Things to do with your kids this summer on a budget

As the summer approaches finding things to do with your kids can be a challenge, especially if you are looking for things to do on a budget. If you are like me, you want to keep your kids busy during the summer doing fun activities, so they aren’t always on their electronics.  My girls are now teenagers at 13 and 14 years old. They love hanging out with their friends and this summer they will be busy playing softball, but on days they aren’t at the fields I wanted some go to activities I could entertain them with.  I have been doing several of these activities with my kids since they were toddlers and each year there are a few more things to choose from. It’s great to have more options. Here are a few of my favorites.

Since my girls are getting older they can now go to the gym and workout. We are fortunate to live in the city of Seminole and have a free gym at the Seminole Recreation Center. You have to be 12 years old to go with an adult, so they can both go with me. Be sure to check and see if your city’s recreation center offers free memberships to their residents. If you don’t have a free gym, you are in luck. This year Planet Fitness is offering free workouts for teens agers 15-18 all summer long from May 15 to September 1. You can find out more by clicking here. 

If your kids like going to the movies several of the theaters offer discounts on movies for kids during the summer. Cobb theaters offer Free Kids Summer Movie escape with free movies for kids starting June 11 and will continue every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10am through the August 1. Some of the movies include Smallfoot, Smurfs, Curious George and more. We have several Cobb theaters in the area you can find out more information by going to their website by clicking here.  AMC theaters is offering a $4 special for kids and it includes a movie ticket and kids pack including a drink and popcorn. It is every Wednesday and the movies include Trolls, Lego Movie 2, Teen Titans Go and more. Here’s a link for more information click here. Studio Movie Grill offers movies for $5 on Tuesdays all year long and you can see any movie for $5.

If your kids like to fish the Kiwanis Club of Seminole Breakfast has several free fishing days for kids ages 14 years and younger. This summer mark your calendar for Saturday, June 1 and August 3 from 8am-11am. Fishing is done at Taylor Park located at 1100 8th Avenue SW in Largo. They provide the bait and the fishing poles. On August 10 from 9am-3pm Angler Armory is hosting a back to school free fishing day at Madeira Beach Recreation Center, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. They will have bounce houses, raffles, food, prizes and more. Every kid 15 years and younger will get a free membership to Angler Armory. For more information go to their website by clicking here.  Gates open at 8am that day to register.

If it’s too hot to be outdoors or maybe it’s raining and you want to get the kids out of the house, there are quite a few deals to go to museums for free this summer. If your child is a fourth grader they can get a voucher to go to museums for free this summer. The program is called Every Kid in a Park. Kids can get free admission by visiting the website by clicking here. There is also a program called Museums on Us if you are a Bank of America, Merrill Lynch or U.S Trust cardholder. You can get a free ticket on the first full weekend of every month at over 225 participating museums including The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, Florida Holocaust Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. You can find out more here. Don’t forget Glazer Children’s Museum always offers the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County free Tuesdays the first Tuesday of the month from noon to 6pm. They are located at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza in Tampa. The museum is great for kids ages birth to 10 years old.

I know bowling and roller skating is fun to do with the kids. Did you know you can do it for free all summer long? The Kids Bowl Free program offers two games a day of bowling all summer long. All you have to do is pay for the shoes. If you have shoes you don’t pay a thing. You must register here. Locally we have some great bowling alleys all over Pinellas County participating in this program including Seminole Lanes in Seminole, Liberty Lanes in Largo, Sunrise and Ten Pin Lanes in St. Petersburg, Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater and Dunedin Lanes in Dunedin. Go to the website for other participating bowling alleys. Kids must be between 2-14 to register. 

I found locally Astro Skate in Pinellas Park, 10001 66th Street N. offers free skating for kids 12 years and younger. Skating passes are good for Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm. You can find out other participating locations on the website and register here. 

It’s important for kids to read this summer and if they read they can get a free book at Barnes and Noble. Kids grades 1-6 can earn a free book. Go here to register your child and start reading. My girls have done this the past several years and it does seem to motivate them to read. You print out the reading log and when finished turn it in for a free book. 

I found a few other ideas for the summer with Microsoft and Apple. They have offer free workshops and camps for kids. Apple has their Apple camp for ages 8 to 12. It is free and is at area Apple stores. They are 90 minute sessions and include coding and robotics, moviemaking or musical storytelling. To find out more click here. All campers must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the camp. Microsoft has a free camp at International Plaza. Most of their camps are for ages 8 and up and 13 and up. To find out more go to their website by clicking here and look for events for students. There you will find the different camps offered.

Younger kids can take part in the free Home Depot workshops for kids. The workshops are offered all year long, the first Saturday of the month from 9am to noon.  On June 1 the craft for the month is building a tabletop putting green. I know my kids loved going to Home Depot on Saturdays with their grandpa to make all sorts of wood items. Now they have outgrown it, but my sister and brother’s kids still go. It ’s a great place to learn basic skills of carpentry like how to use a hammer and how to paint. Kids get to build their item and either paint or put stickers on their craft. Kids receive a certificate and a workshop apron and commemorative pin all for free. 

I hope you are able to use at least one of these ideas. 

Things to do with the kids this summer on a budget

The kids are out of school and if you are like me, you are looking for fun things to do that won’t cost you ton. Every year I browse the paper, internet and flyers sent home from school to find some of the best and cheapest things to do. Here are some of the activities I’ve done with my two girls, ages 12 and 13, over the years and a few new ones I’ve found.

My kids love going to the movies, but they can be so expensive. During the summer you can go to the movies for $1. This is part of the Regal Theatres Summer Movie Express. It runs for 9 weeks starting June 5^th in our area.  The movies are Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute. Go to their website at www.regmovies.com and look up promotions. The movie theatres locally are Park Place Stadium 16 and Regal Largo Mall 8. The movies are G or PG and start at 10 a.m. Some of the movies include: Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon2, The Lego Movie, the Peanuts Movie, The Secret Life of Pets, The Minions and more.

For older kids and adults Clearwater Beach offers free movies on Friday and Saturday nights at Sunset at Pier 60. You can see movies like Lion King, Black Panther, Apollo, Moana, Jaws, A Wrinkle in Time and more. Go to the their website to find the listings at www.sunsetsatpier60.com.

If older kids want to see the latest releases head to Studio Movie Grill in Seminole all movies all day are $5 on Tuesdays.

My girls love to bowl. Kids can go bowling for free all summer long. It is part of the Kids Bowl Free program. Bowling alleys all around the United States participate. Locally kids can go in Largo to Liberty Lanes, in St. Petersburg to Ten Pin Lanes or Sunrise Lanes, in Dunedin to Dunedin Lanes and in Clearwater to Maple LanesCountryside, in Seminole to Seminole Lanes and in Port Richey to Lane-Glo Lanes North. Kids get to bowl 2 games free a day. You must register at www.kidsbowlfree.com. Remember to bring bowling shoes or you can rent them.

We are so fortunate to have baseball all around us. Not only do we have the TampaBay Rays, but we also have 4 minor-league baseball teams in the area. If your kids like baseball, the minor league team tickets very affordable. The Clearwater Threshers have dollar Tuesdays, where the tickets and food sell for $1. We went recently, and it was a blast. The Tampa Bay Tarpons formerly the Tampa Bay Yankees have a great kids club where you pay $20 and get a bunch of fun items including a hat and all Sunday games are free with a food voucher for hotdog, soda and chips. The Dunedin Blue Jays and the Lakeland Flying Tigers also have kid’s clubs and great promotions on ticket deals and food. Go to the team’s web sites for more information.

One place my two girls love going to is the beach and it’s free. Did you know that on Friday nights there’s a place on North Redington Beach that offers hula dance lessons to kids and adults? It is at Mango’s Restaurant and Tiki Bar which is located right behind DoubleTree Beach Resort. You can listen to tropical music on the beach and right before sunset on Friday nights the Sunset Island Dancers come out and put on a wonderful hula show. The kids have a lot of fun!!

If your children like to read and like baseball, they can read their way around the bases with the Reading with the Rays program. Just for reading a certain number of hours during the summer, they can get a free ticket to a Ray’s game. You can find out more at your local library.

Kids can also earn a free book at Barnes and Noble with the Barnes and Noble Summer reading program. It is for kids grades first through sixth. If your child reads 8 of their own books and journals the books, they can get a free book at the store. You can find out more at www.barnesandnoble.com.

If your children like to build things or make crafts, take them to Home Depot this summer. They offer a free workshop for kids the first Saturday of the month from 9 am to noon.  On Saturday, July 7 they will host a workshop on building a fishing game. Recommended ages are 5-12. The crafts the children make are incredible. The kids get to keep their craft and receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron and commemorative pin. This may be something a grandparent wants to do with their grandchild. I know my kids love it!

The Glazer Museum in Tampa offers free museum admission on the first Tuesday of the month to everyone from 12-7 p.m. You can find out more here. 

The summer is a great time to explore where you live. There are so many fun things to do right in your own backyard. You just have to know where to look and make the most of it!  Hopefully this gives you a few ideas of things to do with your kids and you won’t have to spend too much money.

Free Kids Workshop Today (Saturday) at Home Depot

Hey Kids and Parents....today you get to build a pint-size riding lawn mower

• FREE hands-on workshops from 9:00 a.m. to noon; designed for children ages 5 - 12
• All kid get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.
• Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.
• Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis. Please do not arrive before 9:00 a.m.
• Home Depot asks that you register on line to help them plan.

Here's the link to register and to see what's next month. Click here.

Home Depot today! Kids make plane for FREE

It's the beginning of month and time to go with the kids to Home Depot for the kids FREE workshop.
This month celebrate Fire Safety Month with The Home Depot and build a Fire Rescue Plane!

Most Home Depots offer the kids workshops. You can go anytime between 9 a.m. and noon.
Kids receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron and commemorative pin.

For more information visit Home Depots website by clicking here.

Free hands-on workshop for kids this weekend

This Saturday, April 6, 2013,  kids will build a bird feeder at the free hands-on workshop at Home Depot.

This is for children ages 5-12 and is the first Saturday of every month.

My kids have been doing this for years with their grandpa. They love it!

Arrive at Home Depot any time between 9 a.m. and noon.

Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.

All kids get to keep their craft and receive a free kids workshop apron and a commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

Click here to find out more.

Home Depot Workshop -Turkey Napkin Holder

Hi Parents and kids....it's the first of the month and that means it's Home Depot Kid's Workshop. This month you will build your own Turkey Napkin Holder for Thanksgiving. This is such a wonderful time to spend with your child or grandchild.  It is a FREE workshop.

When: Saturday, November 3rd

Time: any time between 9 am to noon

Where: All Home Depots (call or check online to make sure your Home Depot has the workshop)

BUILD. LEARN. CREATE. HAVE FUN WITH KIDS WORKSHOPS!

• FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of
every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride
and accomplishment.
• All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative
pin and certificate of achievement.

For more information click on Home Depot

Home Depot Kids Free Workshop This Saturday

It's the first Saturday of the month. If you are a Home Depot Kids' workshop fan, you know what that means.....The Free Kids Workshop! This Saturday, August 4, is build a cork bulletin board.

Kids ages 5-12 learn are able to expereince every month how to build. Every first Saturday of the month from 9-noon, kids put on an apron and make a special project.

This week, the Home Depot has teamed up with the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax movie. Each Kids Workshop will provide kids with Lorax activity sheets, Lorax create-you-own mustache kits, and Lorax sticker sheets. Each store will have one life-sized Lorax poster to affix to a wall so kids can have their picture taken with The Lorax.

• Kids will learn to build their very own cork bulletin board while learning tool safety
• Have fun, make friends and gain a sense of achievement and work ethic
• You can paint and add embellishments to your project while at the workshop

Home Depot Workshop for Kids This Saturday

It's the first Saturday of the month. If you are a Home Depot Kids' workshop fan, you know what that means.....The Free Kids Workshop! This Saturday, July 7,  is build a moving truck at Home Depot.

Kids ages 5-12 learn are able to expereince every month how to build. Every first Saturday of the month from 9-noon, kids put on an apron and make a special project. This month is it sponsored by Penske.

Home Depot Free Kids Workshop this Saturday

At Home Depot, this Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., kids can build a planter box and add plants for a touch of color!

This is a free workshop at all Home Depots across America. The project is free. It includes a planter and a free plant to put in it. This is sponsored by Bonnie Plants and Growums.

• Kids will learn to build their very own planter box while
learning tool safety
• Have fun, make friends and gain a sense of achievement
and work ethic
• You can paint and add embellishments to your project
while at the workshop

The workshops are offered every first Saturday of the month. It's free and a great time for kids!

Click on the word workshops to find out more.

Kids Workshops Wonderful for Bonding and Learning

My kids can’t wait to go with their Grandpa “Pa” the first Saturday of the month and build something at Home Depot. For the past several years my dad picks my two little girls up and takes them to Home Depot for the kids’ free workshops. It is such a special time for the kids and my dad. This is a great time for them to bond.

The crafts are pretty simple, but they do require hammering. Pa helps the girls make sure they hammer the nails in just right. So far my kids have made wood banks, airplanes, pencil holders, flower holders, race cars just to mention a few. I am running out of room as to where to put all their wonderful hand made items. The girls have so much fun building their projects and than they paint them.

All Home Depots do these workshops. It is the first Saturday of every month. All you do is show up with your kids on Saturday between 9am and noon. There are usually tables set up outside with the supplies. The first time your kids go, they get a cute little orange apron to wear. After the children finish their projects, they get a certificate and a special pin with a little picture of what they just made. This pin goes on their apron. Each time they come they get a different pin to add to their apron.

Coming up Saturday, February 4^th, the kids are making keepsake
boxes for Valentine’s Day. Most of the kids are ages 5 to 12, but I have seen some a little younger.

If you can’t get to Home Depot, Lowes usually offers their kids workshop called Build and Grow the 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month. 

Coming up on February 11^th, kids will be making Valentine day card creator. This is also free.  You do need to sign up for these clinics on line at Lowesbuildandgrow.com. They begin at 10am. It is limited to the first 50 kids that sign up. The kids receive a kit, apron and goggles. Recommended ages for these crafts is first through fifth grade.

These wonderful workshops have given my children memories of building crafts with their Pa that will last a lifetime. If you are looking for something to do with your child, this is a fantastic opportunity to have fun, make something and do it all for free!

Home Depot Day First Saturday of Month (Today)

Hi all! Don't forget today is Home Depot day for your kids. You can build something cool for free. Go to any Home Depot on the first Saturday of the month and make something fun.

Today your kids can make a Savings Shed to store all their Christmas savings.

Build. Learn. Create. Have fun with Kids Workshops!

• FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.