photo credit – Coupon Mamacita
Fun, Free/ Cheap Weekend Activities for the Family!
Looking for something to do this weekend with the family and don’t want to spend a lot of money? We have compiled a list just for you!
If you are looking for some fun on a budget, we have compiled a list of national retailers with hands-on workshops, classes and free in-store events for this weekend and many more that are coming soon.
Share this fun,money-saving list with your friends and family. And, if you know of any others to include, please let us know! It is always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.
:: American Girl Special Store Events
Special events differ by location. During July, they include Discover Truly Me Event, Doll ‘Dos & How-Tos: Bright Highlights, Meal & Memories with Mom and more.
Many of the American Girl in store events are free, however some have a fee and some have age restrictions. Get the details here and find participating stores. Call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.
:: Barnes & Noble
July 1st – July 31st
In store events include Throwback Thursdays, Time Travel Weekend, DC Comic Days (July 8-12), Minions Fun (July 17th), Star Wars Saturday (July 18th), Dr. Seuss Spectacular (July 28th & 31st) and more. Find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here.
:: Bass Pro Shops
June 27th – July 26th
Free Family Summer Camps include free catch & release pond & photo download, free shooting arcade, free casting challenge, free BB shooting range, free crafts, free workshops on archery, bird watching, fishing, camping, kayaking and more. Check your local store for specific events, times, and details.
:: Guitar Center
Saturday, July 18th {no age restrictions for free music lessons}
10:15 AM – Group Ukulele Lesson
More free classes are offered during the week with their Music Mentor Series. Register at the Guitar Center website here.
:: Home Depot Workshop for Adults
Saturday, July 18th from 10 AM – 11:30 AM – Learn to Install a Faucet
Sunday, July 19th from 1 PM – 2:30 PM – Learn to Install a Toilet
You can pre-register online here.
:: Lakeshore Learning Store
Saturday, July 18th from 11 AM-3 PM and a few locations offer crafts every Sunday.
Kids design and take a Jumpin’ Jellyfish craft. Get more information here.
:: Michael’s Kids Club
Saturday, July 18th from 10 AM to 12 Noon
Kids can make and take a Minions frame craft. The cost is $2 per session. Get more information here.
:: Pottery Barn Kids
Friday, July 17th – Thursday, August 20th
First Day Photo Booth – gather friends and capture the excitement in the back to school photo booth, complete with fun props. Locate a store near you here.
:: Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Kids
Saturday, July 18th at 10 AM
Vitamix: Kids will make the perfect hummus, sorbet, a purple smoothie, and more! Suitable for ages 8-13. Get more information by contacting your closest store right here.
:: Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Adults
Sunday, July 19th
Beyond the Smoothie: Learn expert recipes for nut butters, nut milk, pesto, and a delicious green smoothie as well. To find specific class times, contact your closest store right here.
……… MARK YOUR CALENDAR! COMING SOON……..
:: Free National Park Entrance
August 25th – National Park Service Birthday
Find out the list of participating parks (over 405 of them) right here.
:: Smithsonian Free Museum Day
Saturday, September 26th
:: Home Depot Kids Workshop
Saturday, August 1st from 9 AM – noon
Kids make and take a Chalkboard Door Hangar plus get a free orange apron and completion pin. Get more information and register online here.
:: Lego Stores Free Model Build
Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build and binoculars. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.
:: Lowe’s Build and Grow
Saturday, July 25th at 10:00 AM
Kids make and take Hawkeye’s Quinjet. Register at the website here.
:: Michael’s Classes for Adults
Find out more information right here about creative classes happening all week long.
:: Microsoft High Tech DigiCamp for Girls (free)
Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs specifically for youth. Find out more information here.
:: Pottery Barn
Sunday, August 9th 10 – 11 AM
Entryway Styling – Join us for breakfast treats as we share tips from blogger Camille Styles, on how to create a functional and stylish entryway that’ll leave a lasting first impression. Get more information and RSVP here.
More to Explore Throughout the Year:
:: FREE National Parks Admission for 4th Graders in 2015 – 2016 School Year
Starting in September 2015, every 4th grader will get an Every Kid in the Park pass food for FREE admission to all of America’s National Parks. The pass will be good for one full year and will be good for the 4th graders & their families as most parks charge admission per car. This is part of President Obama’s Every Kid in the Park initiative. Thanks to Thrifty NW Mom for the info!
:: Apple Camp
Enrollment is open for kids ages 8-12 to attend Apple Camp. This is popular free camp where kids learn to make movies or create interactive books complete with their own illustrations and sound effects. Hurry, spots fill up quickly. Go here to sign up.
:: Athleta Stores
Free fitness classes, group runs and special events at your local store. Visit your local store page here for more information.
:: Apple Store
Free workshops – learn the basic of Mac, iPad, iPhone, or iPod. Learn how to create slideshows with iPhoto. Edit home movies with iMovie and more! Find your local store and make a reservation for a free workshop here.
:: Bowling for Kids all Summer
Kids Bowl for Free all summer at select bowling centers. Get two free games for each child, every day, all summer long. Shoe rental is not included. Check to see what nearby bowling alleys are participating here.
:: Factory Tours
Find factory tours all across the USA, go here, The site has 570 tours and counting! Many are free but some may have an admission fee. (Thanks to the Happy Housewife for sharing this!)
:: Family Movies for $1 During the Summer
Participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists, & Edwards Theaters offer 9 weeks of family movies, rated G or PG, for just $1 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 10 AM. You can see the schedule, starting dates and movies here on the Regal website.
:: Flying Lessons
Young Eagles – kids ages 8 to 17 experience aviation and get free rides in private aircraft flown by experienced pilots. Get more information here.
:: Home and Garden Shows
If you like Home and Garden shows, this site will give you a free pass. Check the ACS Home Show site.
:: Major League Baseball Clinics
Through the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, kids can attend a free baseball clinic in many locations across the country. The free program is called Free Legends for Youth Kids Clinics.
:: Playground Finder
If you find yourself in a new location and are looking for a playground, use the free KaBoom Map of Play, playground finder and just type your location into the search bar.
:: REI Running Classes
Learn or get back into running with training and techniques classes. Find our more at REI.com.
:: Roller Skating
Kids Roller Skate for Free all Summer: Find the closest participating facility right here.
:: Sephora: Free In Store Beauty Classes
Join the Sephora Beauty club , and attend free beauty classes inside Sephora stores to learn everything from building a skin care routine to creating the perfect smoky eye. Classes are held on Sunday at more than 60 stores across the USA. Check with your local stores for schedules and times.
:: Target – Free Community Events
Target is also sponsoring FREE community events ranging from free museum admission, free theater tickets, family activities and tours at some of our countries most famous venues. Times and locations vary by city. Find free family activities sponsored by Target in your area right here.
:: Wine Tasting
Total Wine stores offer free wine tasting classes each weekend. Learn about specific producers, regions and varietals. Where allowed by law, participants receive special discounts on the wine being tasted. View the FREE Wine Tasting Schedule here.
:: More Free Museum Dates
This site, www.freemuseumday.org, tracks free museum days in the following cities: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco Bay Area, and the Seattle Area.
:: Celebrate Crazy and Fun Holidays
Make memories and celebrate Lollipop Day, Junk Food Day, Hot Dog Day and more. See the full schedule here.
* For more ideas for family fun, be sure and check Groupon, Amazon Local and LivingSocial in your area. Join each site for free and start having more fun on a budget! These vouchers make great gifts too!
For inexpensive and sometimes free tickets to local events, I am a fan of Goldstar tickets. Watch your emails for the heading “Comp Train” from Goldstar. If you are new, you can set up a free account here.
Be sure and check out your local library and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!
Thanks Morewithlesstoday
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