Community Corner
Frugal Family: Free and Cheap Things to Do When School's Out
Keep your kids entertained without blowing your budget.
With summer vacation just a few days away, many of us are looking for ways to get out of the house without spending too much cash. Camps, swim team and playdates can keep kids happy for quite a while, but sometimes a quick two-hour activity is just what you need. Here are some ideas for activities and events happening around Atlanta that are both affordable and entertaining.
1. Lego Monthly Mini Build
Where: Lego Store Discover Mills, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville 678-847-6078
Find out what's happening in Tuckerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What: On the first Tuesday of every month, the Lego store hosts a free mini-build event for kids ages six to 14. Kids will get all the pieces they need in order to build a small lego model which they'll get to take home with them. About 250 are available per store, and it's first come, first served. The event starts at 5 p.m., but people line up early for this.
Pricing: Free!
Find out what's happening in Tuckerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
2. Regal Summer Movie Express
Where: Regal Cinemas throughout the country. The closest participating locations to us are Snellville and Duluth.
Snellville Oaks Stadium 14, 2125 East Main Street, Snellville 770-972-4072
Medlock Crossing Stadium 18, 9700 Medlock Bridge Road, Duluth 770-814-8768
What: Beginning June 7 and continuing throughout the summer, two kids' movies will be shown every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. (one G and one PG selection). For locations and calendar of movies, click here.
Pricing: $1 per person.
3. Stone Mountain Park Lasershow Spectacular
Where: Stone Mountain Park
What: Beginning May 28 and continuing throughout the summer at 9:30 p.m., the Lasershow has been transformed once again and will now be shown in "Mountainvision" which is taller than the Statue of Liberty and five times the size of an IMAX screen. With 40 minutes of music, lights, and a fireworks finale, it's been an Atlanta tradition for years. Pack a picnic and a blanket to sit on, grab some friends, and enjoy a fun summer night outdoors.
Pricing: Free with $10 vehicle park admission (or pay $35 for an annual parking pass and come back as often as you'd like).
4. Imagine It! Children's Museum of Atlanta discounts and freebie days
Where: Children's Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Park Drive, NW, Atlanta 404-527-3690
What: The Children's Museum offers year-round "Target Free Second Tuesdays" each month. On the second Tuesday of the month, Target sponsors free admission to the museum beginning at 1 p.m. (until the museum closes at 7 p.m.). Warning: lines can be long, so go prepared to wait for a little while. Also, from now through June 16, the museum is offering "Half-Off Halfternoons," with half-price admission (that's $6.25 for adults and kids over 2) from 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. (Museum closes at 4 p.m. on these days, so it's just a two-hour window to get in and see everything.) The museum is a hands-on experience for adults and children to enjoy together...go prepared to drag your kids out just in time to beat the rush-hour traffic.
Pricing: Free on the second Tuesday of the month, $6.25 from 2-4 p.m. weekdays through June 16 and $12.50 for everyday general admission.
5. Go to the Library!
Where: , 952 Leon Street, Stone Mountain 770-413-2020
, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker 770-270-8234
Tucker-Northlake-Barbara Loar Library, 3772 LaVista Road, Tucker 404-679-4408
What: The DeKalb County Library System has tons of free summer programs on their calendar. There's something for everyone, with programs, contests, book clubs, classes, performances, activities, movies, storytime, and more. Click here for the full calendar of events.
Pricing: Free!
