Reader Recreation Tips

Erin McGever from Phoenix, AZ says, “Try the public library for books about travel, hobbies or home decorating. We’ve learned a lot about each other and the world this way. We also check out local art galleries for free festivals where they even serve free treats. Dollar theaters work well if you don’t mind seeing a movie a few weeks after everyone else has.”

Lisa Marchinkewicz of Hudsonville, MI says, “Our family goes camping a lot. This last January, we went to a free RV show. We paid $3 for parking and spent at least half a day there. It was good to think about summer again and we picked up some great ideas for how to modify our camper to better suit our needs.”

Hazel Cotton from Texarkana, TX writes, “We leave our checkbook and credit card at home and then visit a large bookstore nearby. If we find a book we really like and our public library doesn’t have it, we’ll do an inter-library loan. If we like the library book enough to own it, we’ll purchase it. If we can’t get it through the library, we’ll think about it for at least a week before deciding whether we’ll buy it. Also, once a month we go out to a restaurant with a coupon and spend about $25, including a tip.”

Curtis and Beth from Spokane, WA say, “Don’t forget about attending your local high school sporting events. Most are absolutely free! Also visit your city, county and state parks. Many will have free admission. Take a walk, climb a tree, climb a hill or roll down one. Don’t forget about neighborliness. We had one evening of great fun with several of the neighbors on our street. One person brought their hammer dulcimer, another brought spoons and I (Curtis) brought my banjo. We laughed and sang and had a night we’ll never forget.”

Doreen Hallman from Phoenix, AZ encourages family game nights. “For years we have done a monthly game night with friends and their kids. It usually consists of a host couple and two other families, preferable with kids the same age. Little kids can be put down to sleep and you don’t need a baby sitter. Everyone brings “substantial hors d’oeuvres” which become dinner for the night.”

Hazel Cotton adds, “Last September, our local museum hosted its annual arts and crafts festival. I found that by volunteering at the museum, I could get free passes for us. Once we were at the festival we found all sorts of free stuff like pens and bottled water, etc. We ate a large breakfast so we were not tempted to buy the expensive food at the festival. Also one of our local hospitals had an event offering free health screenings. We went to this event also, enjoyed ourselves and didn’t spend a dime.”

Holly Swauger from Scottsdale, AZ says, “My husband is a specialized doctor and buys two season tickets for the Phoenix Suns to be used as a promotional tool. We have become friendly with the folks who have the two seats next to ours. We’ve struck up an agreement to share our seats with them when we can’t attend a game. And they do the same for us. Often times when we do go to the games, we have four seats available instead of just two!”

And one last great old idea sent in by Cindy Gruner from Morrisville, VT. She reminds us that Progressive Dinners can be a real blast! “We begin with appetizers at one home, then the main course is served at another home. The group moves along from home to home for each course of the meal and then enjoys dessert at the last home. This can be enjoyed by several families, several couples, several singles or a mixed group.”