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This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Summer is the time to have fun but you may find yourself sitting at home bored if you’re broke or just trying to stay on budget. Here are some sizzlin’ ideas that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Beach – If you live near the coast, the beach is one of the best places to head to when the weather gets warm. The best part is it’s free, though you will likely have to pay for parking. Pack a snack, apply some sunblock and grab your swimsuit and in no time you’ll be having fun in the sun.
Museums – Many museums are free or have free days. Some may ask for a suggested donation that you do not have to pay, like the Met in New York City. Many museums also offer free admission later in the day. Check the museums’ website for more information or call and ask if they have free or discounted rates. If you are a student or teacher, you may also qualify for a discount or even free admission! If you are a Bank of America customer, you can get free admission to participating museums, plus zoos, science centers and botanical gardens.
National Parks – Parks in general are great places to escape to when you can’t seem to peel yourself off of the couch. If you’re tired of your local park or just want to explore new scenery, head to a national park. Most national parks are free. For those that usually charge an entrance fee, there are national park fee-free days. Here are this year’s dates:
- June 5-6, 2010
- August 14-15, 2010
- September 25, 2010
- November 11, 2010
Find more free attractions near your area and share with us what you plan to do to combat boredom without breaking the bank during the summer days. Got kids? There are plenty of ways to cheaply entertain kids.
June 4th, 2010 at 9:14 am
[...] You may recall I hired two bloggers, Mike and Bobbi, for BargainBabe.com a few months back. I’ve just hired a third writer, Yazmin Cruz, so you will see her byline regularly on the site, starting with her post on free things to do this summer. [...]
June 4th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Thanks for the help, I’m caring for my 3 grandsons this summer and your blog will make the summer more fun. Do your readers have other ideas for kids 5-8?
June 4th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
@JUNIE Sounds like you’ll be having a great summer. If there are Regal Cinemas near you, keep an eye out for their Free Family Film Festival. Are you in California?
June 5th, 2010 at 9:27 am
There are always free summer concerts in certain parks-Pasadena, Monrovia, Santa Clarita to name a few.
June 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am
@Robin That’s right! How could I’ve forgotten?!?! You can also go in for FREE to watch the philharmonic rehearsals.
June 6th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Free Open House at Gull Wings Children’s Museum in Oxnard on 6/27 from 2-5 pm. http://www.gullwings.org
June 7th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Don’t forget free summer concerts in your local parks! Maybe music will be more for adults to enjoy, but kids will still have fun if you bring blankets and some food and organize a picnic. Everyone around will be doing the same anyway.
June 9th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Wow, I just got this in my e-mail for tons of free stuff:
http://www.heyitsfree.net/2010/06/09/summer-2010-freebies
check it out! free bowling, free camps, free classes,free movies. I’m going to print it out and hang it all up!
June 9th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
@Robin This is great! Thanks for sharing.