big family, small budget: having fun - museums

sometimes being at home gets boring, but most people just don't go out because they think it costs a lot of money to have a good time. like i have mentioned many times before, most kids just want you to spend time with them and really don't compare price to the quality of fun. however, there are so many free or inexpensive ways to have fun in your community. although, i can not give you specifics about what is available in your community, these helpful suggestions may give you an idea of what may be available in your area.

for those of you who are curious, i live in the raleigh/durham area of NC and these ideas come directly from what is available in our area. i have provided links to some of my suggestions for those who do live in my area. visit links for specifics for each location.

i can name three museums in our area that are free of charge, the NC museum of natural sciences, the NC museum of history, and the NC museum of art . some special events do cost extra, but there is so much to see and do that paying extra is really not necessary. at times there are even special events that are also free of charge. just recently, the natural science museum had their annual bugfest, which is free to attend. we went a few years ago and had a blast.

some museums do charge to visit their facility, sometimes even for a very inexpensive fee. be sure to check those museums as well for reduced pricing days or to ask about membership. marbles museum is an awesome museum that encourages learning through play. their facility provides a wonderful play and learning environment that encourages social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. tickets for one day for our family of 8 on a reduced pricing day was over $30. however, i recently purchased a one year membership for right at $100. we can go as many times as we want for one full year.

Another museum in our area is the Museum of Life and Science. an annual membership fee for our family of 8 would be $160. considering the ticket price per person to get in is around $10 each, i would say that $160 is an excellent price for our family to go as many times as we want over the course of one year.

although getting outside is something my children love, museums are great for those cold or rainy days when you want to get out of the house but don't want to be outside.

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