Taking your family out for a fun time—whether it's an amusement park, tourist attraction or theatrical show—can be costly. So, how can you enjoy spending quality time with your kids without breaking the bank? Here are eight ideas on how to save money without making huge sacrifices.
1. Enjoy Family Movie Days
It's fun to watch a movie on the big screen while snacking on buttery popcorn! Be sure to check with your local movie theater to see if they offer family movies for under $5.1 They typically have a lineup of classic cartoon movies that play throughout the summer. If you hit up the concession stand, they may also have special promotions on snacks and beverages.2
And be sure to mark your calendar for National Cinema Day in late August or early September (in 2023, it was August 27). This is where moviegoers across the country can enjoy blockbuster movies at a discounted price.3
2. Visit Museums for Free
If you enjoy exploring museums, there are several ways to visit them for free. They may offer free admission year-round or on a specific day of the week or month, depending on which one you want to visit.
Special groups may also be eligible for discounted passes or complimentary access, such as local residents, children, seniors, students (by showing your student ID), military members, people with disabilities or those who qualify for the Museums for All program.4
3. Purchase Tickets Online
A common tactic that attractions have been using is increasing the admission price for tickets purchased in person.
For example, if you go to your local farm and purchase tickets at the booth, it might cost you $20 per person. But if you purchase tickets online, it might only cost you $15 per person.
For a family of four, this is a difference of $20 ($20 x 4 = $80 vs. $15 x 4 = $60. $80 - $60 = $20), which could be better spent at the gift shop or buying a meal.
Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially if the attraction requires you to reserve a time slot. This way, you'll get the cheaper rate and you're guaranteed a spot—which can come in handy on days when there may be large crowds.
4. Use Promo Codes
It feels great when you don't have to pay full price for family activities. You can take advantage of promo codes or discount codes when they're available. You can often find promo codes online, through the company's social media channels, or by subscribing to their e-newsletter.
Keep in mind that promo codes may be valid for a specific period of time. If you want to save money, be sure to read the fine print. It's always good to know when the promotion expires so you don't miss out on a great deal.
5. Check Alumni and Corporate Discounts
If you work for a company or if you're a graduate of a college, they may have partnerships with local businesses, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels and travel companies. Be sure to check with your alumni association or employer to see if they have special discounts you can take advantage of.
Each business has its own set of instructions you'll need to follow in order to receive the discount. For an employee discount, you may need to present your employee ID. If you're making a purchase online, you may be required to enter a specific promo code. Or if you're making a phone call to book tickets, you may need to state your organization name along with the discount code. It may take extra effort, but the savings you'll receive can be worth it.
6. Qualify for a Group Discount
If you're a social butterfly who enjoys organizing group outings, you may be in luck. Oftentimes, if you bring a large group of friends or family (the more the merrier!), you may qualify for a group discount at theatrical performances or amusement parks. Not only will this be a fun social event, but it can also help ease the burden on your wallet.
Another benefit of traveling in a big group? You can have another parent watch your kids while you go to the washroom.
7. Go During the Off-season
Some tourist attractions and theatrical performances have dynamic pricing, which means you'll see higher ticket prices during the peak season and lower prices during the slow season.
Keep in mind that depending on the venue, they may have more activities available during the peak season. For instance, if you go to the zoo, they may have a zip line, splash park and more restaurants open during the summer because they anticipate more families visiting in the warm weather. Although you may be paying a higher price, you may be getting more services and amenities than during the off-season.
8. Get an Annual Membership or Season Pass
Do your kids beg you to take them to the same tourist attraction over and over again? If your family plans to visit a particular attraction multiple times a year, a family membership may help you get the most bang for your buck. Popular types of annual passes for families with young kids include memberships to the local zoo, aquarium, science center and amusement park.
Plus, an annual pass usually comes with additional perks such as discounts on food and retail, free parking or access to exclusive events. If you're looking for a way to save up for the membership, setting up an automated savings plan in a money market account can help you reach your goal.
Become a Savvy Saver
With all these tips in mind, you can snag great deals to help put money back in your pocket. Plus, these savings can add up over time. Even better, if you choose to put them in a high yield savings account or certificate of deposit (CD) account, you can save toward your next dream vacation.
Sandy Yong is a personal finance writer, TEDx and keynote speaker and the award-winning author of "The Money Master." Her work has been featured on a variety of platforms, including BiggerPockets, TurboTax and MoneySense.
READ MORE: Ways to Help Family Members Financially
Sources/references
1. Butera, I. See kids' movies for less than $5 with AMC's Summer Movie Camp program. USA TODAY. June 6, 2023.
2. Perez, K. Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse deal gives families the option to see movies for $1.50. USA TODAY. June 17, 2023.
3. Bartiromo, M. and Pflaumer, E. National Cinema Day: Major theater chains offering $4 tickets for 1 day only. The Hill. August 24, 2023.
4. Bowsher, K. 7 Ways to Visit Top Museums Across America for Free. Money Talks News. February 10, 2023.
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