Thrifty Thursday - Free or Reduced Fun

This week for my Thrifty Thursday post, I'm talking more about getting out and seeing theater shows, the opera, museums, etc on a budget!

Many museums have one day a month where admission is free to visit. Sometimes it may be for only a few hours in the evening, but usually that's just enough time to visit and check out any new exhibits. Here in Seattle, the Art Museum has free admission on the first Thursday of the month.

Lots of museums also have projects for kids on the weekends that you can participate in for free for the kids. Visit the museum's website to check on the details, as some even have free admission for the kids on these days! If you live near a musuem that interests your family and you would like to visit often, sometimes it's worth the cost of a family membership to have unlimited visits, as well as other valuable perks.

Want to take in a theater show or see the opera? There's ways to get discounts too! Of course you probably know that any matinee dates are usually cheaper than evening shows. Check entertainment sections of small art newspaper for possible 2 for 1 coupons, as well as at your local chamber of commerce. And even if you aren't a tourist, check with your local tourist hot spots such as hotels. You'll often find special deals. Don't forget the Entertainment book, and local city websites. (and one of my favorite, the Tropicana Juicy Rewards program, where you can use the codes to get discounts on many local attractions)

Many places will also give discount for studen IDs, senior citizens, and don't forget AAA and AARP can have tons of good discounts too. Remember, it never hurts to ask either - there may be a deal going on that you can participate in that you would never have known if you didn't ask!