Frugal Family: School Vacation Deals, Easter Candy Hunt And Jewelry Making

School vacation can be hard on the budget when trying to entertain the kids. But here are some things you can do without spending a lot of money.

1. When: Saturday April 9 to Sunday May 1
What: Thousands of brilliant yellow daffodils trumpet the arrival of spring at Blithewold, with special exhibits by RISD and CE students inspired by the gardens.
Cost: Pick up a pass from the library which admits up to 2 adults and 6 children under 18 FREE!

2. Ocean Explorium at New Bedford Seaport
What: The Living Ocean exhibit consists of six aquatic habitats that highlight issues shown on Science on a Sphere®. A vibrant living coral reef introduces global climate change, coral bleaching and biodiversity. Other live exhibits include Scallops, New England Fishes, Jellyfish, Anemone Fishes and Seahorses!
Sign up at our gift shop to work directly with the aquarist staff and help feed our marine life at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Other exhibits include the touch experience and the living laboratory.
Cost: with a pass from the library up to 8 people can go FREE!

 3. The Rats have escaped at Battleship Cove!!
What: During school vacation week find all the stuffed animal (whew!) rats hiding on the USS Massachusetts disguised as crew members and be entered into a prize drawing.
Cost: Children under 6 are free, children 6-12 are half price this week $4.50 and adults are $15- but you can also get a pass from the library which gives a $3 discount per person for a family of 4.

4. Audubon Society of RI
What: There are multiple special school vacation activities included in the admission price this week- nature crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a nature story at 12:30 p.m., and a guided nature walk from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. daily. There are also hour long programs daily, starting at 1pm for a cost of $2. Wednesday’s theme is Nesting for the Birds, Thursday is Marsh Madness and Friday is Life in the Tidepool.
Deal:Yesterdays Groupon was 51% off membership, so you can purchase a family membership for a whole year for only $22!
Good through: Groupon deal is only until Thursday then membership will be $45/family

 5. What: Little Compton Community Center’s annual Easter candy hunt
Where: Veteran’s Field in Little Compton (rain site- school gym)
When: Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. sharp!
Cost: FREE

6. What: Learn to make necklaces, bracelets, and more with Edna McKenna
When: Thursday, April 21, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Where: Essex Library, 238 Highland Ave Tiverton
Cost: $5 covers cost of all materials
RSVP: 401-625-6796 ext. 10

7. April 16-23 in Newport County for full schedule see www.newportarts.org or pick up a brochure at the Four Corners Arts Center
The Arts Center in Four Corners will be participating with a performance of Aladdin by the Hampstead Stage Company.
When: Saturday April 23, 2 p.m.
Cost: Adults $5. Under 18 free.