Penny-Pinching Family Activities

Monthly bills can add up fast and it’s not always easy to leave a lot of extra cash in the budget for fun family activities. Thankfully, though, there’s a lot to do in the summer that doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a small handful of ideas for fun times on a dime.

Take me out to the Ball Game:

Toledo Mud Hens
406 Washington St., Toledo
Mudhens.com | 419-725- 4367
There’s nothing quite like a baseball game on a hot summer night. You and your family can enjoy cheering on the Toledo Mud Hens now through the beginning of September. With tickets starting at just $12, you can get a good view anywhere at Fifth Third Field. The night could get a little pricey if you decide to eat dinner at the stadium, but you can keep costs low if you eat before you go and just treat everyone to snacks (popcorn! peanuts!). Don’t forget to take the kids to Muddy’s Marsh, a fun playground space.

Animal Encounter:

Indian Creek Zoo
2744 Consear Rd, Lambertville, MI
indiancreekzoo.com | 734-224-0390
If you’ve got an animal lover in your family, a trip to Indian Creek Zoo is a must do this summer. Located just three miles north of Toledo in Lambertville, Michigan, this zoo provides the perfect atmosphere for getting up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals – think giraffes, kangaroos, emus, peacocks and camels. Day passes are just $10 each for adults, $8 for children and youngsters two and under are free.

Make a Splash:

Plummer Pool
6940 Maplewood Ave., Sylvania | 419-882-1500
Is there really a better way to beat the heat than a day spent at the swimming pool? Your whole family can make a splash at Plummer Pool – no membership required! Of course, you can join for the summer but daily swim fees are just $5 for ages 12 and up and $4 for ages 3 and under. (Memberships for the entire summer start at $125). Plummer Pool offers a zero entry shallow area complete with fun water elements for little ones and a deeper area for the big kids. Just get there early – this popular spot fills up fast!

Picnic at the Park:

Meet Me at Middlegrounds
111 Ottawa Street, Toledo
metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/middlegrounds/ | 419-407-9700
One of the best ways to spend time together as a family is outside and thankfully, Toledo is teeming with great parks and green spaces. Middlegrounds in downtown Toledo is one of the newest Metroparks. With 28 acres of greenspace, 1.5 mile walk and bike path, plenty of views of the Maumee River and ample picnic tables, Middlegrounds is the perfect spot for a picnic. Bring lunch or dinner from home and you can spend a few hours enjoying the pretty scenery and the fresh air for free!

Save Your Pennies:

Penny Pony Rides
Meijer Stores, various locations
Meijer.com
Can we really mention Penny-Pinching activities without mentioning the Penny Pony Ride at Meijer? What better way to end a grocery run than with a ride on Sandy? No matter how many times they ride it, it never gets old for kids.Besides, it’s a great way to beat the heat or break up boredom on a rainy day. Encourage your kids to collect their pennies and remember to save your change, too. Seriously, what better way to spend a penny?!

One Tank Trip

Get Away to Fort Wayne, Indiana
Close to home and lots to do, Fort Wayne, Indiana is a great summer destination. Here’s a few items to consider when planning for summer fun on a budget. Win-win for all!

  • Check out Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Recently named “one of the top ten in the nation, here you can pet a stingray, feed a giraffe, enjoy a log ride and more.
  • Fort Wayne’s downtown festival park, Headwaters Park, is alive with music, food
    and drink every weekend all summer long. visitfortwayne.com/fesivals has a complete
    list of events.
  • Catch a Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball game in a great downtown stadium, where tickets start at just $5.
  • Ride a bike or take a walk along Fort Wayne’s 82 miles of trails that wrap around its three rivers. These trails will lead to you to parks, festivals, splash pads (there are more than 12 to chose from!) and more.
  • You won’t want to miss Science on a Sphere, Indiana’s very own children’s science museum. There’s also the Botanical Conservatory, Museum of Art and History Center that are worth a look, too.

    For more ideas or information, go to visitfortwayne.
    com or call 1-800-767-7752 to plan your getaway!

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