A friend of mine is laid off. She was complaining about how bored her summer is because she has no money and nothing to do. When I told her we are living paycheck to paycheck hardly making ends meet, she nodded in agreement and said,"So, no plans for you either?" I turned to her and said,"Are you kidding? We have tons of plans". She was amazed when I told her we have 3 baseball games, 2 zoo trips, an animal show, a CSI (FBI CASEWORKER) speech, camping, swimming, concerts, and several other events planned. All of it free.

How do we do it? I know some people live out in rural areas and it may not be the best idea for them, but if you live anywhere near an average size city, you will find plenty to do for free or close to free.

Currently, a Gas Station company is giving away baseball tickets with 6 8 gallon fill ups. We have to get gas, so this gave us 8 tickets (4 tickets each game), we found 2 zoo's both within a hour to hour and half drive from us, the public library has animal shows, an FBI agent, and a scientist come in and give talks to the adults and the kids, then there was an animal show at the library too. Our city and the city next to us has "Concerts in the Park" and "Kids Movie Nights" free.

One tip is always be prepared. Have a backpack. In it carry, a blanket, water bottles for the kids, snacks and treats and whatever you need for an afternoon. It doesn't matter where we go, I have food with us. That way we don't buy food. Between admission and food, you will quickly blow your budget.

Another tip is look in your newspapers, listen to local radio, etc. Find out what is happening around you! Our local FREE weekly flyer has space where it lists all the events in town..some are cheap or free. Recently, I had to drive a far distance to a baby shower. My kids were bored, but listening to the radio I heard that a local church was having a free carnival day. Rides, food and drinks free. So, I made a deal with the kids. Behave at the baby shower and we will stop and spend 2 hours at the carnival. They had a blast! My point is to keep your ears open!

Another tip is to rely on family and friends. My family KNOWS I am frugal. They actually help me by saving soda caps (a soda manufacture right now has a point program). We are together saving caps. The reason? They can be cashed in for free movie rental nights. You get 2 movies, 2 sodas and a tub of popcorn! Ask friends and family what they are doing this summer. My father is retired military and there are always events around the 4th of July to honor vets...so we take him to the events and get to enjoy a great day with him while my kids get to see airplanes, helicopters, etc. My father in law is retired, but they have a company picnic every year. So, we get invited. It's free everything. Sure, we have to travel a few hours but we get a fun visit with grandma and grandpa and get to enjoy a free day of food, carnival rides, etc.

Combine trips to save gas...but remember if all you are doing is paying for gas, it's still a cheap bargain compared to paying parking, admission and food!

My friend looked at me and said,"That is too much work". Well, it's up to the family, if you have the money great; if you don't..there are things to do out there.

Learn more about this author, Angela Hoag.
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