This is a guest post by a moneywatch101 reader.
Remember when we were children and played in the backyard for hours during our summer vacations? Even though this wasn’t much, we stood entertained by the simplest things such as a piece of chalk or a jump rope.
Well, the summer is upon us and our kids will be out of school soon which means more free-time and spending a bit more. As a single parent, I know I’m working on a tight budget so I did some research and came up with a few money-saving activities on how to enjoy this summer. I think it’s time to show our newer generation how to have cheap (often free) summer fun. I have enjoyed a few on this list so far and I’m hoping you can too!
SUMMER MOVIE PROGRAMS
Did you know that most cinemas run summer promotions with big discounts? Yup ALMOST free movie tickets at your local theaters. Here are a few listed below.
Cinemark -Summer Movie Clubhouse: A 10 movie show pass for $5, or one movie show for $1. (Cinemark.com)
Regal -Summer Movie Express: Selected PG or G rated movies for $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (regmovies.com)
Marquee cinemas –Kids Summer Movie Program: A special selection of family films brought to you each week during the summer at no charge. (marqueecinemas.com)
LOWES FREE KIDS CLINICS
Enjoy building a FREE wooden project with your kids that will keep them entertained for hours. Not only do they get to take these home but they can also take home the free apron, goggles, and patch to make them feel like real “handymen”. (lowesbuildandgrow.com)
ZOOS/MUSEUMS
These are always fun and often provide free admission. Check out the websites below to find a list of zoo/museums near you.
(Pettingzoofarm.com) (www.museumlink.com/states.htm)
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
We often forget about education during the summer. With free programs provided by local libraries and book stores such as Barnes and Nobles, our kids can enjoy several books and activities.
One of my favorite is, being read to for free. Contact your local library/ book store and ask about “circle time” where your kids can enjoy a book or two with a group of friends.
They can also participate in the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program. This consists of reading eight aged-related books, writing them down on a list, and then receiving a FREE book as a reward.
This is a guest post by a moneywatch101 reader and she wanted to share how to save and have fun locally.
Thanks for the guest post, Mrs Real. Its great to have many affordable options for the kids. Also if you are in the NY area Wednesdays I believe the Bronx Zoo has free admissions for kids. Go to their website for more details. Be safe and watch those kids.
RichUncle EL
Great Post!