Ban the words “I’m bored” this summer! Pick up local event calendars. Do a little research and you can be well on your way to a frugally fun summer.
Look around for freebies first. When we first moved to the area, the only local pool meant buying an annual membership at the Y, so we creek-walked for our summer swimming. Since then, I have joined the YMCA and love all they have to offer for the whole family. The benefits have paid for themselves and I even teach a couple of classes to get a deeper discount.
This summer, I learned of some other great free activities in our area. To begin with, the Regal movie theaters are offering Tuesday and Wednesday showings for free at 10 AM. You have a limited selection but it does get the kids off the computer and out of the house. To get a seat, you should show up early because buses bring in a whole slew of kids. Head to the pool after the movies for a whole day of fun.
Check your local calendar of events in the paper and online. From free concerts in the park to story time at the library, take advantage of the wonderful resources around you. In our area, there are tons of walking and biking trails. I am hoping to spend more time outdoors exploring the local trails this summer.
On the same calendar should be local festivals, community theater, and ideas like summer reading clubs. This year, our library is giving “book bucks” to readers to win prizes for the number of books they read. On Tuesdays, they offer BOGO or “buy one – get one” specials on DVDs and audio books. Both make great travel companions on long summer vacation rides. Just get your books back on time to avoid the fees. Remember that the better care you take of the books and DVDs, the better quality you will be able to count on when you are looking for your favorites later.
Think outside the box a little. Just after school ended, we were invited to a free tour of the Sun and Earth factory down in King of Prussia. Joining other blogging moms and a mom’s group, we learned about all the natural, non-toxic ingredients that make up their cleaning supplies. We also climbed industrial stairs to peer into a huge vat of swirling cleaning solution. The factory was small enough to shut down for safety purposes and gave us our own multi-purpose spray bottles to fill, with a little supervision, of course. The staff seemed genuinely excited that we were taking interest in the process they handle daily which delivers healthy choices to our grocery store shelves.
If you find a good idea locally, like the factory tour, organize a group of moms or dads and kids to go and benefit from the educational lessons. The more participants, the more companies are willing to do to accommodate your group and formalize a demonstration or lesson. Experts love sharing their knowledge with all ages.
If you are really feeling entrepreneurial, plan day trips at a low cost that includes your fee for organizing the grand adventure. Become an expert on an area and set up tours like day hikes with a packed lunch or a craft day in your house. Exchange days with a friend so you can trade off childcare. There is so much to see and do! Ask yourself each day, how can this day be a new adventure?
Send comments or suggestions to Sarah at sarah@peppel.com or send me a tweet at www.twitter.com/DIYFrugal
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Like the FREE movies during the week. Great suggestion. BYOF/D would be perfect!
Thanks for the mention. Look forward to many more fun, interactive tours with local groups.