Saving Money on Family Entertainment

Guest post by Stephanie Appleton.

Entertaining a family on a budget can be a challenge. It isn’t impossible though. Investing a little time and following a few simple tips, can save you a lot of money. 

Research.
This doesn’t have to be a lot of work. I regularly check the event calendars on our state, state parks, and library websites. These are full of free and low cost events for all ages. We also get a free paper that lists quite a few 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 (kids movies in the AM) on the web site. I haven’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. (and with little kids do you really want to spend the whole day at the amusement park?!) We used to have a minor league ball park near where we lived. They offered lots of family specials and discounted tickets during the week to try to fill the park.

During the week you can find great deals at restaurant. Does going out to eat count as entertainment? Well, in this house it does. We love to go out to eat. During the week there are often specials where kids eat free. There is a local Italian type restaurant here that offers Two for Tuesday, buy one pasta dish and get one free. As rule going out for breakfast is also cheaper than lunch or dinner.

Buy the Membership.
To the museum, to the zoo or other places your family loves. It is one money for a year of entertainment and fun. Zoo and museum memberships are very reasonable. In addition to allowing you year long access to your local location, many also give you free (or discounted) entry to zoos and museums all over the country. This is wonderful when you are traveling to visit family or on vacation.
What I really love about memberships is that you can pick up and go whenever. You don’t have to plan it for the budget or even plan to spend an entire day for your outing. You can go to the zoo for an hour. You can the budget is tight. By the way, memberships are great family gifts to give and receive!

Pack a lunch!
If you are not taking advantage of cheap dining as mentioned above, save yourself a ton of cash and pack enough food and drinks for the day. The food at places like the zoo or amusement parks is so over priced! Even running through the drive thru for lunch can make free entertainment at the park an expensive day. If you find yourself with little in the house to pack for your outing, swing by the grocery store instead of the drive thru. Quick and easy foods at the grocery store cost a fraction of what you will pay at a restaurant.  

So enjoy cheap entertainment this summer, and all year round! Research. Go early or late and during the week. Buy the membership and pack your lunch! 

Stephanie at Make it from Scratch and Stop the Ride!

image sxc.hu