Five Free Family Fun Moments

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or even cost a thing at all. While taking in a movie and snacks at the theater might cost you $60 or more per family, isn’t it nice to know that there are still some things in life that are free? 1. Family game night. The popularity of family game night might have started as a marketing campaign for Hasbro to get you to buy more games, but the idea is not a bad one. Many of us grew up playing board games and have many fond memories of the hours we spent … Continue reading

More Free Family Fun in the Great Outdoors

If you get off the couch and out of the house this summer, you’ll find that there are a host of exciting events just waiting for your family to enjoy. Not only will you get the chance to have fun in the sun, but all of the following family-friendly attractions are free: MARYLAND Ocean City is making summer fun for kids and their parents with an array of free activities, from movie nights, concerts and storytelling around a bonfire to shows and demonstrations at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Don’t miss Tuesday night “Beach Olympics” where you can go … Continue reading

Free Family Fun on the East Coast

If you live on the East Coast of the United States, then you have reason to celebrate this summer. Your neck of the woods is bustling with free activities for the entire family. If you are keeping a tight grip on your wallet, but still want to have fun in the sun this summer, then consider taking advantage of the following free attractions: MAINE Goovin’ in the great outdoors is made easier this summer in Maine thanks to Freeport’s 11th annual Summer Concert Series. This year’s lineup includes Patty Loveless and Asleep at the Wheel; shows start at 7:30 on … Continue reading

Fall Fun in San Francisco

Wrapping up my look at noteworthy events in the San Francisco area here’s a look at some regional celebrations that take place during the end of the year. Castro Street Fair This family-friendly event typically takes place during the first weekend in October. It is chock full of PG-rated fun and attracts thousands to Castro St. between Market and 19th streets. Along with the miles of craft booths there is a slew of food and clothing vendors displaying their wares. Yummy treats aside this neighborhood celebration is known for its showcase of dancers who strut their stuff at the dozens … Continue reading

Chocolate Tours: Fun and Free

Rich, creamy…..chocolate! For this next blog in my series of factory tours, I thought I would do a little research on chocolate tours. Do you believe that there are more than 40 tours around the nation that have something to do with chocolate? Below are just some of the highlights. Hershey’s Chocolate World, Hershey, Pa Hershey is the absolute king of chocolate tours. In fact, visiting Hershey is more like visiting an entire theme park. The tour part is really a visitor’s center. There is a 3D show, a trolley works, rides, a large marketplace (we stocked up on Halloween … Continue reading

Herrs Snack Factory Tour

In a previous blog, Factory Tours Are Fun And Free!, I talked about how friendly factory tours are for both families and their budgets. I am such a big fan of factory tours for their fun, frugality and educational value, that I will be highlighting some of the best tours around. I’ll be asking your help to tell us all about your favorite factory tours. For this blog, I thought I would start with my home state of Pennsylvania and highlight a tour that my own family really enjoyed. I am talking about the Herrs Snack Factory Tour. This factory … Continue reading

Factory Tours Are Fun And Free!

One of the most overlooked form of family fun is the factory tour. From watching a chip flip to witnessing marshmallow peeps being born, kids and adults will be fascinated during this great family activity. My family and I have visited many factory tour programs, and we have always had a great time. The tours are usually very kid-friendly and family oriented. Tour guides have always been super nice, and the factories are eager to show off their stuff. Free samples are almost always given. Ever eat a potato chip hot from the fryer? Yummy! Most of the tours are … Continue reading

How to Score Free Day Trips

Need some fun getaway ideas? How about scoring a free day trip? It isn’t as hard as you might think. 1. Check out national parks and museums Many national parks and museums are free to the public. You can donate any amount you wish to help support the museum or park, but what you pay, or even if you pay at all, is up to you. Out of 397 national parks, 264 for them never charge a fee. The others offer “free admission days” to visitors. The same goes for private museums. Take a look at the websites for your … Continue reading

European Port Adventures

Today I’ve got some Disney cruise news that, unlike last time, isn’t just a little bit silly. The official Disney Parks blog, which really does seem to be more the official Disney vacation blog, announces some updates to the Disney European cruises. This summer all travelers aboard the Disney Magic, the cruise line’s often Europe-bound vessel, get to participate in the pilot launch of the European Port Adventures. The word “Adventure” is a hint; this new program reminds me very much of operations on an Adventures by Disney vacation. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if Disney’s putting its AbD … Continue reading

Visit the Best of the Best During Spring Break

Where will you be spending spring break this year? Parents looking for fun, yet affordable ways to spend spring break with their kids should check out The 10 Best of Everything Families: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers. For about 20 bucks the handy guide provides information on the best locations for family reunions, skiing, biking, extreme adventures, factory tours, museums, zoos, gardens, historic sites, roller coasters, music festivals, wildlife-watching and much more. There are also sections on seasonal celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas. Some sample lists include: Education Vacations–10 Best Innovators’ Homes Samuel Morse, Poughkeepsie, New York Rachel Carson, … Continue reading