Free Fun Weekend: August 11-13!

If your looking for some fun on a budget, we have compiled a list of national retailers with hands-on workshops, classes, and free in-store events for this weekend and more that are coming soon. Welcome to our Free Fun Weekend on August 11-13!

Free or Cheap Weekend Activities

Be sure to share this list with your friends and family. Remember, it’s always best to call ahead to be sure that your local store is participating to avoid disappointment.

national-park-free-admission

FREE National Park Admission Dates for 2017

  • August 25: National Park Service Birthday

Here is a list of participating national parks.

Barnes & Noble

Educator Appreciation Days – Saturday, August 12

Special Event, Educator Event
Saturday, August 12, 2017, 9:00 AM
(Education) 

Event Description
Pre K through Grade 12 educators join us every Saturday and Sunday in August to do your back-to-school shopping and enjoy 25% off most books, toys, games, movies, music, and 10% off Cafe consumables and select NOOK devices.

Goodnight Lab: A Scientific Parody Story time

Special Event, Children’s Event, Story time (Children’s)
Saturday, August 12, 2017, 11:00 AM While poking fun at the clutter and chaos of lab life, this sweet parody of the beloved Goodnight Moon gives scientists of all ages everything they need to say goodnight and rest before returning to the research world in the morning. Activities to follow.

guitar-center-free-classes

Guitar Center

Saturday, August 12th, 2017 10:00 Am

At Guitar Center: Peavey Days

Join us as Peavey factory reps guide you through their entire family of great musical gear, including the new Dark Matter and audiophile-quality RBN series powered PA speakers. Get hands-on and discover special event pricing on all Peavey products, plus prizes and giveaways all event long.

Peavey reps will only be at select Guitar Center locations on Saturday, August 12th from 10 am to 8 pm. Please check the list on the left-hand side of the page for the hosting area nearest you.

 Saturday, August 12th, 2017
10:00 Am
At Guitar Center: Stage and Sound Expo

You will be able to watch Live Demos by factory experts from Ableton, Bose, Denon, Akai, Yamaha, Line 6 and more. Come to check out the latest and hottest gear for live sound, DJ, and lighting. Select one day only event pricing and packages available.

The Stage and Sound Expo will only be in our Chicago, IL location on Saturday, August 12th from 10 am-4 pm.

lakeshore-learning-1-14

Lakeshore Learning

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

You’re Stylish!
Backpack Tag

FREE National Park Admission Dates for 2017

2017 dates:

Bank of America Museums on Us

Saturday, February 4th and Sunday, February 5th –                                         Bank of America Museums on Us is offering free admission to more than 150 museums nationwide.

Present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general entry to any participating institution. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible for free access. For more information about Museums on Us.

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.

Free National Parks Pass for 4th Graders

If you have a child in 4th grade this year, your family can get a free National Parks Annual Pass to give you free entry into national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and more!

Teachers of 4th graders can also get passes to plan free National Park field trips.

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.

Bass Pro Shops

Fishing and kayak events during January. Check your local store listings for more information.

Factory Tours

Find Factory Tours all across the USA, go here, The site has 570 visits and counting! Many are free, but some may have an admission fee. 

Home Depot Workshops for Kids

Get more information at Home Depot Workshops for Kids 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.

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.

Pottery Barn Kids

Story time on Tuesdays from 11 – 11:30 AM. For more information, visit Pottery Barn Kids events.

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 type your site into the search bar.

Find Pumpkin Patches, Hay Rides, Pick Your Orchards and Haunted Houses. Many of these will have a fee or admission. Enter your location for details.

REI Running Classes

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

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

Celebrate Crazy and Fun Holidays

Make memories and celebrate fun holidays with your family. This week you can dedicate Rubber Duckie Day, Dress Up Your Pet Day, Kite Day and more. See the schedule for Days of the Year.

 For more ideas for family fun, be sure and check Groupon, and LivingSocial 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!

I hope you enjoy these activities and if you know of other events we can add to this list, Please let me know as I am always looking for fun and unique opportunities to do with my friends and family.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates