Thanks to your feedback on what  I should feature in the Summer Survival Series, one of the biggest questions is “where do I find free kids events?” If you’re budget conscious and have multiple children, I know that the cost of summer activities can really add up. Here’s a list of places you see every day that from time to time, welcome kids for free. Be sure to share it on social media, add it to your Pinterest board and print the list when you make your rounds calling or research these free events.

Keep in mind you’ll need to do some legwork and stay informed by:

• Checking out community calendars or display areas for announcements
• Subscribing to their e-newsletter (here’s how to get the Mommy Talk Show bi-monthly e-newsletter)
• Following them on Facebook and Twitter (Follow @MommyTalkShow)

Where to Find Free Kids Events

 

Find Free Kids Events

Grocery Store:  Keep an eye on the community board in your local grocery store or ask the store manager when there will be a cooking or product demonstration.

Bookstore: Find story times and book signings galore, plus it’s got air conditioning.

Library: Local libraries are chock full of events for kids, beyond the average story time. I’ve already put two dates on my calendar this summer where A.J. and I going to see free movies at our library. We’ve also attended the Bio Bus event at the Went End Library presented by the Georgia State University College of Arts and Sciences.

 

Garden Center or Home Improvement Store/Hardware Store: Last Spring A.J. and I attended an event in Atlanta at the Pike Nursery where he got to touch earthworms and learn what it takes to compost. Home Depot stores host frequent Saturday workshops for kids.

Local and State Park:  Most of the parks have free admission days or events for outdoor activities. In Georgia, public libraries also have free passes to parks.

Church or Place of Worship: Vacation Bible School is often a free offering at local churches. I’ve seen the signs around my neighborhood. Churches also have free family events. This summer A.J. attended two free week-long bible camps which brought great relief to my summer budget!

Mall or Shopping Center: Look on your mall or shopping center website for free events, cooking demonstrations and even fashion shows. The Mall of Georgia in Buford hosts “Movies Under the Stars” Summer Events each year.

Kids Bowl Free Atlanta

Bowling alley: Stars and Strikes “is partnering with Kids Bowl Free to provide kids in the metro-Atlanta area with two free games of bowling, every day this summer. All you have to do is go online to register your children and the company will email weekly vouchers to you. The program runs through August 25, 2017.

Find a Stars and Strikes location near you.

 

 

Museum: We have an array of museums in Atlanta and I’ve enjoyed a few free events especially at the Atlanta History Center.

Movie Theatre: Summer movies can be free if you sign up to get alerts to preview nights. Ask your local theatre manager! If we pay to see a movie, we typically go to the first viewing for the lowest rate.

RELATED TOPIC: 25 of the Best Summer Movies for Boys

Dance or Yoga Studio: Drop-in for a free class or demonstration.

Local Parenting Blog: Of course, as a blogger I’m biased because I think my colleagues do an amazing job of keeping parents informed about local events. I cover what’s family friendly in Atlanta, as well as host on-location events to create videos. No matter where you live here are a variety of parenting blogs with hyper local events including:  Red Tricycle, Yeah Let’s Go and Macaroni Kid (there are several sites that focus on the Atlanta suburbs).

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Comment below: What other places  do you find free kids events? Is it harder or easier to find free events in the summer?

Don’t miss the previous Summer Survival Series: “How to get a Free EpiPen Coupon” and “What causes your summer stress?”