Frugal Family Finds: "Ban Boredom" Edition

It's Frugaltime and the savings are easy. Savor these summer deals before the last cicada sings.

1. Fox Bowl — Wheaton

The Deal: Guaranteed to strike out summer boredom and spare you some green when bowling centers and schools around the country including Fox Bowl in Wheaton are participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Free program.  Designed to provide a safe, secure and fun way for kids to spend time this summer, children are eligible to register for two free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers, schools and organizations.

Offer Good: Through Aug. 31

2. Morton Arboretum – Lisle

 The Deal: Morton Arboretum invites you to taste the flavors of summer at the Arboretum with Wednesdays, Woods, and Wine. Declaring Wednesday the new Friday, the Arboretum will be hosting the weekly event every Wednesday, June 22-August 3
5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy
award-winning wine, an array of Cabot Cheeses and
live music in an intimate outdoor setting on the Ginkgo Veranda for $5 Members/$10 Non-Members for the 21 and over crowd. A selection of delectable tapas, wine, beer, and cocktails will also be available for purchase.

Offer Good: Wednesday nights through Aug. 3

3. Downtown Glen Ellyn Association — Glen Ellyn

 The Deal: If time is money then what is the value of finding free activities to kill some time and keep your kids occupied? Priceless indeed. Downtown Glen Ellyn invites youngsters and their parents (for those ten and under) to the 5th Annual Scavenger Hunt “Midsummer Knight’s Adventure” by visiting downtown businesses and finding “Medieval Times” items.

 Start your hunt with a guidebook from The Bookstore (475 N. Main) or at the Glen Ellyn Public Library (400 Duane Street) and then search for items listed in your guidebook. Hand in completed guidebooks to the Glen Ellyn Public Library Youth Services Department and for a chance to win a variety of prizes including a $100 Glen Ellyn shopping certificate.

Offer Good: Through Saturday, Jul. 30 at 1 p.m.

4. Buca di Bepo — online

The Deal: You don’t have to be Italian to join the Buca di Beppo family. In fact, Buca is inviting everyone and their cousin Tony to join the Buca di Beppo eClub to receive exclusive offers. Get a free dessert just for signing up, a free appetizer of your choice on your birthday and a special offer on your anniversary.  Receive other exclusive eClub offers totaling as much as $150 in discounts a year-Buon Appetito!

 Offer Good: Until further notice

5. Great American Campout and REI — online & Oakbrook Terrace

 The Deal: REI and the National Wildlife Federation invite families to get out and camp on June 25th as part of The Great American Backyard Campout.  Join thousands across the country the fun by camping in your own backyard, with a local group or at a local park. For those wanting to camp out in a local preserve check out www.dupageforest.com for camping information at Blackwell Forest Preserve.  And if just happen to have the same sleeping bag you bought for a junior high sleepover in the mid-eighties, don't let a lack of gear stop you, REI rents tents and sleeping bags.

 Offer Good: Campout is Jun. 25

6. Entrée Kitchen – Carol Stream

 The Deal: Between the pool and the endless succession of baseball games the cook and the kitchen need a mid-week reprieve. Wipe out weary Wednesdays by picking up a fresh, ready-to-cook 
Entree Kitchen Dinner this and every Wednesday. The WEDNESDAY ONLY offer invites you to  call in your order, then pick up your dinner on your way home. Choose from these four specially selected entrées – table ready in 30 minutes or less: Caribbean Rum Pork Tenderloin, Alfredo Ravioli with Mushrooms, Bacon Jack Chicken orBBQ Onion Burgers. Each Entree has 6 servings for $24 total and you can add sides & desserts for 10% OFF on Wednesdays with this promotion. Offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Offer Good: Wednesdays for a Limited Time