Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic this Saturday! FREE!

Take the kiddo's by Lowe's on Saturday 7/23, and they can make these cool binoculars for FREE!

You'll need to register at the website and be at the store at 10:00AM.

Limited to the first 50. Ages 1st-5th grades.

FREE Weekend Activities!

Wow!  Is it the weekend already?  I almost forgot!  Here are some FREE things to do this weekend!

AC Moore - Saturday 1-5pm - Buy a T-Shirt and tie-dye it for FREE



Gymboree Play & Music - get a FREE class pass to Gymboree Play & Music



Lakeshore Learning – Events every Saturday! 11am-3pm Make a Splashy Jellyfish

Michaels - Passport to Fun Takes Kids around the world with crafts focused on different places! They have crafts every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11-2 through 7/30. (Ages 3+)

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys 'R Us - Playdate with Thomas the Train, Saturday 11am-1pm

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area. There are quite a few sampling events this weekend! Check and see if your store is participating!

FREE crafts for the kids at A.C. Moore on Wednesdays!

A.C. Moore Make & Take events are fun- we've been to many. They are offering Make & Take every Wednesday from 3-5 pm at your local store ALL summer long!! Click here to download a calendar that you can print and color to keep track: A. C. Moore make and take calendar.

The adults get a treat too- from 3-7 PM on Make & Take Wednesdays, we can print a $10 off $25 coupon to use on anything in the store!!

This week's Make & Take (July 13)is from Orb Factory- Sticky Mosaics

Thanks This Mama Loves Her Bargains!

FREE Weekend Activities! 7/9

Looking for something FUN and FREE to do this weekend?

AC Moore - Saturday 1-3pm - Kid's Make and Take a FREE Duck Tape Wand

Bass Pro Shop – Saturday & Sunday Free activities and workshops from noon-4pm and 2-5pm - Animal Tracks Stamping Activities
See more on BPS Family Summer Camp, ends Sunday, July 10th here.

Lakeshore Learning – Events every Saturday! 11am-3pm Make a Mosaic Mirror

Lowe's - Lowe's Build and Grow clinic Saturday at 10am - build a truck (ages 1st-5th grade)

Michaels - Passport to Fun Takes Kids around the world with crafts focused on different places! They have crafts every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11-2 through 7/30. (Ages 3+)

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys 'R Us - Playdate with Thomas the Train, Saturday 11am-1pm

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area. There are quite a few sampling events this weekend! Check and see if your store is participating!

Need to eat while you're out this weekend? Here's some deals:

FREE Chips and Queso at Chili's

BOGO Buffetts at Cici's Pizza through 7/10

FREE Value Menu Item at Arby's through 7/11

Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop for Kids this Saturday!

Take the kiddo's by Lowe's on Saturday 7/9, and they can build this COOL tow truck for FREE!

You'll need to register at the website and be at the store at 10:00AM.

Limited to the first 50. Ages 1st-5th grades.

Play Date with Thomas at Toys 'R Us on 7/9! Sale on Thomas wooden railway items!

Saturday, July 9, Toys 'R Us is having a playdate with Thomas the Train from 11am-1pm.

There will be giveaways, story time, coloring activities and special deals on Thomas toys.

Call your local Toys 'R Us to make sure they are participating!

Bug was almost 2 when we went last year and we had a great time!

They always have a sale on Thomas the Train items during the playdate. I bought Bug some birthday and Christmas presents while we were there last year. Might be a good time to do some Christmas shopping for your little Thomas fan!

All Thomas and Friends wooden engines are Buy One Get One 50% off.

All Thomas and Friends wooden railway sets (priced $29.99- $149.99) are 25% off.

The Grow-With-Me play table and the Gold Mine Mountain Set are $50 off.

Sale prices are good 7/3-7/9.

Don't forget about the FREE lunchbox with backpack purchase deal this week too!

FREE Weekend Activities 7/2-7/4

AC Moore - Saturday 1-3pm - Buy a painter's cap and decorate for FREE

Bass Pro Shop – Saturday & Sunday Free activities and workshops from noon-4pm and 2-5pm - Design your own birdhouse
See more on BPS Family Summer Camp, Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun through July 10th here.

Jo-Ann's - Saturday 11-1 Crayola Uncle Sam craft

Lakeshore Learning – Events every Saturday! 11am-3pm this week: Make a Patriotic Wreath

Michaels - Passport to Fun Takes Kids around the world with crafts focused on different places! They should have a craft this Saturday from 11-2 but I don't know what because they haven't posted their July events yet. But the Passport to Fun is supposed to be through July 30th so check with your local store.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area. There are quite a few sampling events this weekend! Check and see if your store is participating!

Locals: Jazz in the Park Concert, Monday, July 4th, 5-8pm at Caldwell Park (Birmingham, AL) FREE!

Crafts for Kids every Saturday at Lakeshore Learning!

Stop in your local Lakeshore Learning between 11am and 3pm for FREE crafts for the kids! (ages 3 and up)

Here's a list of what they are crafting this summer:

• July 2 - Patriotic Wreath
• July 9 - Mosaic Mirror
• July 16 - Splashy Jellyfish
• July 23 - Jazzy Journal
• July 30 - Under the Sea Scene

Find more frugal ways to entertain the kids this summer!

Frugal Summer Fun: Free Kid's Activities on Wednesdays at A.C. Moore!

Now through August 31st, AC Moore will have FREE activities and make & take crafts for the kids from 3-5pm every Wednesday!

Here's a list:

• June 29th - Summer Fun Festival (3-6pm) ages 4+
• July 6th - Foam Visors ages 4+
• July 13th - Sticky Mosaics Pictures ages 4+
• July 20th - Bookworm Bookmarks ages 4+
• July 27th - Button Art ages 4+
• August 10th - Bead Charms ages 4+
• August 17th - Cool Cords Bracelet or Snaptite Space Shuttle ages 6+
• August 24th - Melissa and Doug Name Sign ages 4+
• August 31st - Duck Tape Pinwheel Pencil ages 6+

Print a calendar of events here.

Michael's Passport to Fun Crafts for Kids!

Stop in a Michael's Store to travel around the world with their Passport to Fun! Different crafts from different places around the world:

• June 25, 11am-2pm: Passport to Egypt with a Hieroglyphic and Mummy craft
• June 28, 11am-2pm: Passport to the Bahamas with Tropical Can Hug & Flower Lei craft
• June 30, 11am-2pm: Passport to Canada with Moose and Maple Leaf craft

Find more frugal ways to keep the kids entertained this summer!

Free Weekend Activities! 6/25-6/26

AC Moore - Saturday 1-3pm - Buy Flip-Flops and Decorate for FREE!
Sunday 1-2pm Wilton Demonstration: Punch. Cut. Decorate!

Bass Pro Shop – Saturday & Sunday Free activities and workshops from noon-4pm and 2-5pm - Paint a Wiggle Fish
See more on BPS Family Summer Camp, Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun through July 10th here.

Disney Store – Secret Agent Escapade 11:00am-1:30pm ages 3+ limited spots available - get there early!

Lakeshore Learning – Events every Saturday! 11am-3pm this week: Make a Sparkling Fish complete with fishing pole!

Michaels - Passport to Fun Takes Kids around the world with crafts focused on different places! June 25th - FREE Hieroglyphic and Mummy craft! 11am-2pm

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area. There are quite a few sampling events this weekend! Check and see if your store is participating!

FREE Weekend Activities!

Thanks to Erin at Fun With Freebies for the list every week!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, Hands-On Demonstration: My Friendship Bracelet Maker. They are also having Free Make & Take kids crafts on Wednesdays from 3-5pm all Summer long.

Bass Pro Shop – Saturday & Sunday 2-5pm Make your own Leather Keychain & More.

Borders – Saturday 2pm, Celebrate the release of the new movie Cars 2 with Disney fun, games, stories & more. Best for ages 3-8.

Disney Store – Saturday Race 1 at 10:30 am, Race 2 at 12:00 pm, Race 3 at 1:30 pm, Rev Up for Fun: City of Lights, City of Speed with fun events to celebrate the upcoming release of Cars 2 in theaters June 24. They will have fun events every Saturday in June.

Home Depot – Saturday 9am-Noon, Free Kids Father’s Day Special Workshop: build a Lil Toolbox!

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-pm, Free Make It Take It for Dad. 1-3pm, Demo: Papercrafting with Xyron Machines. 3-5pm, Demo: Fabric crafting with Simply Spray.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Father’s Day Wallet: create a wallet for Dad.

Michaels – Saturday 10am-Noon, Father’s Day Key Chain Event FREE Make-It Take-It.

Pottery Barn Kids – Saturday, Father’s Day LEGO Duplo Jams: play with duplo blocks, listen to music and take home a special memento. Contact your local store for times.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

FREE weekend activities: 6/11 & 6/12

Thanks to Erin at Fun With Freebies for the list every week!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, FREE Make & Take: Fuzzoodles Fun. They are also having Free Make & Take kids crafts on Wednesdays from 3-5pm all Summer long.

Babies R Us – Saturday Noon-3pm, Super Baby Shower: expectant moms can learn about the must-have products for every mom’s Baby Registry, valuable tips and ideas for planning a baby shower, plus enjoy great savings and free giveaways.

Bass Pro Shop – Saturday & Sunday 2-5pm Create a FREE Camping Photo Frame & More.

Disney Store – Saturday Race 1 at 10:30 am, Race 2 at 12:00 pm, Race 3 at 1:30 pm, Rev Up for Fun: Undercover Adventure with fun events to celebrate the upcoming release of Cars 2 in theaters June 24. They will have fun events every Saturday in June.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-pm, FREE Demo: Cricut Cake Machine. There is also a Wilton Backyard Blast Cake Challenge on Saturday from 3:30-6pm.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Keep it Cool Drink Holder: kids create a decorative cup holder.

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday 10am-Noon, FREE: Kids build a Goofy Golf kit! Be sure to sign up for this event here.

Michaels – Saturday 10am-Noon, Father’s Day Frame Event Make-It Take-It with purchase of frame.

Michaels – Sunday 1pm-3pm, Father’s Day Tie or T-shirt Event with purchase of tie or T-shirt.

Pottery Barn Kids – Saturday 10am, National Geographic Little Explorers Club: World Oceans Day.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Williams Sonoma – Saturday, FREE demonstration- Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

Frugal Summer Fun: Summer Camp at Bass Pro Shops!

Bass Pro Shops is helping you keep the kids entertained this summer! Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6pm and Saturdays and Sundays from Noon-4pm they are having FREE family activities! This runs from

There is a shooting gallery, shooting range, casting targets, workshops and a different craft every week! (Craft times are 4-6 on Tue, Thurs and 2-5 on Sat, Sun). Also, you can make S'mores on Saturdays from 7-8pm!

Check out all the details and find a store near you here.

See more Frugal Summer Fun!

Frugal Summer Fun: Summer Reading Programs

Your local library is also a GREAT place for summer reading activities. Our local library has always done a summer reading program for kids and I have fond memories for participating each summer. (I was a little "bookish" when I was little. I came in first or second every year!)

Most of the time, they'll have a special day each week with a guest or entertainment or story-telling as part of the reading program. Great way to spend a couple hours!

If you go to your preferred search engine (Swagbucks, mabye?) and search "Summer Reading Program 2011 ________" and fill in your state in the blank and you should be able to find a library near you that is participating.

This is an old picture but I love it! Perhaps summer reading programs at the library are in our future? :)

Check out more Frugal Summer Fun!

FREE Weekend Activities!

Thanks to Erin at Fun With Freebies for the list every week!

Bank of America – Saturday & Sunday, Free Museums On Us days for Bank of America cardholders! There are over 100 participating Museums, Zoos, Science Centers, and Botanical Gardens across the US.

Bass Pro Shops – Saturdays & Sunday from noon to 4 PM. There will be crafts, activities and more family fun. This will continue through 7/10/11.

Borders – Saturday 2pm, Double-Dog Dare Challenge (Read 10 Books, Get 1 FREE)! There will be a trivia challenge, literacy games & more. They will also be celebrating the new movie Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (In theaters June 10th). Best for ages 8-12.

Disney Store – Saturday Race 1 at 10:30 am, Race 2 at 12:00 pm, Race 3 at 1:30 pm, Rev Up for Fun: Martial Arts Action with fun events to celebrate the upcoming release of Cars 2 in theaters June 24. They will have fun events every Saturday in June. Minimum age for participation is 3 years. Event limited per session based on store capacity. No lineups prior to 30 minutes before event begins.

The Home Depot – Saturday & Sunday, FREE home improvement classes.

Home Depot – Saturday 9am-Noon, Free “How-to Workshop”: build a Valet Organizer! (Great gift for Dad!)

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday FREE Demos: 11am-1pm is Papercrafting with Fiskars & Colorbok, 1-3pm is Jewelry-Making with Darice, 3-5pm is Jewelry-Making with EK Success.

L’Occitane – Friday through Saturday. Schedule an appointment for a FREE mini facial and goody bag.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Under the Sea Puppet Show: kids create the puppets and stage, then put on a show.

Nordstrom – Saturday, FREE Burberry Brit fragrance samples.

Petco – Saturday & Sunday 1-3 PM, Reptilian Fun Event with a Bearded Dragon Meet-n-Greet, Reptile Q&A, Reptile Scavenger Hunt and a Reptile Beauty Contest.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys R Us – Saturday 12-2pm, Megazord Demo Day: play with the new Megazord toy from the new Power Rangers show!

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Williams Sonoma – Sunday, FREE Carolina BBQ Technique Class.

FREE Weekend Activities!

Thanks to Erin at Fun With Freebies for the list every week!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, FREE Make & Take: create a masterpiece for dad! Monday 1-3pm, FREE Make & Take: Crayola Model Magic Stars n’ Stripes.

Michaels – Saturday 1pm-3pm, Wilton Cake Decorating Demo. Sunday 1pm-3pm, Making Memories Bravissimo! Make-It Take-It: Create 3D customized keepsakes in just three easy steps. Adults only craft.

The Home Depot – Saturday & Sunday, FREE home improvement classes.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday FREE Demos: 11am-1pm is Xyron Machines, 1-3pm is Fabric Crafting with EK Success, 3-5pm is Marvy Uchida Fabric Markers.

Dave & Buster’s – Through 5/31, FREE $10 Game Play!

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Look at Me! Mirror: kids create a safe mirror with colorful collage materials.

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday 10am-Noon, FREE: Kids build a Biplane with two complete sets of stickers and punch out pilots! Be sure to sign up for this event here.

Target – select a city to find FREE or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys R Us – Through May 31st, Pokémon Secret Egg Download: Bring your Nintendo DS system and your Pokémon Black or White Versions to a DS Download Station at Toys R Us to get a secret egg that hatches to reveal one of three characters from Ash’s traveling party on the new Pokémon TV series.

Williams Sonoma – Saturday a FREE Cooking Class called "Smokey Steak Sandwich with peppers and onions".

Walmart - Saturday 5-9pm, FREE Ice Cream Social. They also are offering FREE sampling and demonstration events through Sunday. Look up your local store to see the dates and times these events will be offered.

Whole Foods offers many great FREE events on the weekends. Checkout your local store calendar on the website to see what is being offered.

Free Weekend Activities!

Thanks to Erin at Fun With Freebies for the list every week!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, Wilton Cake Decorating Demonstration. Sunday 1-5pm, FREE Make & Take Papercrafting Flower Frenzy: learn to create your own floral embellishments.

Babies R Us – Saturday Noon-3pm, Simply Intuitive Breastfeeding: Learn about the new Collect, Protect, Store & Feed system from Tommee Tippee.

The Home Depot – Saturday & Sunday, FREE home improvement classes.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-1pm, Demo: papercrafting with Friskars & Colorbok.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Let’s Dance! Streamer: kids create colorful streamers.

Michaels – Saturday 1pm-3pm, Wilton Cake Decorating Demo. Sunday 1pm-3pm, Making Memories Bravissimo! Make-It Take-It: Create 3D customized keepsakes in just three easy steps. Adults only craft

Pottery Barn - Sunday 10am, How To Entertain Outdoors Class: get tips on effortless backyard entertaining from casual BBQs to cocktail parties.

Pottery Barn Kids - Saturday 10 am, FREE kids event about sea turtles

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys R Us – Through May 31st, Pokémon Secret Egg Download: Bring your Nintendo DS system and your Pokémon Black or White Versions to a DS Download Station at Toys R Us to get a secret egg that hatches to reveal one of three characters from Ash’s traveling party on the new Pokémon TV series

Williams Sonoma – Sunday, FREE On the Grill: Starters & Side Techinique Class.

Wal-Mart is offering FREE sampling and demonstration events through Sunday, (5/15). Look up your local store to see the dates and times these events will be offered.

Whole Foods offers many great FREE events on the weekends. Checkout your local store calendar on the website to see what is being offered.

FREE Weekend Activities 5/14-5/15

Thanks to Erin at Fun With Freebies for the list every week!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, Buy an Offray Hair Accessory and decorate it for FREE!

Babies R Us – Saturday Noon-3pm, Baby Bottle Basics: Learn about key features of the Playtex Nurser with Drop-Ins Liners and VentAire Advanced bottles.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-3pm, Demo: papercrafting with the Cricut Expression Personal Electronic Cutter.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Jungle Collage: Kids create animal scenes using foam stickers, fabric flowers, glitter painters and more!

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday 10am-Noon, Kids build a Free Heart Flower Vase for Mom! Be sure to sign up for this event here.

Michaels – Saturday 10am-Noon, Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Event FREE Make-It Take-It: Learn how to creatively punch around a scrapbook page. Sunday 1-3pm, Princess Tag Event FREE Make-It Take-It: Make your own personalized gift tags.

Pottery Barn Kids – Saturday 10am, Decorating Kids’ Room Class. Attendees receive 10% off select products.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys R Us – Through May 31st, Pokémon Secret Egg Download: Bring your Nintendo DS system and your Pokémon Black or White Versions to a DS Download Station at Toys R Us to get a secret egg that hatches to reveal one of three characters from Ash’s traveling party on the new Pokémon TV series.

Williams Sonoma is offering a FREE cooking demonstration called "Smokey Sun Dried Tomato & Red Pepper Pesto Pasta" on Saturday, (5/14). On Sunday, they are offering a grilling burgers and chicken technique class. Call your local store to make sure they are participating.

Home Depot is offering FREE interior painting, tiling and bath makeover classes on Saturday (5/14). Contact your local store to make sure they are participating.

Wal-Mart is offering FREE sampling and demonstration events through Sunday, (5/15). Look up your local store to see the dates and times these events will be offered.

Whole Foods offers many great FREE events on the weekends. Checkout your local store calendar on the website to see what is being offered.

Free Weekend Activities 5/7-5/8

Thanks to Erin at Fun With Freebies for the list every week!

Lakeshore Learning – On Saturday (5/7) between 11am-3pm Kids create a FREE Mother's Day Purse.

Pottery Barn Kids- On Saturday (5/7) they will be having a FREE Mother's Day Doll Tea Party. Call your local store to reserve your spot.

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday (5/7) from 10am-Noon, Kids build a FREE heart flower vase.

AC Moore – On Saturday (5/7) between 1-3pm, FREE Make & Take: Mom Duct Tape Frame.

Michaels – On Saturday (5/7) between 10am-Noon there will be The Knack FREE Paper Event.

Target is offering FREE or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Williams Sonoma is offering a FREE cooking demonstration called "Buttermilk Waffles with Honey Whipped Cream" on Saturday, (5/7). Call your local store to make sure they are participating.

Home Depot is offering FREE interior painting, tiling and bath makeover classes on Saturday (5/7). Contact your local store to make sure they are participating.

Wal-Mart is offering FREE sampling and demonstration events through Sunday, (5/8). Look up your local store to see the dates and times these events will be offered.

Whole Foods offers many great FREE events on the weekends. Checkout your local store calendar on the website to see what is being offered.