Free (or nearly free) Things to Do
Friday, May 21, 2010
Bellow is a list of some great–and cheap–things you and your family can enjoy. I’m always looking for new ideas too, so if you have additional suggestions, feel free to leave me a comment. Also, don’t forget to use your Entertainment Book for more savings.
Kerasotes Movie Theaters
Participating Kerasotes movie theaters offer the $5 Buck Club. After a particular film has played a certain number of weeks (at least two, but occasionally more) members can gain admission to movies for just $5. Each person needs their own card, which is free by registering online. Super Saver Tickets can also be purchased in advance for discount.
AMC Theaters
AMC Theaters also offers a variety of specials for members of their “Movie Watcher” program including discounted tickets on special days of the week, coupons for concessions, and free popcorn on Wednesdays. Plus, you can now get half priced tickets during the week (no membership required.) AMC Weekday Escape offers the same blockbuster movies at half price* Monday through Thursday. (*Additional upcharges for IMAX®, 3D, Fork and Screen, and Cinema Suites apply. Excludes Premium Theatres, Weekday Film Openings, Alternative Content and Holiday Periods.) To land money saving coupons to the concession stand, just click on the Programs & Offers tab to see what they’re offering. Finally, you can also save even more by purchasing a gift card at a 20% discount from CardPool, an online resource that allows people to buy and sell gift cards at significant savings.
AMC also runs a yearly Summer Movie Camp that provides kids admission for around a $1 during select shows. Last year it was Wednesdays at 10 a.m., but check the website for 2010 details to be released.
Regal Theaters
Each time a movie ticket is purchased, Regal Crown Club members earn rewards such as free movie tickets, popcorn, soft drinks and more. Super Saver Tickets can also be purchased in bulk for discount. You can also save even more by purchasing a gift card at a 20% discount from CardPool, an online resource that allows people to buy and sell gift cards at significant savings.
Regal’s Free Family Film Festival offers free admission to selected G or PG movies start at 10:00am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. Tickets and seating are first-come, first-served, are limited to theatre capacity and are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show. Check the site to find a participating theater.
Cinemark Theaters
Gift cards are available for a 20% discount from CardPool, an online resource that allows people to buy and sell gift cards at significant savings.
Cinemark is also offering a Summer Movie Clubhouse program for 2010, which will show 10 movies for just $5. All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5.00, or can be purchased separately at the box office for $1.00 per show. These movies aren’t new releases, but it’s still a fun excuse to head to the theater.
Carmike Cinemas
Carmike offers a variety of deals including Super Stimulus Tuesdays, where you can get $1 Popcorn, $1 Drink, $2.50 Candy, and $5 off one of their concession combos. To view more deals, click on the “Promotions” link on the top of their home page.
Carmike’s Summer Kid’s Series gives you admission to some of your favorite blockbuster films from the past for only a buck. Plus, get drinks and popcorn for a dollar.
Community Theater
Nothing can quite match the excitement or the emotion of a live performance. There are thousands of small theater companies all over the country with diverse offerings ranging from Les Miserables to Annie. With average ticket price around $8-$20, it’s the best value in entertainment.
Libraries
Community libraries are a great source for free events ranging from story time, movie viewings, crafts and even events for just adults. My local library recently hosted a coffee tasting event, which was sponsored by Starbucks…Yum! Also, most people don’t know that in addition to borrowing books, you can also borrow CDs and DVDs from your local library. Why spend $5 at Blockbuster when you can get a movie for free from the library?!
Bookstore Storytimes and Special Events
Foster a love of books in your child by participating in one of Barnes & Noble’s or Borders Books free storytimes, which include a story and a creative activity to go along with it. Themes and times vary from location to location, so check with your nearest store for specifics. In addition to regular storytime, bookstores also host special events on a regular basis. Check out their online calendars to see what’s coming up in your area.
Toy Swap
Invite friends to bring old (but in good condition) toys that they no longer want to a playdate. Then, let the kiddos draw a number to see who gets to pick their “new” toy first.
Volunteer
Inspire a spirit of volunteering in your little ones and have fun at the same time. You can even start a Kids Care Club with a group of neighborhood children. Visit kidscare.org to learn more.
Hospitals and Health Networks
Many local hospitals and health networks offer free classes on a variety of topics. You can find classes ranging from yoga, cooking, reducing stress, CPR, etc.
Museums
Many museums offer free admission on holidays, certain days of the month or during specific time frames. Check your local museum to see what their specials are. Thanks to the folks at Target you and your family can enjoy free admission to more than 40 world-class museums across the U.S. Search “Target, museums” on your web browser, to learn more. Bank of America’s Museums on Us program also grants free admission to cardholders at over 70 museums during the first weekend of every month.
Tours
Many local companies and restaurants offer free tours. Some examples include Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s and Chick-Fil-A. Others include farms, dairy farms, animal hospitals, police stations, fire stations, etc. If your town has a special manufacturing plant, it’s worth checking out if they offer tours. Also, wineries and breweries are good tour and tasting activities for the over-21 crowd.
Chick-fil-A
Most Chick-fil-A restaurants offer a Family Fun night each month. (Some even do it weekly.) Games, activities and prizes are provided for the little ones, as well as an indoor play area. Some restaurants also offer special deals for kids’ meals. Check with your local Chick-Fil-A for more details.
Fazoli’s Resataurants
Head over to Fazoli’s for Kid’s Night! Enjoy crafts, games, food, and fun! On Tuesdays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, the kids can eat at a discount! Most locations reserve an area of the restaurant where kids can make fun craft items or color on a special coloring sheets. . Best of all friendly Fazoli’s associates are available to help. Contact the location nearest you for more details, dates and times.
Michaels Kids’ Club
Every Saturday from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., Michael’s Kids’ Club offers a kids’ club for children ages 5-12. The cost is $2, and includes supplies. Michaels Kids’ program lets your children explore their creativity through a wealth of great ideas, projects and crafts designed just for them. For even more fun, be on the lookout for free Make-It-Take-It events that the whole family can participate in.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot’s Kids Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. In addition to the project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. Adult participation is required.
Adults can also join Home Depot’s Home Improver Club. Membership in this free club provides access to exclusive savings, project know-how and inspiration, sneak peeks at new products, workshop schedules and registration, and special alerts on new lower priced products.
Lowe’s Build and Learn Clinics
Lowe’s is another good source for free D-I-Y kids’ projects. Spend an hour with your child, and come away with a cool project that you built together.
Toys “R” Us In-Store Events
Crafts and games are just some of the things that you’ll find at one of Toys “R” Us’ free in-store events. Check your local store location or the weekly circular for upcoming events in your area. Then, enjoy a trip to the toy store that doesn’t have to cost you money.
Community Centers
Check out your local community center or YMCA for activities and super cheap gym memberships. Many also offer free or nearly free events for kids. My local community center offers a Tot Open Gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning for just $2. It’s a great opportunity to let the kids burn off some energy and get the average parent out of the house.
Animal Shelters
Many animal shelters need dog walkers and cat cuddlers to help socialize animals for adoption. If you have a child that LOVES animals, this may be a great option. And it’s not just cats and dogs! There are other types of animal rescues out there and many of them want volunteers to come in and help socialize animals. So if you can find a local horse rescue, your horse-obsessed little girl may be able to spend some time grooming the ponies.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played with a GPS device. The basic idea is to locate containers hidden outdoors, called geocaches, and then share your experiences online. After the initial investment of purchasing the GPS device, the game is basically free.
Canning Hunger
Canning Hunger is a national movement where volunteers visit 10 or more of their neighbors a few times a year to collect non-perishable food items. That food is then given to a local food pantry to distribute to needy kids and their families in the community. It’s a great way to get a bit of physical activity, socialize with neighbors and spend time as a family!
Art Appreciation
Watching an artist paint, pot, sculpt or blow glass can be fascinating for both parents and kids. Contact your local chamber of commerce to find an arts center or museum that will allow you to come and watch.
Organize a Neighborhood Game Night
Designate one night a week for kickball, capture the flag and other gym class favorites. You can find game rules at gameskidsplay.net
Kids Bowl FREE All Summer Long
Kids can bowl 2 free games a day at participating bowling centers all summer long. Registration will open by Tuesday, March 23. Once you register, you will also have the opportunity to purchase a family pass for just $24.95, which will allow allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well.
Everybody Pays the Kids’ Price at Six Flags (2010)
Coldstone Creamery (yum!) has teamed up with Six Flax to bring you bargain prices. Use this link to buy tickets to Six Flags and pay the kids’ price for everybody. The offer is valid through Oct. 11, 2010 at all participating domestic Six Flags theme parks, and cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 4 per customer. Not valid at water parks or Six Flags Wild Safari.
Free bowling for your kids all summer! We are signing up!