by Cheryl Maguire
“Today we are going to the Children’s Museum,” I told my boy/girl twin 4-year-olds and my 1-year-old daughter.
“YYYEEESSSS!” my 4-year-old daughter responded as she wiggled her hips, swaying her arms in the air.
“Where we go-in?” my 4-year-old cautious, inquisitive son responded with a perplexed expression on his face.
“EEEEE,” my 1-year-old squealed in response to her sister dancing around the room rather than my statement about our future endeavors.
The next 30 minutes were spent answering questions, gathering necessary materials and packing up the car.
When we arrived at the museum, my husband and I flashed our bank cards, enabling us to gain free admission. We were about to enter the museum when the attendant stated, “You owe $15 for the two children.”
I paused before speaking, shocked we owed money and the amount was $15 for two children. I had assumed the children would also be free. It never occurred to me to even ask. I also was surprised a small children’s museum would charge $7.50 per child. “You charge for the children? I thought the bank card included the whole family.”
“Nope, only one admission per card.”
At least my husband also brought his card. We were already at the museum and the kids were so excited, I paid the money and into the museum we went.
For the next 2 hours, my three children enjoyed every inch of the museum. We all had fun despite paying $15 for admission. In the end, I was glad I was unaware of the price since I might not have visited if I had known. However, next time I will definitely call before we go anywhere and ask for the details.
Visit a Museum Museums are a fun, educational way to provide entertainment for the whole family. Many museums offer free admission on certain days. Some libraries also offer discounted or free admission passes to museums. The first weekend of every month, Bank of America card holders can get free admission to certain museums. To view the list of museums: http://promotions.bankofamerica.com/museums/
Ask for the Details Before you make a purchase or participate in a deal, ask for the details regarding participation or the requirements needed in order to receive the deal or free item/admission. Don’t assume anything and always ask for a copy in writing.
Discounted Museum/Zoo Tickets Before going to a zoo or museum, check your local library or on-line for discounted tickets. Also call the museum or zoo and ask if they offer discounts on certain days. Our local zoo gave free admission to all the mothers on Mother’s Day.
Call Ahead Before you go to a restaurant or store, call ahead to find out if there is a wait for a table or if the sale item is available. You will save time and money by making a simple phone call, which might save you the trouble of traveling to the store.
Cheryl Maguire is the mother of boy/girl four-year-old twins and a baby girl. A stay-at-home mom, she runs a website called Swap Savers, which is a social network for frugal folks who love freebies, coupons and rewards.