Not sure what to do with the kids this weekend?  Take a look at these FREE events courtesy of Keeping Cents to keep your child entertained and learning without breaking the bank:

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, Mother’s Day Keepsake Box: Buy a photo box and decorate it free.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores – Saturday 11am-1pm, Free Cricut Cake Machine Demo.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Buzzing Bee: Kids make a bumblebee.

Michaels – Saturday 10am-Noon, The Knack Mother’s Day Event Make-It Take-It: with purchase of T-shirt or apron. Decorate a fun and creative T-shirt or apron for mom.

Pottery Barn Kids – Saturday, National Geographic Little Explorers Club: Kids 3 & up can learn all about Sharks! There will be activities, quizzes, songs & more. Your child will also earn a badge for each event they attend and if they attend all 3, they will get a special gift.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys R Us – Through May 31st, Pokémon Secret Egg Download: Bring your Nintendo DS system and your Pokémon Black or White Versions to a DS Download Station at Toys R Us to get a secret egg that hatches to reveal one of three characters from Ash’s traveling party on the new Pokémon TV series.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Not sure what to do with the kids this weekend?  Take a look at these FREE events courtesy of Keeping Cents to keep your child entertained and learning without breaking the bank:

AC Moore – Friday 1-3pm, Free Make & Take: Crayola Model Magic Easter Creatures.

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, Free Make & Take: Duck Tape & Floracraft Styrofoam Easter Egg. Demonstration: Wilton Cupcake Decorating Kit.

Bass Pro Shops – Friday 6-8pm, Saturday & Sunday, Noon-3pm, Make a Free Foam Magnet Easter Egg Decoration.

Bass Pro Shops – Friday 6-8pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11am-3pm, Free 4×6 Photo with the Easter Bunny.

Bass Pro Shops – Saturday & Sunday, 1pm, Easter Egg Hunt for 1 hour. Ages 2-10. See Site for More Info.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores – Saturday 11am-1pm, Free Easter Make It Take It.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Bunny Basket: Kids create a Free Big Eared Bunny Basket.

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday 10am-Noon, Kids build a Free Birdhouse designed to stick to your window. 

Michaels – Saturday 10am-Noon, The Knack Easter Card Event FREE Make-It Take-It: Learn to make your own creative Easter stamps with foam.

National Park Week – 4/16 to 4/24, get Free Entrance to over 100 National Parks that usually charge entrance fees!

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

*Please call ahead to make sure your local store is participating!

My kids adore taking walks around the neighborhood.  The length of our walks always depends on everyone’s mood and energy.  We may spend 10 minutes or an hour.  I let the kids dictate the pace and length of time spend exploring our area. 

To make the walk a little more fun and educational:

• Point out or ask your child to find specific colors
• Play I-SPY
• Collect objects: Bring a sand bucket and let your child collect leaves, grass, flowers, rocks, etc.  You can let them choose their objects or have a type of scavenger hunt. Note: we only pick flowers that are “weeds”
• Change your pace: Hop, skip, run or walk.  Kids love to show off their skills!
• Take a different route:  If possible, take a different route around the neighborhood to keep things interesting.  You can also quiz children on how to get home or the best/fastest route back home depending on age.

What are your ideas for talking a walk?

Looking for fun, educational & frugal activities to do with your child?  Mom on Dealz will provide you with weekly activities to keep your children learning while you stay on budget!

With Earth Day this week, I thought it would be appropriate to have that as a theme.

Craft #1
Coffee Filter Earth

Materials
-coffee filters
-green and blue markers
-water

[Read more…]

As summer approaches, I’m trying to think of ideas to keep my kids entertained while spending little or no money out of pocket.  I plan to post a Frugal Kid Fun Daily Tip at least several times a week.  I know I’m posting as a “daily tip” but I’m trying to cut myself some slack when we have busy days.

Tip #1: Spend the afternoon at the park.  Most neighborhoods have parks nearby where kids can play.  If you don’t have a neighborhood park close by, find the location of your city park.  You will find slides, swings and climbing equipment to keep the kids occupied for hours.

Pack snacks and a drink to keep the kids happy and hydrated.  You can also bring a blanket and pack lunch to eat while your out.  It may be tempting to pick up fast food on the way, but you’ve just upped the cost of the outing.

Depending on ages, mom or dad might even get a nice naptime in after the kids have run out their energy!  We can always hope, right?

Better Homes and Gardens is teaming up with botanical gardens nationwide to offer FREE admission to botanical gardens locations on May 6th!  I found my local Botanical Gardens on the list! You’ll need to sign up for the free admission pass and select your location.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!