Guest Post by Amy Hunt
Because our summer had been pretty unexciting so far, we planned a family fun week: five days of local, inexpensive outings. To get the kids excited about our week, we taped up a square paper for each day which my son decorated with what we were going to do.
Day 1 — North Clackamas Aquatic Center: We had one BOGO coupon from the Chinook Book and one from the Entertainment Book. Retail $32; we spent $16. And because we can’t leave the house without eating, we stopped for McDonald’s ice cream cones on our way home.
Day 2 — Oregon Zoo: We went on a Second Tuesday $4 admission day for $16 total, instead of $36 plus $4 to park. We got lunch out (as I said, we are eaters) using 2 free kid’s meals coupons for Taco Del Mar from the Summer Reading program at the library. We spent $10 instead of $17.98.
Day 3 — Oaks Park: First we had a picnic at Sellwood Park for a free lunch. We then used coupons for two ride bracelets from Library Summer Reading and purchased one more for $10 (which is their Wednesday deal). Retail $45, paid $19.50.
Day 4 — Portland Children Museum: Using the Cultural Pass from our local library, we got 3 people in free. I used a$1 off coupon from the Chinook Book to save on the last ticket plus $4 to park. Retail $36; we paid $8.
Day 5 — Oregon Coast: No money spent, but none saved either!
We spent a total of $73.50. Without coupons/deals it would have cost $176.98. A savings of $103.48!
There is still time to squeeze in more summertime fun! Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Portland Family Fun series, the Portland Staycation post and the comprehensive list of Pacific Northwest Summer Fairs & Festivals.
What are some inexpensive local places you would recommend?
This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.
Are the $4 zoo tickets still available?
the second tuesday of each month is $4 at the zoo, no special tickets needed.
I didn’t factor gas in when calculating prices. It can vary so much car to car. I agree gas is a factor especially when driving to the coast if you live in the Portland metro area or beyond.
I love the cultural passes! Wish vancouver has them
These are great summer fun ideas. I work at a Clackamas County Library and I’m glad to see you took advantage of the Cultural Pass and used you’re Summer Reading program goodies! =]
Great ideas! I admit, we haven’t done much this Summer because of how expensive it is to fill the ole family cruiser. We have spent a lot of time swimming and rafting at the river. There are so many nice places to go here in the Vancouver area. If you pack a picnic, a day of swimming at klineline or Vancouver lake can be a 3.00(for parking) day.
Question: Do you factor in gas? I have a mini-van that only gets 17 mpg and I always calculate this. Sometimes it’s a deal breaker!
I agree, the cost of the gas to get to and from the coast could be a deal breaker for some. I also have a Mini-van and it gets about 16 mpg. We have wanted to go to the coast many times and that has stopped us from going. Also, we can’t go to the coast without spending some money there for salt water taffy and other treats.