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One-Day Getaways
Cultural ExpressionYou don't have to spend tons of money to introduce your children to art, music, dance, and theater. Just learn to use a few of these tricks:
- Museums. Most museums have a free day, and many have free or extremely inexpensive programs for children. Call the museums in your area and find out what they offer.
- Theaters. Legitimate theaters often charge a significantly reduced price for tickets during previews, which function as rehearsals before an audience. Some have free matinees, aimed at introducing children to live theater, or one performance during a run for which you pay what you can. The same is true for dance companies, symphony orchestras, and even opera companies. Call the performing arts companies in your area to ask for details.
- College performances. If you live in a town with a college or university, take advantage of student performances. College choirs, symphonies, theaters, dance troupes, and art galleries usually charge very little, and you'll have the thrill of seeing stars in the making. And older children often respond strongly to performers close to their age.
Most kids love going to sporting events. But with the ever-growing price of tickets, taking the family out to a professional sports event can cost almost as much as going to the theater -- more if you want to sit anywhere close to the action. Check for promotional days or nights to lower the cost somewhat. Or try the minor leagues or become a fan of your local college teams. The tickets are usually less expensive, the games are scrappier, the fans are more loyal, and the players aren't doing it for the paycheck -- yet. Don't just try the men's teams; women's softball, basketball, and soccer are hot right now, as are women's volleyball, lacrosse, and swimming and diving events.
Members Only
Children's museums, science centers, and nature centers generally offer family memberships and are usually a bargain. Though the initial outlay may make you pause, if you live in an area where most of a season (very cold winters or very hot summers) must be spent primarily indoors, a membership in a top notch museum or center will quickly pay for itself. Furthermore, members usually receive advance notice of special events, discounts on those events, and some special benefits including food or gift discounts. And if that's not enough, many museums and centers have reciprocal relationships with centers in other cities across the country, so you will have free access to those when on vacation.
Class Distinctions
Classes for enrichment or fun are terrific for kids. You can find excellent classes through most parks and recreation departments for all ages, and the cost is minimal. (The YMCA and YWCA also offer excellent classes, but the membership fees tend to be heftier.) Take a class in a foreign language, modern dance, pottery, step aerobics, basketball, improvisation, Chinese cooking, tumbling, feng shui, or anything else you or your children care to try. Even better, take a class with your child and get to know him or her better, too.
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