If you’re a homeschooler, that can mean a more limited budget. You’re home with the kids, at least part time. While many of us juggle thrifty budgets, work at home and work outside the home, it’s always nice to find a few perks that ease the budget.
However, it’s also a thrill to go on a field trip. How can you afford it? Here are a few ideas.
Look for free or cheap field trips. Many field trip sites are exciting and free. Natural sites like parks often only charge for parking or for interpretive programs. Some museums are free or by donation. Begin by making a list of places you can go in your area that are free.
Look for coupons. Buy an Entertainment Book or other discount book, after checking to make sure that there are lots of two for one coupons to local attractions. See if local restaurants, parades, and other attractions offer free coupons to an event. Sometimes you’ll even find coupons to big attractions on cereal boxes!
Ask for a homeschooler discount or enquire about programs for those with lower incomes, if this describes you. Many institutions will offer school rates to individual homeschoolers or groups of homeschoolers. Some also provide free programs for those who can’t afford it.
Look into memberships. If you have a child or two who is under the age of five, they are often free, and your best bet may be to get an individual membership for yourself and an older child. Then again, the family rate can be a great deal.
Volunteer at a museum. This creates an experience that is unique to your child. What other student would have the daytime hours to volunteer at a museum? When you volunteer at a museum, you get in free and forge a special connection to the people and to the displays.
What do you do to get cheap or free field trips?
Image courtesy of hisks at stock exchange.