Saving Money on Family Outings
We have had one of those weeks where we have been here, there, and everywhere around the city! It was my last week as a stay-at-home-mom so I was trying to squeeze the life out of this summer before I start work and the kids go to school. And my kids loved it...even though they need some downtime, too, they LOVE being out and about experiencing new things. But the problem with this kind of week is that it can really drain your budget...paying admission to museums, exhibits, play zones, etc. can really ad up! So how did we save a few bucks (and how can YOU do it, too)?
- KCParent.com! I'm biased, of course, but really...the very FIRST place you should go when looking for something to do in any price range is visit KCParent.com where there are always tons of free and cheap ideas of what to do around town. Make sure to "Like" the Facebook page, too, for up-to-date ideas and news (not to mention the giveaways!)
- Facebook: Speaking of Facebook...when you are looking for a discount to a local attraction, find out if they have a page on Facebook and "like" it. Places like Jumping Jax in Overland Park post regular discount codes or news about special two-for-one days.
- Entertainment Book: I always get an Entertainment Book each year (of course I wait until later in the spring or summer when they go on sale). These books are full of great money savings at restaurants around town and also lots of great attractions...most coupons are for buy-one-get-one free admission! Go through Shop at Home to get 30% cash back when you buy.
- Groupon: I *LOVE*Groupon...I'm kind of addicted to it right now. Sign up HERE and you can elect to get a daily email that will alert you to the "Groupon" of the day. It is almost always a local KC-area deal where you are saving 50% or more at restaurants, spas, stores, or attractions. I got a family membership to Powell Gardens for just $30 earlier this year and we have more than paid for it already with just two visits (including one this weekend for the AWESOME butterfly festival). My very favorite deal so far, though, was the $20 gift certificate to Blanc Burger for just $10...we enjoyed some delicious meals with those!
- Bank of America's "Museums on Us" program gets Bank of America customers in to select museums (including Science City here in KC) for free on select weekends. Get the details HERE.
- Military Families can get into select museums for FREE until Labor Day thanks to the Blue Star Families program. This program is open to all active duty military and Guard/Reserve families, as well. Here in Kansas City, Wonderscope Children's Museum is one of the eligible museums! Details HERE.
- Memberships: Even though there is an initial cash outlay, I am a firm believer in memberships to museums and attractions as a way to save money in the long run. My favorite membership is at the Kansas City Zoo. Their "Friends of the Zoo" program is amazingly affordable and you will definitely get your money's worth if you go to the zoo more than a couple of times a year.
Whatever ways you find to save, ENJOY those fun family outings around Kansas City!