I love going to the theater. I went through a long dry spell when the kids were babies and toddlers, because it’s so expensive, and you have to plan pretty far ahead of time — hire a sitter, buy tickets, all that stuff. But they’re getting older now, and I’m starting to take them with me, and that’s awesome.
It’s not my job to go bankrupt trying to provide them with the greatest cultural experiences of their lives. But I do think it’s my job to provide a little training so when they’re grown and can go on their own, they have the exposure to enjoy it and know how to behave. And they don’t show up wearing Uggs.
So while we like going, and have a great time, we’re cheap about it. There are six of us — we have to be. Here are a few things we do to cut down on the cost of going to plays, museums, concerts, and other cultural hootenannies.
1.) Start at home
2.) Check out high school musicals

3.) Check out churches
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My date to the theatah… |
4.) Go on-line

5.) Get on the mailing list

For museums – the SF Bay area has Discover and Go, where you get free or discounted tickets with your library card. I don’t know off the top of my head of any other area of the country with a similar program, but it’s really fantastic! I’ve taken the kids I nanny for to a few great museums for free that I never would have even found otherwise, let alone gone for a visit!
This is totally why I miss Denver! There were always so many cultural events going on! Thank you for the ideas!
Yeah, it’s a pretty great place to be! I hope some of them work for you, wherever you are!
These are some really great ideas! Pinning – thanks for linking up at After School.
Love your suggestions. I just paid ridiculous amount of money for the Nutcracker performance, and I only have one child! I should really figure out how to find cheaper options, so we can go to live performances more often. Thanks for sharing with Afterschool!