Fun, Free or Cheap Weekend Activities for Everyone

Fun, Free or Cheap Weekend Activities with Something for Everyone!

If you are looking for some fun on a budget, Emily’s Frugal Tips has compiled a list of national retailers with hands-on workshops, classes and free in-store events for this weekend and many more that are coming soon. This post is brought to you by More With Less Today. This is a great end of the summer list of activities that your family can do to mark the end of the summer, and start of the new school year.

photo credit – Coupon Mamacita

Make some memories and try a new workshop, lesson, or craft. If you enjoy these free activities, be sure and bookmark this master list of free store events or PIN It for later!

Share this fun,money-saving list with your friends and family. And, if you know of any others to include, please let us know! It is always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.

Free National Park Entrance

August 25th – National Park Service Birthday

Find out the list of participating parks (over 405 of them) right here.

American Girl Special Store Events

Special events differ by location. During August, they include Grace’s Apron Craft & Cookie Decoration, Discover Truly Me Event, Doll ‘Dos & How-Tos: Bright Highlights, Meal & Memories with a Grandparent and more.

Many of the American Girl in store events are free, however some have a fee and some have age restrictions. Get the details here and find participating stores. Call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.

Barnes & Noble

Saturday, August 22nd at 11:00 AM

Storytime and activities featuring The Day the Crayons Came Home

Find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here.

 

Guitar Center

Saturday, August 22nd {no age restrictions for free music lessons}

10:15 AM – Recording Made Easy: Presonus Studio One

More free classes are offered during the week with their Music Mentor Series. Register at the Guitar Center website here.

Home Depot Workshop for Adults

Saturday, August 22nd from 10 AM – 11:30 AM – Learn Basic Electrical Skills

You can pre-register online here.

 

 

Lakeshore Learning Store

Saturday, August 22nd from 11 AM-3 PM and a few locations offer crafts on Sunday.

Kids design and take an Animal Antics craft. Get more information here.

Lowe’s Build and Grow

Saturday, August 22nd at 10 AM

Kids make and take Thor’s Chariot. Pre-register at the website here.

Michael’s Kids Club

Saturday, August 22nd from 10 AM to 12 Noon

Kids can make and take a Pencil Topper craft. The cost is $2 per session. Get more information here.

Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Kids

Saturday, August 22nd at 10 AM

Make Pressed Italian Sandwiches: Learn to make kid-friendly combos with favorite ingredients like Nutella, strawberry, ham, tomato and cheese. Suitable for ages 5–13. Get more information by contacting your closest store right here.

Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Adults

Sunday, August 23rd

……… MARK YOUR CALENDAR, COMING SOON……..

:: Smithsonian Free Museum Day

Saturday, September 26th

:: Lego Stores Free Model Build

Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build and binoculars. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.

:: Lowe’s Build and Grow

The September activity has not been announced yet. Stay updated at the website here.

:: Michael’s Classes for Adults

Find out more information right here about creative classes happening all week long.

:: Microsoft High Tech DigiCamp for Girls (free)

Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs specifically for youth. Find out more information here.

More to Explore Throughout the Year:

:: FREE National Parks Admission for 4th Graders in 2015 – 2016 School Year

Starting in September 2015, every 4th grader will get an Every Kid in the Park pass food for FREE admission to all of America’s National Parks. The pass will be good for one full year and will be good for the 4th graders & their families as most parks charge admission per car. This is part of President Obama’s Every Kid in the Park initiative. Thanks to Thrifty NW Mom for the info!

:: Apple Camp

Enrollment is open for kids ages 8-12 to attend Apple Camp. This is popular free summer camp where kids learn to make movies or create interactive books complete with their own illustrations and sound effects. Hurry, spots fill up quickly. Go here to sign up.

:: Apple Store

Free workshops – learn the basic of Mac, iPad, iPhone, or iPod. Learn how to create slideshows with iPhoto. Edit home movies with iMovie and more! Find your local store and make a reservation for a free workshop here.

:: Athleta Stores

Free fitness classes, group runs and special events at your local store. Visit your local store page here for more information.

:: Beauty Events in Stores

Find free beauty events at local stores with free samples and demonstrations. Visit the website that keeps track of these right here.

:: Bowling for Kids all Summer

Kids Bowl for Free all summer at select bowling centers. Get two free games for each child, every day, all summer long. Shoe rental is not included. Check to see what nearby bowling alleys are participating here.

:: Factory Tours

Find factory tours all across the USA, go here, The site has 570 tours and counting! Many are free but some may have an admission fee. (Thanks to the Happy Housewife for sharing this!)

:: Family Movies for $1 During the Summer

Participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists, & Edwards Theaters offer 9 weeks of family movies, rated G or PG, for just $1 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 10 AM. You can see the schedule, starting dates and movies here on the Regal website.

:: Flying Lessons

Young Eagles – kids ages 8 to 17 experience aviation and get free rides in private aircraft flown by experienced pilots. Get more information here.

:: Home and Garden Shows

If you like Home and Garden shows, this site will give you a free pass. Check the ACS Home Show site.

:: Lululemon Fitness Classes

Lululemon locations offer free yoga classes, go here for schedules and locations.

:: Major League Baseball Clinics

Through the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, kids can attend a free baseball clinic in many locations across the country. The free program is called Free Legends for Youth Kids Clinics.

:: Playground Finder

If you find yourself in a new location and are looking for a playground, use the free KaBoom Map of Play, playground finder and just type your location into the search bar.

:: REI Running Classes

Learn or get back into running with training and techniques classes. Find our more at REI.com.

:: Roller Skating

Kids Roller Skate for Free all Summer: Find the closest participating facility right here.

:: Sephora: Free In Store Beauty Classes

Join the Sephora Beauty club , and attend free beauty classes inside Sephora stores to learn everything from building a skin care routine to creating the perfect smoky eye. Classes are held on Sunday at more than 60 stores across the USA. Check with your local stores for schedules and times.

:: SKI Passport for 5th Graders

Go to www.5thgradeskipassport.com to get a free pass in Idaho or the Pacific Northwest. For other areas, search for your state with the words “5th grade ski pass + your state”, or the name of your local ski resort.

:: Target – Free Community Events

Target is also sponsoring FREE community events ranging from free museum admission, free theater tickets, family activities and tours at some of our countries most famous venues. Times and locations vary by city. Find free family activities sponsored by Target in your area right here.

:: Wine Tasting

Total Wine stores offer free wine tasting classes each weekend. Learn about specific producers, regions and varietals. Where allowed by law, participants receive special discounts on the wine being tasted. View the FREE Wine Tasting Schedule here.

:: More Free Museum Dates

This site, www.freemuseumday.org, tracks free museum days in the following cities: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco Bay Area, and the Seattle Area.

:: Celebrate Crazy and Fun Holidays

Make memories and celebrate fun holidays with your family. This week you can celebrate Spumoni Day, Poet’s Day, Dog Day and more. See the schedule here at Days of the Year.

* For more ideas for family fun, be sure and check Groupon Amazon Local and in your area. Join each site for free and start having more fun on a budget! These vouchers make great gifts too!

For inexpensive and sometimes free tickets to local events, I am a fan of Goldstar tickets. Watch your emails for the heading “Comp Train” from Goldstar. If you are new, you can set up a free account here.

Be sure and check out your local library and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!