We love going places and exploring new worlds. We are always on the look out for cheap family trips but we pretty them up and call them family adventures. Even with just 3 kids it can get expensive so turning the 100th trip to the park into an adventure can completely change the outlook of your trip. We try to keep most trips as inexpensive or free as possible so we can splurge on some other fun things that may not be so cheap. There are so many fun and frugal adventures to be had if you think outside the box.
Research Ideas
I love to take “useful” things and turn them into adventures. Two years ago we went to a family reunion. On the way we stopped at Crayola Factory (not as cheap) and an orchard. We spent the morning exploring the fun of The Crayola Factory then traveled another twenty minutes and picked apples for $0.35 lb (cheap since it comes out of the food budget. Starting to get how my outside the box works?). For the cost of apples we had fun and a freezer full of yummy homemade applesauce. We then continued on to our hotel near the reunion and had a “mini” vacation by working in things along the way.
Family adventures don’t always have to cost money or be touristy spots. We have fun going to a nature center and learning about birds and other creatures around us. Usually inexpensive or even free, it is so much fun exploring everything around us while soaking up a little bit of peace, sunshine, and quiet. We pack a lunch and plenty of water and take a break for lunch.
Want to take a trip to the zoo? Do the math ahead of time. By the time we are done with parking and tickets we would pay the same on a YEAR membership that includes parking. Why not go more than once for the same price? Also read the print on your membership. Many times they participate in a reciprocal program, offering you free or discounted membership into zoos or aquariums around the country.
Don’t want a membership? Keep an eye out for specials. Our local natural history museum offers Dollar Tuesdays in August. Another local museum offers free admission on certain Sundays, and American Express has some card member perks each month. Research the different family adventure spots in your area and see what specials they offer throughout the year. Make a list by month so when that month comes you know what frugal adventures await your family.
Our Family Adventures (some)
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Cape May Point and Lighthouse
Sunset Beach (NJ)
Wildwood
Philadelphia Zoo
Liberty Bell
Independence Hall
Constitution Center
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Franklin Institute
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Linvilla Orchards
Highland Orchards
Smithsonian Museum
Oasis Fun Center
Various Nature Centers
Ridley Creek State Park
Atlantic City Air Show
Sesame Place (splurge but a favorite)
Local Playground
Picnic in the Backyard – grab binoculars and explore
Take Action
Grab a notebook and pen and start making a list of all the things you can do within a two hour radius of your home. What are some of your favorite frugal family adventures?
Thanks for stopping by on this Fabulously Frugal Thursday.
Your co-hosts,
Heather ~ Real: The Kitchen and Beyond
Barb ~ A Life in Balance
Link up your fabulously frugal posts and read more frugal tips for everyday life below.
great list! Brandywine zoo is this teeny tiny zoo but its on the river, a great place for picnics and duck feeding. it’s in Wilmington
Love these tips Heather. We took one of those family trips yesterday by going to the kid’s museum in our area. We have a membership but purchased it during the grand opening when they were very deeply discounted. Thanks for co-hosting!