Frugal Family: Six Great Deal Sites You May Not Know

Anyone who reads this column knows that I LOVE .  

Why pay retail for lessons, camps, entertainment and dining out when being patient can earn you the same experience, at half the price?  

This week we are exploring Atlanta-based, home grown, daily deal sites that may not be as familiar to you as the ever popular, Atlanta-based  and rapidly expanding Half Off Depot.  Those listed below are headquartered right here in our fabulous city, so when you score a deal with them you not only help yourself, but help recycle the Georgia dollar as well.  And that's a win-win for everyone!

1. The Green Half: Stay green while you keep some green

Deal:  From their website: "The Green Half is Atlanta’s eco-matchmaker. If you want to go green, save green and support green, this is your one-stop roadmap. We only present offers from restaurants, shops, salons and other businesses committed to becoming green. And to sweeten the deal, we donate 10 percent of net certificate sales to local nonprofits making environmental impacts in our community."  Their insider calendar on the website also contains a great listing of eco-friendly family activities and dates for local farmers markets.

Recent Deals Include:  The Shed in Glenwood and The Sound Table in Old Fourth Ward.

2.  Spark Spree: Local Discounts from 50%-90%

Deal:   From their website - "Each time we come out with a new SparkSpree deal, we'll send you an email describing it for you. Remember, our deals are deep, deep discounts on local merchants that you may already frequent as well as many other businesses that you'll want to try for the first time - all at a great savings to you!"

Recent Deals Include:  N'awlins Restaurant in EAV and The Jerk Shack in Buford.

3. FamGrab: The family that saves together stays together

Deal:   From their website - "Once you've joined our fam, you will start to receive one email a day from us.  The deals will feature a variety of merchants and services to help you and your family get the most of your dollar with savings of up to 75%!  Daily grabs consist of deals such as children's retail stores, music and art lessons, family restaurants, family memberships, "Mom only" and "Dad only" deals, date night restaurants, professional services...and more, for the whole fam!"

Recent Deals Include:  25% of Barney Live In Concert tickets and $14 for a family four pack to Aurora Children's Playhouse.

4. Deal Swarm: Find out what all the buzz is about

Deal:  Owned by Atlanta based Cox Media Group they offer 50% off deals on local entertainment, dining and other adventures. No minimum number of people need to purchase before the deal goes live!  iPhone App available.

Recent Deals Include:  73% off Horseback Riding at Harmony N Horsemanship in Atlanta and a tune up at Decatur Bikes.

5. Daily Deal Squad: Lots of diverse deals

Deal:  From a recent press release - "The Daily Deal Squad is an Atlanta-based daily deal or group buying site that offers the best Atlanta has to offer at up to 90% off. They send out a daily offer to their subscriber base for deals at restaurants, spas, events, tickets, and retail stores."

Recent Deals Include:  Camp Woof dog boarding in Decatur and Sushi House Buckhead.

6.  ScoopMama: Mama loves a good deal 

 Deal:  From a recent press release - "ScoopMama, LLC announces the launch of www.scoopmama.com, an Atlanta-based website featuring  incredible deals with savings from 40-75% off services catering to families. The Daily Scoop Deals featuring local businesses include: birthday party venues and entertainment, summer camps, kids field trips, photo sessions, custom cakes, kids haircuts, art studios, home organization services, play gyms, sports and fitness classes, kid-friendly restaurants, children's boutiques, music classes and many more."

Recent Deals Include:  Big Thinkers Science Birthday Party and a climbing class at Atlanta Rocks.