Frugal Family: Instead of Dwelling on Snow, Think Summer Deals for St. Michael-Albertville Families

It might seem early to be thinking about it but now’s the time to start planning for summer. St. Michael Patch is here to help you find some frugal ways to have some fun with your kids this summer.

1. STMA Community Ed. Books should be in your mail box by Friday but most of the schedule is already available online. Take a look at different activities you could enroll your kids in for a great price.
2. FYCC. Watch their website and your kids backpacks for their summer brochure. They do weekly reading in the park and arts in the parks around STMA all summer long. For free.
3. Vacation Bible School. Two local STMA churches host Vacation Bible School each summer: will host theirs June 20-24 from 9am-12pm for $25/child. ($30/child after May 1).  will also host. Dates are TBA.
4. The beach. Elm Creek Park Reserve has a man-made swim pond that is clean and well maintained so you can enjoy some fun at the beach without the muck that you sometimes see in lakes. An added bonus, their playground which was under construction re-opens this summer and is expected to be one of the best places to play. A family pass is available for $20 for the entire season or pay just $3/person/visit. (Family pass is up to 4 people, additional members are $5/person.)
5. Movies! Though it’s hard to imagine in March, sometimes it’s just too hot to do anything in the summer so going to a free movie with your kids is a nice getaway. Muller Theaters in Rogers and Monticello will continue Free Movie Wednesdays where they will show family friendly movies already out of theaters. Dates, times and movies will be announced early in May.
6. Bowling. Huikko’s Bowling Alley in Buffalo participates in the national program, Kids Bowl Free. From May 1-September 5, kids 15 and under can bowl up to two games free a day. (Cost of shoes is additional.) Parents who also want to bowl can purchase a family pass for $24.95 and be able to bowl up to two games free a day with their kids. (Cost of shoes additional.) Hey, indoor activities can be a welcome change when rain falls or temps are just too hot for your fair, Minnesota skin!