’t have to be. With a little planning, open conversations and some creativity. You can make events enjoyable without overspending. At the end of the day, going out to events with kids isn’t just about food or entertainment. It’s about:

Strengthening family bonds
Teaching real life money lessons
Honoring your culture and traditions
Creating moments your kids will remember for years

So next time you’re debating whether to stay home or go, ask yourself this, Will this event bring joy, connection and lessons worth more than the dollars spent? For us, the answer was Yes. And I wouldn’t trade that day for anything.