Free and Cheap
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Janine Dorsey
Janine is a 20-year veteran journalist who puts her sleuthing skills to use unearthing deals and discounts for families in the Tampa Bay area. Raising her own two daughters has taught her that some of the best things in life are “free” but not necessarily “cheap.”
Most Recent Entries
- Aquarium discounts admission during Summer Fun Nights
- Crepe Myrtle sale to benefit literacy program
- Free bang and beard trims at JCPenney salons
- Dads admitted free at Mote Aquarium on Sunday
- Free horror movie series this summer in downtown Tampa
- Free healthy eating carnival on Saturday
- Dads admitted free to Henry B. Plant Museum on Father’s Day
- Discounted USF vanity tags available through voucher
- More kid movies on the cheap for summer fun
- Dads eat free at PDQ on Father’s Day
- Dads treated to free breakfast at McDonald’s
- Dads bowl free at Pin Chasers
- Dads admitted free to Florida Aquarium Father’s Day weekend
- Open a high-yield kid’s account, score a free zoo ticket
- Dads admitted free to Dinosaur World
Monthly Archives
Free healthy eating carnival on Saturday
Posted Jun 13, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 13, 2013 at 11:20 AM
Remember those Hidden Valley Ranch television commercials where the kids are frolicking at a carnival, munching on carrot sticks?
Hidden Valley Ranch plans to recreate that locally to promote healthy eating to children.
On Saturday, June 15 there will be a free carnival with games, crafts, prizes and of course, healthy snacks at the WalMart SuperCenter in Zephyrhills.
Additionally, gardening expert Stan DeFreitas will be sharing growing tips and helping children plant their own vegetables at the event.
The carnival takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is free to the public.
The Walmart SuperCenter is located at 7631 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills.
Dads admitted free to Henry B. Plant Museum on Father’s Day
Posted Jun 12, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 12, 2013 at 12:50 PM
Your dad will feel like a time traveler when he steps back in time at the Henry B. Plant Museum on Father’s Day.
All dads are admitted free on Sunday, June 16 to tour the permanent collections and the exhibit “The Language of Jewelry” featuring over 350 pieces dating as far back as 1850.
If you are a father whose children do not live in town, the museum will still offer you free admission if your children are not with you. Just tell them at the ticket counter.
Regular admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $7 for students and $5 for children ages 4 - 12.
The Henry B. Plant Museum is at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, and opens at noon Sundays.
For more information, visit https://plantmuseum.com/Event-Information/events.html.
Discounted USF vanity tags available through voucher
Posted Jun 12, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 12, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Want to show your Bulls pride?
Even if you didn’t go to school at the University of South Florida, you still may be a fan of their athletics programs or just want to support our local state university.
Now you can save at the same time.
Through December 31, 2013, you can print out a $25 voucher for a state of Florida vanity license plate honoring USF.
The discount is offered through the university’s alumni association.
For details on the offer, visit http://www.bullsplate.org.
For more information on the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle’s specialty plate program, visit http://www.dmvflorida.org/florida-license-plate.shtml.
More kid movies on the cheap for summer fun
Posted Jun 12, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 12, 2013 at 12:05 PM
There are more choices to entertain kids on the cheap this summer.
If the previously posted “summer movies for just $1” doesn’t work for parents in terms of driving distance, below are more options from a couple of different area theaters.
Both Muvico and Cobb theaters are also offering a summer film series, but theirs are free.
Muvico is offering the deal at all of their locations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. through August 15. In addition to the free admission, they have a “kids tray” special with popcorn, a drink and a treat for just $3.75. Fifty cents of the proceeeds will be donated to the Will Rogers Institute.
For a schedule of screenings, visit http://www.muvico.com/SummerFilmFest.aspx.
Muvico locations include Baywalk in St. Petersburg, Centro Ybor and Starlight 20 in Tampa.
Cobb Theaters will also have free movies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. at their locations in Wesley Chapel and Clearwater.
For a schedule of screenings, visit the local theaters’ home pages at http://www.cobbtheatres.com/. Titles include “Hop,” “Puss in Boots,” “The Smurfs” and “How To Train Your Dragon.”
Dads eat free at PDQ on Father’s Day
Posted Jun 12, 2013 by Janine Dorsey
Updated Jun 12, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Moms don’t get all the perks, now dads will get their share, too.
Dads are treated to a free combo meal of their choice when they visit PDQ on Sunday, June 16 with their kids in tow.
The fast-casual restaurant will treat Dad to a free combo meal (three-piece chicken tenders, chicken sandwich or salad) in honor of Father’s Day when they purchase a kids meal.
In the Bay area there are four PDQ locations: South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel. Restaurants are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on that day.
For more information, visit www.eatpdq.com/locations.