Family Fun on the Cheap

I'm always looking for fun things to do with my kids! Sometimes being on a tight budget makes that a little hard to do! With dance lessons, music lesson, swim lessons, and so on...many ask: where in the world in do I squeeze more "fun activities" into the budget? Also, with the economy as it is right now, many are cutting back on the luxurious family vacations this summer...many are keeping it close to home. I know we are! We're staying close to home...keeping our daily activity 'pool side' this summer! So, if you're doing the same...here are some great tips for some free (or cheap) local ideas to do with the kids...a little closer to home this summer.

A.C. Moore is having FREE 'Make & Take' Kids Art and Activity Classes every Wednesday in July and August from 3-5 p.m. Click HERE for more info about it and click HERE for the Make & Take Summer Schedule....print it out and put it on the fridge!


Regal Entertainment Group is having their FREE Family Film Festival going on again this summer! Each Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., your local Regal Cinema will be playing family friendly movies...for FREE! It's a great way to get the little ones out of the house to see a fun movie on the big screen...bring some snacks (or a little extra money for some popcorn)...it's super family friendly! Click HERE to find out if your local Regal Cinema location is participating.


Visit or Call your local library to see if they have a summer reading program or class for kids! It's another spectacular way to get your kids reading...or listening to great books...even when school's out!

On another "reading" note...Barnes & Noble has a Summer Reading Program for kids (Grades 1-6) where they can earn a free book if they read 8 books this summer! Click HERE to find out more details about that program.

Look up your local Zoo, Aquarium or Museum - many times they slash prices on certain days or even have a free day or two in the summer! Or if you're lucky enough...you just may have a free zoo in your area! Also...another great way to get in 'on the cheap' is to have a group going together. Get a few of your fave mommy friends and their little kiddos together...many times groups of 10-20 get in at significantly discounted prices! And don't forget to carpool so the parking is cheap too!

If you're a Bank of America customer, you can get into local museums, zoos, science centers, botanical gardens and more for FREE this year! Each Bank of America customer can get free general admission to participating places on the first full weekend of each month...all you have to do is present your Bank of America card! Check out their 'Museums on Us' program HERE to see what places are participating in your area.

Also, make sure you check with local the Park and Recreation Department in your area! Many offer free or discounted community activities. Many Park and Rec Depts. also have resources to get you Theme Park and Water Park tickets at discounted rates. They are also the great "go to" people to find out what's going on in your area (such as where the best fireworks show is in your area on the 4th of July)!

And finally, if you just want to spend more quality time with your children at home and they love to craft (I know mine do!) - then check out these great websites & blogs...you'll be filled with plenty of ideas to spark the kiddies' imaginations!

Kaboose
The Crafty Crow
Kids Craft Weekly
Family Fun
Scrumdilly-do
Creative Kids Crafts
The Artful Parent
Amazing Moms
Make and Takes

Enjoy your summer 'on the cheap'!

Also...if you have any other great suggestions...feel free to leave a comment with your free or cheap activity and ideas!