Single Parent on Labor Day

4. Play dress up.
Flagirl also suggests: "If you've got girls of a certain age and some old dresses and purses and hats and stuff, let them play dress up and join in. Have a tea party with cookies and fruity tea. Set up a table with a pretty cloth in the living room and pretend you're in a fancy hotel. This was a real winner with with my stepdaughter."

5. Take a short vacation.
Divorce 360 single parenting expert Jodi Seidler, founder of makinglemonade.com, said: "As a single parent on a tight budget, there are three-day vacations you can create for yourself and make them memorable for your children. There are wonderful places to visit within your own state, which means less travel time and long distance expenses. You can also visit family for a reasonably priced vacation, especially if there are same-aged children close by for them to play with."
 
"I love traveling with another single parent family; I've taken many trips with another single mom and our sons -- which is a win-win for everyone and it helps to share expenses. Taking three-day cruises is a great vacation for everyone as well, cruise ships have tons of activities for children of all ages, and prices are cheap during certain time periods, add another single parent and their child along with you and you're ready for a great all-expenses-included vacation!"
 
6. Go camping.
Divorce360 community member Trisha9054 suggests: "Borrow a tent and camp out in the back yard for a night or two. No tvs, just books."
 
7. Find free events.
She also suggests: "Find things that are free in your local area and take them to those things that might be of interest to you as a family. Any craft fairs,  festivals, etc. The zoo is always good. But I don't know how expensive that could get. Try calling your chamber of commerce or read the local newspaper to see what is available in your area that is low cost."

Another good place to find help: Find free attractions around the U.S. at Free-Attractions.com.

8. Go for brunch.
Divorce360 community member Jackson says: "To get everyone up and out of the house, I like to go to a pancake place for brunch -- it's cheaper than eating out at lunch or dinner. Brunch is good cause you skip a meal. My kids love waffles/pancakes/etc. Afterwards, I throw 'em in a swimming pool for a few hours. I make Dad's special, amazing grilled cheese (ok, not really that amazing, I add Munster as my "super secret cheese") and watch a rented movie on TV. Everyone sleeps well that night (swimming helps!). Cost for family of five: $30 breakfast, $4 movie, $5 for grilled cheese and chips. $5 for suntan stuff. Total:  $44.