Let’s face it, it’s hard to feed a hungry family these days. It’s easy to feel like we don’t have enough money to take our families out to eat, but there are places we can go that offer free or extremely cheap kids nights. If you’re willing to go out on a school night (usually between Monday and Wednesday), you’ll find there are several places to choose from. Keep in mind that the days and prices offered by these places may vary from area to area. Here is what is available in my area (Fox Lake, WI):

Applebee’s (Beaver Dam):  Up to 2 kids eat for 99¢ Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Ponderosa (Beaver Dam):  Kids 10 and under eat for 99¢ every Tuesday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. (one child qualifies for each adult entree that is purchased). Kids 2 and under eat free all day every day of the week.

Benvenuto’s (Beaver Dam): Kids eat FREE every Monday (up to $5.50 a meal) with the purchase of an adult entree.

Pizza Ranch (Waupun):  Kids eat FREE every Monday (with the purchase of an adult entree).

Activities

Don’t forget about free and cheap activities (depending on the season).

Rogers Cinema Beaver Dam: Sometimes they offer customer appreciation days. Usually you can get in by donating a canned food item. They’re not that great about advertising this, so you have to keep watch on their Facebook page.

Tower Lanes:  In the summer, you can sign your kids up for KidsBowlFree program.  Every week they will email you a coupon that allows your child to bowl free each day. They also offer discounted family programs too, so you can bowl too.

Crystal Lake Park: Crystal Lake is great. There is no lifeguard on duty, but there is a little free beach in the summer. They have some umbrellas and tables; also bathrooms, showers and changing rooms. Kids can go to Crystal Lake camp 5 days a week for under $100 a week. They do arts and crafts, swim, play games and take a field trip every Friday. The camp is open to residents and non-residents, but there is a price difference.

YMCA of Dodge County: They offer all sorts of inexpensive events. For example, right now they have a fall and winter Flick’n’Float. Non-members are just $3 each. Enjoy crafts and swimming with Santa December 4th. Members are free and non-members are $5 a family.

There are many things free and inexpensive for families. Make sure you keep watch of Facebook pages and check for future events on websites, so you know what’s going on. If you have anything to add about this area or your area, please leave it in the comments!

Thanks for reading!