Is saving money on your to-do list for this year? We know it was on ours! Keep reading for loads of easy ways to maximize your money while also maximizing your family fun:
1. Create family memories... at a discount
There's no better way to connect as a family than by doing fun things together. While all of this family fun can get expensive, there are lots of great ways to save, starting with using CertifiKID to discover great ways to save on family fun near you by snagging discounts all year long. Sign up to receive CertifiKID's family-friendly deals delivered to your inbox – it's free! – and refer a friend to save even more. Current deals on CertifiKID include everything from camps to activities to family travel!
Make sure, too, that you're signed up for your FREE local Macaroni Kid edition full of ideas and events on local fun in your area – much of it free!
2. Get outside
All National Park Service sites offer several FREE entrance days each year. There are more than 400 national parks throughout our nation, and many normally charge a daily admission fee. Dates vary each year, so check the current list of free entrance days and start planning your visit to participating parks (find a full list here!).
Another national park perk is the Annual 4th Grade Pass. If you have a child in 4th grade, you have access to all the parks for free for an entire year as part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative.
3. Plant a garden
There's no better way to save money on food than to plant a garden! Spend a few dollars on things like seeds, plants, and supplies and you'll reap the benefits of hundreds of dollars worth of produce in just a few months! Talk about a great investment. Plus, gardening with kids has other benefits too, from encouraging healthy eating to teaching responsibility.
4. Consider turning a hobby into a side hustle
One great way to save money is to MAKE money! Consider a side hustle – can you take that painting hobby you love and sell your art on a site like Etsy? Do you love thrifting? Can you become an eBay expert and get big bucks for that $1 garage sale find?
Here's an idea: If you'd love a work-from-home opportunity, consider Macaroni KID! We're looking for entrepreneurial-minded publishers in communities across the United States and Canada! Check out our opportunities where you live!
5. Make changes positive for the environment and your wallet
Reduce waste and save money with this great idea from Macaroni KID Colorado Publisher Julie Dikken: Her family uses cotton bandannas – inexpensive and long-lasting – in place of paper towels and throwaway napkins. We also love her cute ways to store them!
