My Cheap Thrills

Okay, so we all know that I don't believe in the saying, "money can't buy happiness" because nothing would make me happier right now than being financially stable, but that doesn't mean that you can't find cheap, or even free fun things to do. This isn't along the lines of anything I would normally post, but I thought this was worth sharing.

I read an article the other day about money mistakes that we commonly pass on to our children. While most of the article was lack-luster, there was one thing that stuck out to me. There was a point made about teaching your children to enjoy time spent together rather than money spent together, in hopes that it won't teach children to equate spending money to being happy.

I thought it was a great idea to try these things on my own and ever since I read that article I've been making a conscious effort to focus on these things with my kids... plus, with the economy the way it is.... a lot of us are getting cabin fever lately. Luckily the weather is getting better so there will be more things we can do in SLC without having to spend dough.

Here are a few things I've found to help me with this, and maybe it will help you all as well.

Great fun stuff to do that will get you outdoors.

• Whether you are a family with many kids, or a family of you and your significant other... everyone loves flying kites. If you don't already have a kite, you can get a cheap one at the store for a couple dollars this time of year and they're usually good to use through the entire summer season. All you need is some wind and a good park.
• Swimming!! I'm not suggesting to go pay a bunch of money to swim at a country club or community center. We all know someone who lives at an apartment or condo, and if they're good friends they will usually be happy to take you swimming with them. Not only is it fun, but it's good exercise for adults and kids as well.
  
• Frisbee Golfing. If you have discs, this is free to you. If not, you can usually get discs at "play it again sports" for very cheap, and you can use these for years to come. I think my husband has had this for three or four years. There are a couple different parks in SLC with frolf courses (you can google them if you wish). This is a great alternative to golfing, which is a really spendy hobby.
• One thing I really enjoy in late spring/early summer is hiking. There are a lot of free areas to hike, and then there are some that ask you to pay to use the trails. Usually the cost is under ten dollars for these areas. We have great mountains here that other states do not. Make the best out of them. There are also a couple parks with wetlands, and trails. There is no incline to speak of, so these should be easy for younger kids. I know there is one in Draper right by Alta high school, and another off 7th called Woodstock Park. These are great for scenic walks.
• and on the note of hiking is camping. Usually this is better to do closer to summertime. If you want to stay close to home there are a few pay-sites right up the canyon. About the quarter (or less) the cost of a hotel room. Up Little Cottonwood Canyon there is a great little spot called "Tanner Flats" and then there is also "Spruces." Other than that, there are a lot of little known, great and FREE spots not too far out. You can google these.
  
• Twilight Concert Series. Once a week, for almost the entire summer SLC does a free concert series (last year it was at pioneer park, not sure if that's how it always is). Some of the bands are really awesome... some are only so/so, but it's free music and a lot of fun!
• There are also a lot of fun tours you can take and historic buildings you can take a tour of for free. I know that the Armstrong Mansion does daily walk-throughs. If there is a historic downtown building you want to go through, sometimes you can call for tours. They will do them for free (usually).
  

Ideas of things you can do shacked up at home. (Really, more for kids than for adults)

• Movie Night - I know this isn't the most fun ever... but you can make it more fun by making some cheap snacks, setting up the living-room theater style... make an event of it.
  
• Game Night - Kids love games. This one it really a no-brainer, but it's better than huddling around repeats of CSI.
  
• Salon Day - My daughter and I just did this one actually. We did our hair, and our nails, and put on make-up, got all dressed up and took some cute pictures. She had a lot of fun, and I bet those of you with younger girls might enjoy this.
  
• Scavenger Hunts - Give your kids a list of things to find around the house. If nothing else, it might serve you with some peace and quiet, or "adult time," especially if they are old enough to send outside.
  

Some fun family friendly businesses that are affordable

• Clark Planetarium - Most exhibits are free. The cooler ones usually come at a small cost.
• Tracy Aviary - Small cost of 7 per adult. Less for children, and kids under 2 are FREE!
• Hogle Zoo - a little more pricey- 9 per adult, and 7 for kids. Under 2 are free here as well.
• Living Planet Aquarium - Same cost as the zoo, but it's indoors so it's great for a super hot day. Plus, kids love it.
• Red Butte Garden - Lots of trails, gardens, activities. I've actually never been here, but I would love to make it this summer. I've heard it's amazing. 8 per adult, 6 for kids. Three and under FREE!!

Some great tools to utilize in order to get great deals on other, activities that usually come at a higher cost:

• Groupon - http://www.groupon.com/salt-lake-city/?utm_campaign=Search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Google&utm_term=groupon. Here you can buy what would be a gift certificate for about half price. Buy them when you have cash, save them, and use them later.
• Living Social - http://livingsocial.com/cities/78-salt-lake-city/confirm?ref=broader_roadblock&skippable=true&ver=972. They offer one day deals. Check it daily. Might find something great to help you out!

So... these are a few of the things I've come up with. If anyone else has anything they would like to add, please feel free to do so in the comments section. Just like everyone else, I'm always looking for some fun for myself and my family on a budget!