We live in Georgia and the news just reported that on Sunday night we will be able to see Venus and Jupiter in the night sky We are going to make hot choc and make a fire in the fire pit and make a night of it

I don't know if anyone posted this (I didn't read the whole thread yet) but I'm near Chicago and a LOT of the museums have free days and even free weeks (week after next is free at the Adler Planetarium for example) so we try to use those days to do family fun stuff.

We also do family time in bed. On Sunday mornings, both kids come i bed with us and we tickle tackle and just have fun. It's my son's favorite part of the week.

Great idea!! That would be really helpful, especially for when we'd like to jump on mommysavers for some quick ideas.

There is an Adventure Landing park between Addison and Plano, Texas. For the month of February, they are offering parents play free with each kid ticket. So a family of four could play for a very good price. They also have other specials---but this is the one I've used the most.

I also get the Entertainment Book with has a lot of free or half-price admissions to museums or sites in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Before we go to one of our outings, I will also check to see what restaurants are in that area and see if I can get a good certificate from Restaurants.com. I've seen the code for a discount on the price at this site before-- but don't forget to go to Restaurants.com from your discover card site-- if you purchase your gift certificate by going through discover.com you'll also get 20% back in their cash back bonus program-- so a good way to double dip. If there's not a good restaurant, or one that we feel like, we will often take a pic nic.

We've done camping out in the livingroom and the kids love it. Sleeping bags, s'mores, picnic foods, lanterns, etc. And Dad & I can sneak off to bed once the kids are out.

Check your local recreation centers. In Plano, Texas there are 4 to 5 different facilities you can use at any time. There is a 1 time yearly fee of $65.00 each. It is good for 1 year from time of purchase and you can go as many times as you want. They offer indoor and outdoor activities such as swimming pools, weights, racketball, ping pong, indoor track, etc...

Our family loves it!!

For an inexpensive family night out, we go and buy popcorn at the movie theater and pull our car into a quiet place, put a movie in the dvd player in the car and watch a movie and eat popcorn. We put the seats down and bring lots of pillows and blankets. The kids love it. We live by an airport and there is an aiport viewing spot that is great for parking. It's our own drive in with only the cost of the popcorn.

I also check the websites of the zoo and nearby museums for "free admission day". I will only go on those days, but I usually pay by parking about a mile away and fighting crowds, but can still see the animals.

Check out the library. Attend story time with the kids and other workshops the library may be offering.

Check out local community centers. We have two communities that have "tot gym", where they put out tons of stuff for the kids to play with and climb on. Admission is around $2 per walking child, which is a lot cheaper than other places I've seen. I can't believe I paid $8/child to go to a similar indoor gym. I will probably never go there again. There's also a local roller rink that has "tot gym", too, same price.

Join a local "Mom's Club". Our dues were only $20/year, which is totally worth it to be in touch with other moms. We have an activity almost every day, including moms night out once a month and a babysitting co-op. I'm fairly new to my town, and this has been a great way to meet moms.

(My suggestions are geared for moms with younger kids.)

Great Ideas!!! We are always looking for frugal things to do!!!

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Jen

My family discovered letterboxing last year and we have really enjoyed it...even my teen
Basically you make/buy a small rubber stamp, small journal, and ink pad. Then you go on an outdoor treasure hunt in which you follow clues to hidden "boxes" that also hold a stamp and journal. You jot a note about your experience in their journal along with a print of your stamp, and then also print their stamp in YOUR journal. They have letterboxes all over the world! If you really want to have some fun...make and hide your own letterbox for others to find!
Go here to check it out:
Letterboxing North America

We made our stamps from a multi pack of large dollar store erasers. We used the metal end of a pencil (eraser removed) as a kid friendly carving tool, or you can use an exacto knife. I also bought the mini journals at the dollar store. I bought marker type inkers that were more expensive, but I'm sure ink pads can be found at the dollar store too.

We are all looking forward to the weather getting warmer so we can get out and do some more hunting!

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~ Kelly