Thursday, June 24, 2010

RI on a Dime: Things to Do This Summer on the Cheap

Summer has arrived, and Rhode Islanders continue to be money conscious. I’m always looking for ways to save some scratch and still have a great time. Who says you can’t have fun with little or no money? I’m on a quest to unlock the inexpensive secrets to having a blast in Rhode Island.

My first thought on beating the heat on the cheap is to catch a movie. I’m talking about Super Tuesdays at Cinema World at the Lincoln Mall where all tickets all day long are just $6.00 - excluding 3D movies. And if you’re a Movie Club member you’ll qualify for discounts at the concession stand. Cinema World also runs Cult Classics on Sunday mornings at 11 am for just $2.00. Other great movie options include Movies on the Block in Providence every Thursday during through September or the wonderful Rustic Drive-In on Rt 146 in North Smithfield.

If you’re more of the cerebral type who likes to pinch pennies, perhaps you’d enjoy the RISD Museum of Art in Providence, where on the last Saturday of each month (except December) you’ll get free admission all day. I speak from experience when I say to get there early, it’s so worth it.

For the outdoorsy type - head to one of the many Rhode Island State Parks which offer a slew of activities from hiking, swimming and fishing to camping and cooking out. Not all State Parks have swimming available but do offer free admission. For those that do offer swimming it’s just $6.00 per car on weekdays and $7.00 on weekends for Rhody residents. Better still, you can buy a Season Pass that will allow access to any park all season long… obviously the best choice if you plan on getting outdoors a bunch. One other fantastic outdoor event that most people have heard of and needs no explanation is Waterfire. Make sure to go this summer.

Other great ideas for saving money: hit up one of the many farmers markets held across the state or maybe tour a working Alpaca farm in Exeter at Shadow Pines Alpaca Farm.

Whatever you choose to do to save money this summer in Rhode Island, just be sure to do it with the ones you love… because those moments will last a lifetime and you can’t put a value on that. Enjoy!