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Thursday, May 12, 2011

Frugal Family Summer Fun


Summer Time is almost here and time for family activities. Here are some pointers to save $$ this summer while having fun:

Get Family Passes/Memberships to places that you visit often. This is huge money saver.
Brookfield Zoo here in Chicagoland is a great zoo, only 5 minutes from our place. We get a membership that cost $108 for unlimited visits and FREE parking. This would cost us $64 per visit otherwise, and that is just basic admission and parking. So this pays for itself in 1 1/2 visits. We live so close that we go often.
Also, Pool memberships are an awesome deal. Many local pools charge $5 per visit. A pool pass alllows for unlimited visits for the entire family for around $100 for the season.

Check local papers and village events for FREE or lost cost events.
There is a local magazine here called Chicago Parent that lists all events in and around Chicagoland and the suburbs. It has tons of free stuff listed. I get a copy free each month from the library and go through marking down events that would be fun for the kids and I to do. Many cities across the country have similar magazines.

Go to events with a group to try to get a group discount.
This is also a great way to have fun with others.

Some places offer discounts a few hours before closing, especially amusement parks.
Checking for discounts near closing is also good for working parents. You can still have some summer fun and save money in the process.

Libraries and Park Districts are a great source for Summer Fun.
Most libraries have a summer reading program. Park Districts have Free Movies in the Park and other special events for summer.

Check online or in local papers , grocery stores, or restaurants for coupons for local attractions.
Sometimes your favorite products have coupons for family fun events like roller skating, amusement parks, bowling and more. Restaurants and Stores also partner up with area attractions to offer discounts. Check the website for your favorite place or local places to see if they have discounts or offers right from their website.

Check for local festivals like Art Shows, Book Fairs, and Music Festivals.
This is not only a great fun event, but also a nice way to expose the kids to the Arts. Usually admission is FREE or very cheap.

Check your Forest Preserves and Nature Centers for Summer Fun.
I was a city girl my entire life, living within the City of Chicago limits, until I got married. I never knew how much fun stuff the Forest Preserves and Nature Centers had for kids and adults until I moved so close to them. Summer time is a great time to have fun with nature and be outside.

Find out if local museums or other kid places have a FREE day or time when they are FREE.
Many of the museums here in Chicagoland have a FREE week coming up or some FREE days this summer.

Here is a great website that lists FREE Attractions in all 50 states!

Hope you can have a Frugal Fun Summer!!!

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