Save on Entertainment

If you want your kids to be cultured, but can't afford the "suggested donation" at most museums, check for "free nights" at local museums. Many stay open one weeknight each week or month as they hope to encourage new visitors with free admission.

Schedule one night a week that the whole family plays a game. If you have young children, break out Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, or a deck of cards and play "Go Fish." If you have older children, they may be interested in Gin Rummy, Scrabble, or Pictionary. Take turns letting family members choose the game. A simple game can provide hours of entertainment and you'll save on electricity by giving the TV a rest!

Check out the local flea market in your area. Sometimes you can find unbelievable bargains. You may have to wade through some junk to get to the treasures, but that's part of the "thrill of the hunt."

Live near a college? Even if you have to drive 10 or 20 miles to a school, it may be well worth checking out what events are taking place on campus. There are usually a variety of activities that are either free, or have a nominal admission fee. Some of the options may include: art shows, drama performances, lectures, musical performances, or sporting events.

Kids always get a kick out of seeing themselves on television. For a great evening at home that everyone will enjoy, turn down the lights, put on your pajamas and put on some old home videos.You'll have some fun seeing how much everyone has changed and for the price of a bag of microwave popcorn and a liter of your favorite soft drink, you can have your own 'private screening'.

Buying movie theatre popcorn, sodas, and snacks can easily add up to more than the cost of a typical ticket. Eat a satisfying and delicious meal before you head out. This approach can cut the cost up to 50% and cut your calorie consumption, too!

Going out for a romantic, but inexpensive night with your spouse can backfire financially if you have to pay a babysitter to watch your children. Instead of paying for the service, consider swapping babysitting duties with a friend who also has children. You might also consider "bartering" services. You can deliver a home-cooked meal to a working mom who usually feeds her family take-out in exchange for babysitting duties.

If you enjoy fresh herbs and spices, plant a container garden. It doesn't take up a great deal of room...in fact, it can easily be grown on a window sill. One advantage: fresh herbs taste better and totally different from the dried and stale herbs that you buy in the supermarket. But the main advantage: you'll save money by using your freshly picked herbs, instead of buying them.

Organize a rotating pizza night with another family or two. For the cost of a few large pizzas, and a couple of half gallons of ice cream, the adults will get a chance to socialize without paying for sitters, and the kids can have a play date.

If you and your family have time on your hands, check out the paper or go online to look for community volunteer projects. You could participate in everything from litter pickups, recycling projects, or tree and flower plantings. By volunteering, you'll be helping out the community, spending time together as a family and teaching your children that it is more important (and more fun) to give than to receive.

If your child complains that there is "nothing to do" on a rainy day, turn nothing into something with the help of a treasure map. Draw areas of your house, apartment or yard and then take turns burying hidden treasure for other family members to find.

If you can't wait until the latest blockbuster movie comes out on video to see it, consider going to an earlier show. Some theatres offer matinee pricing all afternoon. You'll see the same movie, and the babysitter won't have to put the kids to bed.

If you like to go to the movies, join AMC Theatres MovieWatcher club the next time you're at one of their theatres. Members get a free small popcorn on Wednesdays, and for every ticket you purchase you earn two points. After 10 points are earned you get a free ticket.

Invite some friends over to trade DVDs they no longer watch. Be sure to label the cases and agree on a return date so exchanges go smoothly. To keep things simple, there's no money involved, just straight swapping. Take a look at our Article Library Link for more ideas on how to cut spending on entertainment.

Turn your children into "puppet masters" with simple supplies like felt, glue and a few mismatched socks or brown paper bags. Let them create puppets and stage a puppet show. You don't have to buy expensive decorations and doo-dads at the craft store; there are probably plenty of supplies for fun activities just lying around the house if you use your imagination.

Spend the day touring Realtor open houses. You don't have to be in the market to buy, just go for the fun of seeing how other people live and decorate. The experience may make you appreciate your own home, when you compare it to what's for sale in your price range. And even if you're not looking to purchase a home today, when you ARE ready to look for a new house, you'll have a better idea of what features are important to you.

If you like to visit national parks, consider getting an annual pass. For $50, you and anyone else in your vehicle will be admitted to any park where a per-vehicle fee is required. And your annual membership is something you can feel good about: more than 80% of the funds go right back into the national parks to fund vital projects. To learn more, visit nps.gov.

You can still see the country without breaking the bank. Consider swapping your home for a specified amount of time, with another homeowner in an area that you want to visit. For about $50 a year you can list your home on a site such as homeexchange.com or digsville.com. Many home swappers exchange cars for the duration as well, so you not only save on hotel bills, but on everyday expenses such as transportation, dining, and laundry, as well.

It's only once a year, but for the last 28 years all Ben and Jerry's ice cream stores nationwide give away a free cone to all customers on April 25th. In 2005 alone, they gave away a million free scoops. If you're willing to wait in line again, you can even go back for seconds.

Buy an "Entertainment" or coupon book for your area. The coupons are good for the year, and usually have free meal coupons as well as two for one, or 50% off coupons for various attractions and establishments in your area. These books aren't inexpensive, but they're usually sold to raise money for a good cause and after using several coupons you've more than paid for it.

If you make repeated visits to a local zoo, aquarium, amusement park, or other attraction that charges an admission fee, consider an annual membership. The membership usually comes with lots of discounts and savings, and will usually pay for itself after your second or third visit.

If your family is bored with lazing around the house, watching television and playing video games, why not attend local festivals and events instead? Throughout the year, most communities have free exhibits, demonstrations, and performances that are perfect for adults and kids alike. Remember to eat before you go, so you don't spend money on over-priced snacks and drinks.

In the Fall, take a drive in the country to enjoy the fall foliage. Stop at a roadside stand for some fresh apple cider, pumpkins or other harvest produce. Even with the high cost of gasoline, a long drive in the country can make for a very enjoyable fall afternoon and you can stock up on inexpensive farm-fresh produce and baked goods, too.

If you enjoy crafts, check the local paper for upcoming weekend craft fairs. The goods are usually reasonably priced, and even if you don't buy anything, you may get some ideas for projects of your own.

Check out your local high school's sporting events or even little league games. The games can be very entertaining and the players will appreciate the extra support.

Attend an antiques show and learn more about classic furniture. You don't have to purchase anything, but be sure to ask lots of questions. Your goal is to learn enough (maybe) to spot hidden treasures and super-bargains at yard sales or flea markets.

During the Spring, visit a public garden or spring festival to take in a free flower display. For example, Washington D.C. has a Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the blooming of the cherry trees lining the Mall. That festival alone supports 150 international cultural performances and 90 special events. So, keep an eye out for free seasonal activities that offer top entertainment with beautiful garden displays.