Our Free Day at the Beach

Now that summer season is upon us, one of our favorite free family activities is going to the beach.  We always go early to ensure a free parking spot.  We also bring plenty of snacks, drinks and, of course, sunscreen.  Once we are there, the kids love playing in the sand and ocean, and I love to sit in my beach chair enjoying the serene setting.

Money Saving Tips:

Enjoy Nature  Most nature settings are free or low cost and provide a fun and serene entertainment for everyone. Some suggestions are state or town parks, beaches, Audubon centers, waterfalls or lakes, and forests.

Arrive Early  If you arrive early to a sale, day at the beach, or other events, you usually will avoid crowds and have your choice of the best items (for a sale). You also may be able to get free to less expensive parking.

BYO Drinks and Snacks  Even if you are traveling without children, when you bring your own snacks and drinks, you will save both money and time. If you are driving, you will avoid the need to stop to purchase these items if you already have food and drinks in the car.  Ideally, bring food items that could be a snack or a meal such as cereal bars. If you have your own food, you will also avoid the temptation to purchase the overpriced food in tourist locations.

Cheryl Maguire is the mother of boy/girl four-year-old twins and a baby girl. A stay-at-home mom, she runs a website called Swap Savers, which is a social network for frugal folks who love freebies, coupons and rewards.