Free Thrills Around Town

I know with the holiday season already started in full swing, the kids are already itching to go out and do some fun things. Many of use have already budgeted our money towards holiday gifts and may not have a lot left over for too much fun stuff. If you know where to look, you can always find something FREE to impress the kids and get the whole family into the spirit of the season.

Check these out:

• Drive around and look at holiday lights; we like to get some mugs of hot chocolate and a CD of Christmas music, pack up the dog and drive around our town; some newspapers also print some of the more stellar lighted displays

• Check your local churches; many have events for the public; our favorites are always the "walk through Bethlehem" tours, and many churches go all out with animals, costumes and elaborate displays

• Don't forget to check your local Chamber of Commerce; they usually maintain a list of events around your city

• Museums, zoos and botanical gardens typically have one day free; some do this once a week, month or even seasonally

• Find a nearby "pick your own fruit" or Christmas tree farm; we've gone on hay rides, petted the animals, watched cane syrup production with a mule press and ridden ponies, had biscuits with gravy, all free at our local farm

• Check your local military bases; they sometimes have public events, such as airshows or holiday shows

• Libraries can also have events; ours doesn't do just story hour but also learning events, craft days, clowns and magicians; the holidays can be extra special

• Chain book stores want you in the giving spirit...giving away your money that is...but if you can resist the temptation, these events can be fun too

• It may be too cold for a picnic or bike ride, depending on where you live, but we've had some of our best family events, packing everyone up and heading out to our national and state parks for a nice hike; some parks also let you chop down your own Christmas tree with a permit; check their offices for more information
  

• This is the season of craft fairs; check your newspaper, school, Chamber of Commerce and church; Also see Festival Net , Festival Finder and the Crafts Fair Online
  

Do you have any ideas to share?

Find other frugal ideas at this week's Festival of Frugality #103.