Mom saves money by attending free, family activities
SAVING MONEY | Berwyn mom checks newspaper, Web for activities for kids
With summer in the air and cost cutting on her mind, Berwyn resident Kendra Neal is focused on freebies and old-fashioned fun.
That attitude helps the stay-at-home mom of three boys ages 3 to 6 avoid busting the family budget.
(Rich Hein/Sun-Times)
"With little ones, we've got to keep them active," she said of she and husband Harlin Neal, a night auditor at a hotel.
"But most of the things out there cost too much money, so I just look for free or very cheap things for us to keep them active."
That includes visiting local festivals, art shows, book fairs and music festivals.
"This is not only great fun, but also a nice way to expose the kids to the arts," she said. "Usually admission is free or very cheap."
She also keeps her eye out for discounts at amusement parks. Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park offers discounts a few hours before closing, she noted.
And she checks online or in her newspaper, grocery stores or restaurants for coupons for local attractions, she shared.
"I purchased some Lunchables a month ago," she said. "They had 'buy one adult ticket, get one child ticket free' for Great America. White Castle usually has coupons for Kiddieland."
Forest Preserves, local libraries, park districts and nature centers provide her family affordable fun, she added.
The family also likes to visit the Brookfield Zoo.
"My parents get the boys a membership that cost $101 for unlimited visits and free parking," she said. "This would cost us $51 per visit otherwise. So this pays for itself in two visits, and we visit at least twice per month. We also get a pool pass for the summer. The cost is $90. Each visit would cost $15 if we didn't have a pass."
The family are regulars at a neighborhood park.
"It has a huge play area for the kids, and we just have picnics in the park," she said. "A lot of people are so used to paid-for activities. Kids are so worried about their skateboard and their iPods. Give them some good old-fashioned fun, hopscotch outside, blow bubbles, jump rope. People think you have to pay to have fun, but you know, you really don't."
What are you doing to make ends meet? Write to psmith@suntimes.com.
