Stretching the Family Dollar

We live on a budget, but then again who doesn’t these days?  But living on a budget doesn’t mean we have to sit at home.  We have found  a lot of family fun activities that are free or very budget friendly.  I mentioned in my last post that we really enjoy getting outside, but there is more to do than just go to a park and play.  Of course playing at the park has its time and place but we enjoy taking in all our city has to offer.

This weekend we packed up and headed to a local Fall Festival, entrance was free and the food was extremely affordable, $5 fed all three of us.  Our daughter had her first experience watching a puppet show and listening to a band.  She was enthralled with the instruments and listening to the live music.   The puppets were a huge hit, she kissed and  hugged them after the show, it was a precious moment to watch.

Also, as the Halloween weekend approaches several kid stores are hosting free Halloween story time events.  We headed to the local Pottery Barn Kids for free Halloween themed story time; albeit difficult for a one year old to stay focused, she enjoyed the first book and walking off her energy outside amongst the bales of hay and piles of pumpkins.

Free local events are becoming a fun find for me.  It gives us an opportunity to meet new friends, explore new places and expose Ryann to new activities.  It allows me to share with her a part of my childhood.  My mom was always signing us up for free park and recreational events.  I did arts & crafts weekly, took baton lessons and met new friends each summer.  And my parents could offer these activities for my brother and I because they were free or very affordable for families on a budget.  I love that we can do that for our daughter.

What are some great, free or budget friendly events you have found in your area?  Do you maximize your local library to enjoy story time and baby time?  I’d love to hear your budget friendly finds.

Image Credit: 1, 2