Free and Frugal Outtings

Here is a fun post I found over at Multiples and more blog. I'm sure it is all the nice weather we have been having that makes me want to get out and do fun stuff.


The idea of outings with your multiples may sound daunting if yours are still in diapers, but as you reach preschool and elementary school age you'll be looking for cultural and other events for family entertainment. The cost can also be daunting, so ask moms of older children and watch your local newspaper for low-cost entertainment options for your family of multiples. Here's what's working for our family:

Arts & Crafts: If you have a Lakeshore Learning Store in your area, they offer FREE art projects every Saturday for ages 3 and up. Michael's Arts & Crafts also offer projects every Saturday; some have a small charge for materials, but many are FREE.
Building Clinics: Both Home Depot and Lowe's offer FREE Saturday workshops for kids 6 and up. Each session, they build a project with wood and tools; kids also receive an apron and goggles. My son loves these programs!
Circus: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus offers a FREE ticket to anyone under 1 year of age; while you have to request the ticket in your babies' first year of life, it can be redeemed anytime. Hold onto it until they're older, and you'll enjoy it more.
Movie Theatres: Starting in May and June, many of the national chains offer FREE summer movie programs. I tried this out last summer, thinking it was okay if my 3-year-old twins couldn't make it through, since it was free, but they did great.
Museums: Find museums in your area that offer FREE days, like these museums in the Target Events & Museums Program. For museums that charge admission, look for Family Membership packages that benefit larger families (sometimes the family size is 6), and be sure to visit enough times during the year to make it worth the cost.
Public Library: We've enjoyed magic shows, puppet shows, concerts, and more through our local library, all for FREE.


Theme Parks: If you're a military family, you're eligible for FREE admission at the Anheuser-Busch Parks (Sea World, Sesame Place, Busch Gardens) and special discounted tickets at DisneyWorld. If you're not a military family, one way to get discounted tickets is through a group rate. I bought 20 tickets to Sesame Place one summer (they throw an extra in for FREE), and sold them to two other families in my MOMS Club. When you have a family with multiples, getting to 20 isn't that hard!

One of the ways I've made outings easier with my three (twins + big brother) is to bring along another adult or even a parent and child. That way, we have as many hands as their are kids, for crossing streets or getting through crowds, and you have an adult to chat with. Remember to pack your own snacks, drinks, and even lunch if you're doing day outings with your family; this can save you a lot of money over eating out at museums, zoos, etc.
What kinds of low-cost outings have you done with your multiples? What other tips can you share for making them more manageable?

For more frugal fun and money-saving ideas, come over to Moneywise Moms. Have a great weekend!