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Community Corner

Frugal Family — With or Without the Parentals

Patch scoured our local resources to come up with kid-friendly activities you can do as a family, or kids can do alone.

Don’t let the sour economy get you down, be sure to check out all of the free, or inexpensive, things you can do with your kids, or that kids can do alone. This week, Patch searched for fun, kid-friendly activities to do as a family, and as always we looked for stuff you could do on a budget.

Most activities require parent supervision and many of them are free and only require registration, if anything at all.

So head out to town in San Leandro, and bring the whole family, for activities your kids will love, and your wallet will, too.

Find out what's happening in San Leandrowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Deal: Learn how to play mah jong for free as part of the “Big Read” program at the main library. If you belong to a mah jong club, bring your group of four and play together.

The Fine Print: One day only from 6 PM to 9 PM.

Find out what's happening in San Leandrowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Extra, Extra: Check out Patch’s directory or the library’s website for more information about upcoming Big Read programs.

Good through: March 11, 2011

 

2.

Deal: Go bowling during “Wacky Weekdays” at Manor Bowl and save big. Between 10 AM and 5 PM you can get two games of bowling, shoe rental and a snack for just $5 per person.

The Fine Print: Offer is not valid on weekends.

Extra, Extra: On Tuesdays, from 5 PM to 12 AM, games are $2 each per person and shoe rental is $3. There is at least one bowling special everyday of the week.

Good Through: Ongoing.

 

3.

Deal: Have a mommy and me day and spend the day shopping at Justice Just for Girls. Pick up tank tops for $8.90 each when you buy two or more or load up on socks while they are buy two, get one free.

The Fine Print: No coupon required, all items are on sale.

Extra, Extra: Pick up graphic tees and leggings while you’re in, only $14.90 each when you buy two or more.

Good through: Ongoing. While sale lasts.

 

4. OAKLAND ZOO

Deal: Spend a day at the Oakland Zoo. Children’s admission, for ages 2 to 14, is $8.50, and kids younger than 2 are free. Want to save some extra dough? Make a reservation for a group of more than 12 and tickets drop to $6. Adult tickets, ages 15 to 64, are $12.50 for regular admission and $8 with the group reservation discount.

The Fine Print: Must make a reservation for a group of more than 12 two weeks in advance to receive the full discount. A $7 parking fee does apply.

Extra, Extra: Make it a day for the whole family by inviting the grandparents as well. Tickets for seniors, age 65 to 79, are the same as kid’s prices and seniors over 80 are free. Don’t forget to ask about their military discounts as well.

Good through: Ongoing. Regular pricing.

 

5.

Deal: Take your kids for a scoop of ice cream and free face painting on Tuesdays at Knudsen’s. Kids get their faces painted for free between 5 PM and 8 PM every Tuesday.

The Fine Print: Free face painting is only available on Tuesdays from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Extra, Extra: Knudsen’s also has a birthday club that allows for a free treat on your birthday.

Good through: Weekly on Tuesdays.

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