Although businesses and schools across the nation are reopening, there’s no denying that the coronavirus pandemic is still a major risk. Whether your family is savoring these last days of summer or classes are already back in session, it’s important to find safe ways to spend time together and hold onto those moments of joy amidst the chaos. And, of course, since many Americans are being forced to tighten their purse strings during this period of economic downturn, you’ll need to find forms of entertainment that won’t cost much. We’re sharing three affordable and safe options your family can easily enjoy during COVID-19.
Swap Out Cable For Streaming Services
Many families have already cut the cable, so to speak, in order to save money and even access better quality entertainment options. Instead of paying an average of over $200 each month for cable (according to a recently report from Decision Data), you can pick a few services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and Hulu while still paying a fraction of the cost. And while the managed IT services market was expected to reach $170 billion last year, you won’t have to worry too much about technical issues. As long as you already have a solid internet connection, you might as well get most of your TV entertainment with streaming instead of devoting a large portion of your budget to a cable service.
Here are some deals you can get right now!
These are not coronovirus-specific deals, but are good deals if you want more TV options or want to cancel cable and try streaming instead!
Disney+ – Disney+ is FREE (basic plan) with Verizon Unlimited. Otherwise, Disney+ is $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. You get a free 7-day trial when you sign up via this link. “The best stories in the world, all in one place.” Frozen 2 is now included in the Disney+ library.
Disney+ with Hulu & ESPN – Bundle the three together for $12.99 a month and save 25%.
Hulu – You can get FREE Hulu (basic) if you have a Sprint Unlimited Plan. Otherwise, Hulu is $5.99/month with ads, or $11.99/month without ads. Hulu offers unlimited instant streaming of current and classic TV shows and hit movies. You can watch current season episodes of select top shows like Family Guy, This Is Us, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Good Doctor.
Amazon Prime Video – You’ll need a Fire TV stick and a Prime subscription, which is $12.99 a year or $119.00 a year, but you get many benefits including many movies and shows. If you’re an EBT or Medicaid cardholder, you can get Amazon Prime for $5.99 a month.
Netflix – Try 30 days free.
Go to a Drive-In Movie
Traditional movie theaters remain closed in most places due to the threat of COVID-19 transmission, but that doesn’t mean you can’t watch a film on the big screen! Drive-in movies are seeing a real resurgence during the pandemic, as they allow for social distancing and other health considerations while still allowing larger groups of people to safely gather. From independently run drive-ins to city-sanctioned and corporate-sponsored events, you can enjoy a contactless entertainment experience in your area for a low cost (or sometimes for free). Depending on what’s playing, you might be introduced to a live-action classic or a new animated favorite — which will likely feature staging, one of the 12 basic principles of animation. Show up early, bring your own food, and enjoy the show.
Have a Board Game Night
If you feel like your family could use with a bit of a break from screentime, you aren’t alone. We were already reliant on our phones and other devices, but the pandemic has taken things to a whole new level. Even if you aren’t worried about an increase in internet crime (which involves online means used to communicate fraudulent or false representations to consumers), your eyes might be strained and your mood might be soured from endless scrolling. Make a pact with your loved ones to put away your smartphones and have an old fashioned game night at home. Take turns selecting the game and teaching your little ones how to play. You can even turn it into an event with homemade pizzas, prizes, and celebratory dance parties. By making this new tradition, you’ll have something to look forward to every week even if you still need to shelter in place.
Here are some ideas!
While some other forms of entertainment are still too risky, that doesn’t mean your family has to reside themselves to boredom. With these tips in mind, you can save money while staying safe and completely amused.
For more ideas:
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)