Keep your eyes and ears open for FREE family activities.

A few years ago, we were driving along a highway and saw a big sign in front of a bank that was advertising a grand-opening event. From the road we could see tents, a moon bounce, and a lot of people. It wasn't our bank, but the sign was inviting everyone in. There were free food samples from local restaurants, games, prizes, face-painting, a moon bounce for the kids. A local fire department had a big engine for the kids to check out and the K-9 unit was also showing off their working dogs. When we left, our bellies were full and our daughter was exhausted. It turned out to be a fun event and it was totally free. As we were driving away, my husband said, "we need to take advantage of these free community events more often". And that began my mission to find free family events.

This past weekend, a local garden nursery was holding a spring open house. I signed up for a "vegetable gardening for beginners" seminar and my husband took the kids to the children's activities that were being offered. My 3 yo planted a daffodil bulb, a bean plant, and a "potato hedgehog" to take home. She was so excited to have her own plants. She loves to "help" us outside; that is code for she loves to play in the dirt. For taking the veggie seminar, I went home with a free heirloom tomato plant and a free 6 pack of vegetables of our choice. I chose broccoli. (I have never grown broccoli, so we'll give it a try.) The photo below is all of the plants that we were able to take home for free on Saturday. The hedgehog potato will eventually look like a chia potato.



This Saturday, April 4, we have 3 free children's activities planned:

1. At 10 am, our township is sponsoring an Easter egg hunt for children in the community.

2. From 10 am - 2 pm, the Toys-R-Us store is hosting "The Knack" FREE family event, powered by Crayola. This was advertised in the Toys-R-Us flyer in the Sunday paper. The ad read, "Come join us for a 3D experience and make a mini poster and "far out" finger puppet for free. Ages 5-12. While supplies last.". This might be a national event; be sure to check out your local Toys-R-Us store.

3. From 10 am - 1pm, our local YMCA is hosting a Healthy Kids Day that is FREE to the community. You do not have to be a member to participate. We go every year. The activities include: Moon Bounce, Open pool, Healthy snacks, Room to Romp demonstration and community vendors. All children 12 and under are welcomed to participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult. This might also be a national event; be sure to check out your local YMCA.

I'm not sure we will be able to fit in all three events on Saturday, but we will try. If you are reading this article after April 4, 2009, don't despair, FREE events are happening year round. Some places to look for FREE events and activities include:

* Your local newspaper. We are 7-day a week subscribers and I always find FREE events listed in our paper. I found the gardening seminar advertised in the paper.


* Local TV stations websites sometimes have community calendars online.

* Weekly Shopper - this comes in our mail on Wednesdays. It looks like a newspaper and has a lot of local small business advertising and community events calendars.

* From the weekly story-times to monthly children's events, our library hosts fantastic FREE activities throughout the year. Our library also has a community events bulletin board that I always check out for ideas.

* Your township, borough, or municipality's website probably lists a calendar of community events. Our township also mails a quarterly calendar with events listed.

* Your local mall probably also has a community calendar. Our mall usually hosts children's events throughout the year.

* Local churches. I am signing my 3 yo up for Vacation Bible School in June. This is considered a community outreach program. Most churches welcome new children to their VBS programs.

* A different bank was holding a children's fair last year and my husband won this 5 piece outdoor furniture set in a raffle. Banks are always doing open houses or children's fairs in our area. I have never felt any pressure because we don't belong to the particular bank that is holding the event.

The key is to keep your eyes open for the opportunities. You just never know where your next activity will be.

What FREE community events have you participated in recently? Where did you hear about them?