Watch for Free Days and Free Events

Many museums, zoos and aquariums have free days. This is often one day per month such as first Tuesday or last Friday. There are a lot of museums that are fun and have areas tailored towards kids. In art museums ancient cultures exhibits are often fun for kids.

Open Houses, Openings and Festivals

Sports teams often have a free open house before season starts. Also make note of free festivals and events in your communities. Check your local paper and chamber of commerce for upcoming events.

Zoo Membership

If you have kids who love to go to zoo you should consider a family membership. It can be a great value if you plan on going often and have a zoo nearby. Similar memberships are available at museums and aquariums as well.

Farmers' Market and Swap Meets

You don't have to spend much money to have a good time at your local Farmer's Market. Most communities have them on Saturday or Sunday every week during Spring, Summer and early Fall. You can buy some great vegetables for less than you pay at grocery market and usually there is something fun for kids to do.

Library and Bookstore Events

Next time you go to bookstore or library pick up an events calendar. They often have live music or book readings that might interest your family.

This is just tip of iceberg. Keep your eyes and ears open and you will find many more opportunities to have fun with your family without spending a lot of money.

Fisher Swanson is a regular contributer to Daily Thrifty Tips newsletter at ThriftyFun.com. ThriftyFun publishes information about thrifty living. Send an email to dailythrifty-on@thriftyfun.com to subscribe to The Daily Thrifty Tips newsletter. http://www.thriftyfun.com

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If you don't have a yard, don't despair. Plant a bean or tomato in a pot. All you need is a sunny spot to set it, on your porch or patio. You can even put it inside in a sunny window.

4. Put up a birdfeeder in your backyard or on your patio. Birdfeeders are not too expensive, but here's an idea for making one of your own. It's easy and kids can help.

Buy a fresh coconut and cut a 2-inch hole in side, near top. Drain juice and scrape out meat. Drill a small hole in top and also in bottom. Insert an eye bolt in top hole and secure with a nut inside and out. Fill feeder and hang it up!

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Preserved Children

Take 1 large field, half a dozen children, 2 or 3 small dogs, a pinch of brook and some pebbles. Mix children and dogs well together; put them on field, stirring constantly. Pour brook over pebbles; sprinkle field with flowers; spread over all a deep blue sky and bake in sun. When brown, set away to cool in bathtub.

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".