I love, love, love the Hunger Games books, and I couldn’t wait to see the movie! It did not disappoint. (Which is rare—I hardly ever like movie adaptations.)

The first time we went, I used my Stubs card to buy our tickets, adding $20 to our accumulating balance. Then, we hit the concession stand. I know, I know. It’s a total racket. I just can’t help it. I won’t tell you what we spent, but I did get a free upgrade on the popcorn and drink with our Stubs card.

Yesterday, I used my Stubs card to buy my ticket—and swiped it again when my friend bought hers since she doesn’t have a card. By the time I got to the concession stand to buy my drink, I had $10 free to spend, with money leftover for the next movie I want to see. (Anybody wanna go to The Hunger Games with me again? So. Not. Kidding.)

That Stubs cash adds up faster than I ever expected! Or, I’ve never really stopped to think about how much a movie costs. But, here’s the thing: I get full price credit on a movie ticket, even if I’m exchanging a promotional certificate! So, I earned $20 with One for the Money, even though I bought our ticket voucher for only $12 on Groupon.

The Stubs card costs $12 per year, but the benefits have already paid for it in my eyes. Here is what you get as a Stubs member:

• $10 FREE for every $100 you spend: At $10 each jut for tickets, it adds up fast!
• FREE upgrades on popcorn and soda: Want a large for free refills? Pay for a medium!
• Online ticket fees waived: Purchase your tickets in advance, through Fandango, and enter your Stubs card at checkout to have the e-ticket fee waived.
• Advanced preview offers: I saw Twilight Breaking Dawn, Part I at 8pm on the Thursday before it was officially released.

Plus, they frequently offer specials for joining Stubs. Right now (through Thursday), you can get a free large popcorn or soda when you buy a Stubs card. And, you totally should. It’s so worth it!

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We just love to experience all the family fun our city has to offer! Museums, parks, bounce houses, sporting events—we’re always looking for inexpensive activities to do with our girls.

One of our go-to favorites is bowling. You just can’t go wrong! Silly shoes, scoring computers, a turkey dance—bowling provides plenty of fun and giggles for the whole family.

Here are 5 ways to make it more affordable:

• Daily Deals: Some of my favorite daily deal sites have offered deep discounts at local bowling alleys. In fact, Eversave is currently offering a Royal Pin deal for two, here in Indianapolis. That’s 3 games of bowling each plus shoe rental for only $15!
• On-Site Specials: Check with bowling alleys in your area for regular specials. Our favorite center has a standing weekend special. From noon to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, two games and a pair of shoes is $7.99 per person. Check with locations in your area for similar deals and special events.
• Mailer Coupons: Watch that junk mail! I have found coupons for discount games or free shoe rental in the packets that regularly arrive in the mailbox.
• Kids Bowl Free: This is my favorite summer program for kids. In just a few months, the new program will begin, featuring two free games of bowling per kid every day!
• Buy Your Own Shoes: If bowling becomes a regular family activity for you, consider buying your own shoes. They aren’t very expensive and will save you $2-3 every time. I don’t know that it would be worth it for growing kids, but definitely look into adult shoes! In fact, they’ll be going on clearance soon as the end of “bowling season” arrives. Personally, I see bowling as the perfect year-round activity (keeping you out of the cold, rain and summer heat), but I’m all for a deal anyway!

These tricks can help you save money on a family favorite, but you can’t get better than free. That’s why I’m excited to work with Eversave to give away a Royal Pin voucher to one of our readers! Simply leave a comment here, and let me know your favorite frugal activity for family fun. You can earn additional entries by:

• Subscribing to our site by email or RSS
• Following Inexpensively on Twitter
• Following @EversaveIND on Twitter
• Liking Inexpensively on Facebook
• Writing about this giveaway (blog, forum, public Facebook note)
• Tweeting about this giveaway: Win a Royal Pin experience from @Inexpensively and @EversaveIND! http://bit.ly/GICvAX

Get tips for bowling with kids and another chance to win on Family Fun in the City!

For your extra entries to be counted, be sure to leave an additional comment directing us to your entry. Only one additional entry per method (i.e. While multiple tweets are appreciated it, only one will count as a drawing entry.) The contest runs until March 25th at 4:00pm est. One winner will be notified by email on March 26th and receive a Royal Pin Save voucher. Winner will have 48 hours to complete the claim form or a new winner will be chosen.

I was provided with a Royal Pin voucher from Eversave to facilitate this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

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The fact that it’s more frugal than dinner out is just a bonus at this point, but cooking from home is always a great way to save money on date night. However, there’s something to be said for getting away and enjoying an evening out.

Here are 3 great ways to go out for dinner for less:

Begin at the Beginning

You don’t have to order a whole meal, to enjoy a dining experience. The hubby and I actually go out often, just for an appetizer or two. We can share an appetizer spread for far less than the cost of two dinner entrees.

Daywalker

Who says you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day during, you know, the daytime? A lunch date can make for significant savings, especially if your children are in school. It eliminates the need for a babysitter. Plus, many restaurants offer lunch menus at a discount.

Just Desserts

I don’t think there’s anything more sexy than sharing a dessert with the hubby. Enjoy a meal at home, then linger over a special dessert or after dinner drinks. It’s an inexpensive way to snag a small part of the dining experience.

Related, on Babble.com: 14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending a Dime

Photo Credit: Flickr

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Sure, the library also has DVDs, audio books and eBooks, but it also opens a world of opportunity inside its doors. Most libraries have special events throughout the week for even more value. Some events are free, while others may have a fee attached. Check with your local branch for details on programs, classes, and expert advice.

Here are a few opportunities available at public libraries:

• Free Internet Access: The library is my go to place to work on school breaks. I can use the free wifi, while the kids read, join clubs or play in the children’s section. It’s also where I went when the air went out this summer, and I still needed to be on the computer. Or, the first place I think of when the DSL goes out at home.
• Tax Forms & Assistance: Since the IRS is no longer mailing tax forms, you can find them, as always, at your local library. Many branches area also offering tax assistance or classes.
• Computer Skills Classes: Gain valuable skills for work or personal use through computer skills classes at your local library. My own library offers basic skills like office programs, email and social media as well as advanced classes for those who need a little more information.
• Fun & Games: Libraries are also a great source of family fun & entertainment. We’ve been to animal entertainers, meet the author nights, craft days, and special events. The children’s department also has Legos, Wedgits and computers just for kids.
• Clubs & Social Events: Book clubs are a natural fit for the library. Ours also has a knitting club, euchre club, teen clubs, and various kids’ clubs based on special interests. My girls seem to have outgrown the Webkinz Club, but we’ll keep an eye on what’s next.
• Story Hour: I’ve been going to the library since my teen was just a little tyke. We’ve graduated through baby stories, toddler time and preschool story hour. The school aged story hour features a related craft each week.
• Homeschool Classes: Our library has recently started offering several classes for homeschool families. I’ve seen Spanish, creative writing, art, and science in the last couple years. It’s a great resource for those who want additional skills for their educational choice.

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