Greetings new Money Saving Lords and Ladies! If you caught me on Indy Style this AM, I am thrilled to share ways to “Spend Time, Not Money” on your children and grandchildren this summer. Here are a few of the promotions and ideas I shared (or wanted to share). For more money saving tips, “Like” Queen of Free on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or subscribe to my blog.
SUMMER FESTIVALS AND PROGRAMS
- June 12th from 10 AM – 4 PM PBS Kids in the Park is a Royal Family Tradition. Curious George, Elmo, Clifford, and even Gordon from Sesame Street join many other PBS celebrities. Free bounce houses, stage performances, face painting, crafts, and the chance to give your favorite characters a hug!
- Check your local library for GREAT Summer reading experiences. Kids and adults can read for the chance to win prizes when they log their hours. Plus many libraries offer movies (indoor and outdoor), special programs, and learning experiences.
- Many movie theaters run special Summer Movie Camps. Not all of the theaters have released their 2010 Summer Movie lists yet, but you can find information on last year’s camps here. I’ll be posting soon on the 2010 schedules.
- Your local Community Center and Parks Department is also a great place to check for free concerts, movies, and family activities.
MUSEUMS
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis currently has a couple of great coupons, including Buy 1 Adult, Get 1 Youth Admission free AND $15 off a Membership good through the month of May. Click here to read more about them. The Children’s Museum also runs free family nights the first Thursday of every month from 4-8 PM.
- We LOVE the Indiana Historical Society and the new Indiana Experience! Enjoy a 1940s Terre Haute Grocery Store complete with ration books, a 1924 Hartford City Ford Dealership and beep the horns on the Model Ts, or a 1914 Indianapolis Violin Shop where you just might learn some Mozart! Best of all, there’s a great coupon for Buy 1 Admission, Get 1 Free.
- The Indiana State Museum has a great 20% off admission coupon, too.
- General Museum Money Saving Tips: Pack a picnic. You can dine on the canal at both IHS and the State Museum and the Children’s Museum allows you to bring your own food, too. Skip the gift shop. Promise an ice cream treat at home or a dollar for the dollar store instead. It’s key to set the expectation before you leave. Remind the kiddos that they’ll be rewarded for good behavior and that you won’t be purchasing extras.
INDOOR/OUTDOOR/OUT AND ABOUT
- Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Michael’s all offer FREE kids’ workshops on select Saturdays. Not only does someone else purchase the supplies, they clean up the mess! There are age requirements and sometimes you need to make a reservation so check the links for details.
- Don’t forget that a trip to the local playground is always a hit! Many times it’s much better than a big name attraction.
- Groupon often offers wonderful discounts on everything from restaurants to attractions to spas and other local businesses.
- Check out Kidsbowlfree for the opportunity for Kids to Bowl Free 2 games a day, all summer long.
- Here are my best tips for saving when it comes to Indianapolis Indians games.
STAY AT HOME ADVENTURES
- Use redbox, pop some popcorn on the stove, and have a movie marathon!
- Picnic or have a camp out in the backyard or even the Living Room floor. Family Fun and Grandparents.com both always have great ideas.
I hope these tips help you get a jump start on your summer planning! There’s plenty to do with the special little people in your life. As we recall our childhoods, we rarely remember things or money spent but the time we shared with the people we loved. Keep it simple and have fun.
Be a Money Saving Lord or Lady! Join us daily for savings, tips, and fun @ The Queen of Free.
www.queenoffree.net
www.queenoffree.net
