Free (or cheap) family-friendly activities
Return to Free Military Family Deployment Support - LINK
Return to Military Children & Teen Resource Directory - LINK
Scroll down for more information about:
Audio books
Bowling
Crafts
Geocaching
Learn a language for free
Letterboxing
Movies
Museums
National Parks
Rollerskating
Theaters
Audio books
Loyal Books
Free audio books from the public domain. Download a free audio book in mp3, iPod or iTunes format.
Bowling
Kids Bowl Free (Canada and U.S.)
Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.
Crafts
Lowes - Free Build and Grow Clinics
DIY Kids' Workshops are free, monthly, in-store events designed to inspire the next generation of builders while growing their confidence and DIY skillset.
Michaels - Some free, some inexpensive crafts and events
Michaels offers fun in-store events and activities for kids and their families to enjoy.
Geocaching
Geocaching.com
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.
Learn a language for free
Duolingo
Want to learn a new language with Duolingo? Accounts are free, and you can practice on your desktop or mobile device.
Letterboxing
Letterboxing.org
LETTERBOXING is an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest. A wide variety of adventures can be found to suit all ages and experience levels. Click on the desktop items above to explore this fast-growing hobby. A great way to break up a roadtrip with a little treasure-hunt!
Movies
Military installation theaters (not free, but cheap)
Most installations offer movie programs at a low cost ticket or free. Many of the movies offered are current or recent releases. Popcorn, soda, and other snacks are available at prices far below the local commercial theaters. Visit these links for locations and show times:
Army and Air Force:
Marine Corps:
Navy:
Museums
Free museum entrance for military families
Blue Star Museums offers free admission to museums for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
National Parks
Free annual pass for U.S. military
Available to U.S. military members and dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard and also, Reserve and National Guard members. Must be obtained in person at a Federal recreation site by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID (Form 1173).
National Parks Junior Ranger
Many National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service Family as Junior Rangers. Interested students complete a series of activities during their park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch and Junior Ranger certificate.
Rollerskating
Kids Skate Free
Kids Skate Free is a service utilized by skating centers to provide children with a fun and healthy activity for free. Register your children for two free rollerskating passes every week of the year!
Theatres
Blue Star Theatres
Blue Star Theatres is a partnership among Theatre Communications Group (TCG) with Leadership support provided by the MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families.
This initiative recognizes the profound contributions of service families and seeks to build stronger connections between theatres, military families and their communities. Each Blue Star Theatres participant is offering discounted or complimentary admission to all military personnel and their families, as well as veterans.
To date, 105 theaters have signed on including The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, the Burning Coal Theatre Company in North Carolina, and The William Inge Center for the Arts in Kansas. Stay tuned as more incredible theaters are joining Blue Star Theatres every day.
Be sure to check out these ADDITIONAL resources:
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