Saving Money while Traveling with Kids

You don't want to miss out on any of the top attractions when visiting another city. But with kids (especially a large family) costs of entertainment add up quickly. Luckily. There are lots of deals out there for those who are willing to look. Here are my top places for finding deals while traveling.

Entertainment Book

Enchanted Island in Phoenix, AZ
BOGO Discount with Entertainment Book

This is a book of huge coupons that kids used to sell for fundraisers. You buy it for a certain location and your coupons are for that metro area. There are restaurant deals, attraction coupons, and deals for services. Thanks to the wonder of technology, your Entertainment book now gets your deals all over that nation. After you buy a book (watch for deals, mine only cost $5!) you register on their website, entertainment.com. You now have access to digital and printable coupons all the Entertainment Book locations. There is also an Entertainment Book app you can use to look up and use coupons while you are out, no printer needed. We love the app for dining out.

Groupon & Living Social Deals

Scuba Diving in Hawaii
Over 50% off with Groupon

I always check our vacation destinations for Groupon and LivingSocial deals. The best time to look is
when there is a discount code for the deal sites. I was able to go scuba diving in Hawaii for under $50. Search under Things to Do and Restaurants. Make sure to check expiration dates to make sure your deal doesn't end before your vacation starts.

ASTC Passport Program & AZA Reciprocity Program

Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah
Free admission with ASTC Passport Program

If you have a membership to a museum of zoo, check if it belongs to one of these, or another reciprocal program. Your local membership many allow you free or discounted admission to hundreds of other museum's and zoos. I bought a family membership to our local Arizona Science Center for over 50% off on Groupon. I've used it to get into to Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, Fleet Science a Center in San Diego, California, The Discovery Museum in Reno, Nevada, and so much more! 

Flyers, Pamphlets, and Discount Days

Don't forget to keep your eyes open for potential deals. Look through the flyers and pamphlets in your hotel lobby or ask the concierge if she has any coupons. Look at the flyers sitting on restaurants check-out stands or in racks by the doors. Do an Internet search for discounts to the paces you want to visit while on vacation. Museums often have free or discount days. Many amusement parks have discounted admission after a certain time.