Summer Activites

I have enjoyed many summers with my kids doing things that are free or minimal cost. Here are the ones I have used (in Oregon) or at least know of....

Discounted Admission Day at the Zoo

Washington Park Zoo (in Portland,OR) has changed their $2 Tuesdays program. Starting this July, the first Tuesday of the month will be changing from a $2 admission to $4. It is still a lot less than full price. As a bonus, if you ride the MAX train in and show proof (your fare slip) you get $1.50 off, making admission $2.50.

Regal Cinemas Free Family Movies (nationwide)

Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning @ 10am only at selected theaters. Check out the website

www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/freefamilyfilm.aspx

to find a participating theater near you! It also has the entire movie line up for the summer so you know what's playing.

Portland Children's Museum

Free admission on the first Friday of the month after 4pm. (I just checked the website, and it has June listed for free admission, but none after that. I suggest calling them to see if they are continuing to do it during the summer months.) Their info:

Washington Park

4015 SW Canyon Rd.

Portland, OR 97221

503.223.6500

Cultural Pass

Washington County Cooperative Services Library offers free admission for the sites listed below. You must follow their guidelines listed on their website:

http://www.wccls.org/lending_library/cultural_pass

• A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village
• Chinese Classical Garden
• Pittock Mansion
• Portland Art Museum
• Portland Children's Museum
• Portland Japanese Garden
• Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
• Washington County Museum

I plan on checking out other library services as well since my family no longer lives in Washington County. Check with your local library to see if they offer the same sort of program.

Free food and fun!

I don't know about all states, but Oregon has a free lunch program for the summertime supported by grants that offers a free lunch at set locations (option of hot or cold at most locations, some locations even have breakfast!) for children ages 1-18. Adults can have lunch too for about $1.25 (last year's price). Locations are usually city parks and school cafeterias. Occasionally they can be in large apartment complexes that have a high need. There are no requirements to receive the free meal other than to show up! To find the location nearest you, you can check your school district's website and search for "free summer lunches" or visit www.summerfoodoregon.org for more details.