Summer Fun On A Budget
Research
This doesn't have to be a lot of work. Check the event calendars on your local park and library websites. The parks and libraries offer many free or low cost events for all ages. Check the newspapers too. Look for local festivals and events. Many local businesses offer free craft and do it your self classes. Keep your eyes open for free events.
If there is someplace you want to go check their website first. You can find coupons or times that are discounted. For example, by checking the website I found our local art museum is free on Tuesdays and offers free kids classes on Saturday. Another museum near us is free on Thursday nights.
Sometimes the website will have deals you can't find anywhere else. I learned of a local theater's free movie camp (children's movies in the morning) from their web page. I hadn't seen this advertised anywhere else, not even at the theater itself.
Go early. Go late. Don't go on the weekends!
In other words go when it isn't busy. Not only is it more enjoyable, (in my opinion!) it is cheaper. Movies offer matinees, restaurants early bird specials, some museums and amusement parks offer after 5 specials.
Many restaurants and amusements offer great specials during the week. They are busy on the weekends and trying to fill the place during the week. Check for weekday deals!
Buy the Membership.
To the museum, to the zoo or other places your family loves. The cost of the membership is often paid for with two visits. Buy the membership once and use it all year long.
When we lived near a zoo the family membership was $55. What a deal! For $55 we could go to our zoo anytime and as often as we wanted for a year. We could also go to lots of zoos all over the US for free or discounted admission. At the time we lived close enough to five zoos we could visit for a day trip. Other museums, like science museums, offer similar reciprical memberships.
What I really love about the memberships is that we can pick up and go whenever. We don't have to plan it in the budget, or even plan to spend a whole day to get our money's worth. We can go for an hour. We can go when the budget is tight, and there is no cash. By the way, memberships are great family gifts to give and receive!
Pack a lunch!
Now that you've found free or low cost entertainment, don't ruin the savings by spending a fortune on food. The food at places like the zoo or amusement parks is so over priced! Save yourself a ton of cash, and pack your lunch and drinks! (or find a cheap place to eat later.)
Stay local
Travel costs can add up quickly. Most of us don't fully utilize the treasures found in our own local areas. Think like a tourist. If you were a visitor to the area where would you go? What would you want to see? Discover the gems that are right under your nose.
Enjoy your summer, but keep it in your budget. Research. Stay close to home. Go early or late, and go during the week. Buy the membership and pack your lunch! Fun to be had. Money to be saved.