High Cost of Family Fun – Are moms and families getting “priced out” of the fun places to go in Metro Detroit? Is affordable family fun in Oakland County and Metro Detroit becoming harder and harder to come by?
High Cost of Family Fun
It seems like the economy in Michigan is finally starting to rebound. Our home values, for one instance, in Metro Detroit are really starting to come around. I almost have PTSD flashbacks when I reflect back to how bad the economic situation was around here in 2008. But, I can’t help but feel that as the economy improves, the prices of what used to be “affordable family fun” have risen exponentially. I know that the prices for me to take my family of 4 to an event or out to dinner is heckuva lot more expensive than it used to be – even a few years ago.
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS BLOG ENTRIES
I know everyone’s definition of “affordable” is relative and subjective. I know a lot of OCM readers that wouldn’t bat an eye at the prospect of dropping $300-$500 to take the family to a Red Wings game and I know a lot of OCM readers where taking the family to the movies presents a major family budget challenge. Sadly, there are too many where free is the only affordable in today’s economy.
One of the facets I enjoy most about Oakland County Moms is the contest page. I’d say 95 percent of our contests are designed to give away tickets to an event, place, or experience that many families around wouldn’t normally get to attend or experience because of family budget concerns. I get so many grateful emails from our winners who tell us how appreciative they are because affordable family fun is scarce.
Operating Oakland County Moms for 13 years has given me a unique pulse as to what might cross a line. I find that if my gut instinct toward a new venue or event screams “Whoa! too pricey,” all too often OCM readers are feeling the same thing – and they’re not shy about expressing it for me :). At OCM, we try hard to reach out and partner with businesses that offer affordable fun for the local families in hopes to bring everyone reasonable options.
Now that the economy around our state is improving somewhat, I hope the owners of family friendly establishments in our area realize the last demographic that will actually feel comfortable spending again is the moms and family demo. There is a high cost of family fun element that many new business owners seem oblivious too just because we live in Oakland County
