Free and Cheap Things to Do with the Kids this Summer

-AMF Lanes has a free summer bowling program for kids in Winston-Salem and Greensboro. http://freebowling.amf.com/

-Here’s another free bowling program offered at Gate City Lanes in Greensboro and High Point Bowling Center: http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

-Angie recommends Hiddenite Gem Mining near Hickory for inexpensive family fun. http://www.hiddenitegems.com/

-Lots of people love Hanging Rock for swimming (small fee), hiking and waterfalls. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/haro/main.php

-Pilot Mountain is another great place to hike and take in some amazing views. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/pimo/main.php

-Jennifer says, “The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte is a wonderful tour EVERYONE should take...and admission is FREE. There is a Dairy Bar inside where you could choose to buy lunch....It is a wonderful, humbling experience.” http://www.billygrahamlibrary.org/

-You could spend DAYS seeing interesting places in Raleigh and never spending a dime for admission. Check out this cool website that our friend Bev shared with us: http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/free.php

-Tami and her family recently discovered that tubing down a cool river is a great way to spend a summer day, and it's relatively inexpensive (avg. $10 per person). They used Tangent Outfitters in Radford, Virginia; however, there are lots of companies within a few hours of the Triad that provide tubes, lifejackets and a shuttle bus from their parking area to the spot on the river where you start your float.

http://www.danburygeneralstore.net/TubingTheDan.aspx
http://www.tangentoutfitters.com/node/32
http://www.newriverjunction.com/Tubing.html
http://www.greatsmokies.com/tubing.asp
http://www.ncrafting.com/Tubing.html

-A handful of movie theatres have free or cheap kids movies on weekday mornings during the summer. Every theatre’s program is slightly different, so check the website or call for more info. Here’s a great list compiled by Piedmont Parent:
http://www.piedmontparent.com/articlemain.php?Summer-Movies-for-Kids-1291

-You should definitely check with your local library, most branches have special programs for kids of all ages:

Forsyth County: http://www.forsyth.cc/library/CalendarSelector.aspx

Guilford County: http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Library/calendar/

Davidson County: http://www.co.davidson.nc.us/community/PublicLibraryCatalog.aspx

Randolph County: http://www.randolphlibrary.org/children.htm

Stokes/Surry/Yadkin Counties: http://www.nwrl.org/kidszone.asp

-Finally, lots of other websites have compiled lists like this one, but with many, many more ideas for inexpensive family fun. Here are some links:

http://triadmomsonmain.com/_blog/My_Blog/post/What_to_do_with_Your_Toddler_this_Summer!/
http://www.gotriadscene.com/categories/index/7/0
http://attractions.uptake.com/north_carolina/winston-salem/cheap_vacations/429704809.html
http://attractions.uptake.com/north_carolina/greensboro/cheap_vacations/589384869.html
http://www.piedmontparent.com/thingstodo/index.php
http://www.relylocal.com/kernersville-surrounding-areas-north-carolina/things-to-do

And, don't forget to buy a copy of "Kids Love NC" or "Kids Love the Carolinas".  This book is an essential resource for parents and kids on the go! http://www.kidslovetravel.com/