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National Parks: FREE-Entrance Days in 2014

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National Parks: FREE-Entrance Days in 2013

Photograph Credit: National Parks

From hiking to a beautiful waterfall to exploring historical landmarks, a visit to a National Park makes for a wonderful family adventure.

If your family enjoys the great outdoors, then mark your calendar for the following National Parks FREE-entrance days in 2014:

  • January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • February 15-17: Presidents’ Day weekend
  • April 19-20: Opening weekend of National Park Week
  • August 25: National Park Service Birthday
  • September 27: National Public Lands Day
  • November 11: Veterans Day

Click here to find participating National Parks, organized by state. The first FREE-entrance day in 2014 begins this coming Monday. Enjoy a hike, picnic, or drive through your local National Park while using time wisely with your family and friends.

To find more family activities, visit Using Time Wisely’s event page on Facebook. Happy planning!

Weekend Activities for January 18-20, 2014

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Weekend Activities for January 18-20, 2014Coming off a week where Miss 6 has been struggling with a fever for the past 2 days, I am glad to have everyone home to get some rest this weekend.

Though we are limiting our outings, some of the available weekend activities for January 18-20, 2014, include the following:

Lakeshore Learning Store: FREE Soaring Skydivers

Each Saturday, Lakeshore Learning Stores offer a FREE craft project from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at participating locations. Soaring Skydivers is the FREE project for Saturday, January 18, 2014. The craft changes each week for children ages 3 and up, and no reservations are necessary.

Michaels: $2 Alien Foam Door Hanger

On January 18, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participating Michaels Craft Stores will reserve 30 minutes for your child to create an alien foam door hanger. Kids Club reservations are required with $2 fee and recommended for children ages 3 and up.

National Parks: Free Entrance Day

Participating National Parks will waive their entrance fees on Monday, January 20, 2014. With hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities available at National Parks, your family can learn something new, find a favorite picnic spot, and explore the outdoors.

Keep using time wisely this weekend. For those of you recovering from illnesses, may you get your rest, give yourself grace, and let your body heal.

Looking for other family weekend events? Check Using Time Wisely’s event page. While you are there, please “like” the page to stay updated. Have a great weekend!

Question: Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Einstein Bros Bagels: FREE Bagel on January 15, 2014

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Einstein Bros Bagels: FREE Bagel on January 15, 2014

Photograph Credit: Einstein Bros Bagels

Hopefully joining a friend or two, Miss 3 and I will enjoy a later breakfast or early snack at Einstein Bros Bagels with a FREE bagel on Wednesday, January 15 2014.

We have printed our coupons, and you can print or download yours from this link. You can either print the coupon or show it on your phone at a participating location.

This offer is ONLY available on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at participating locations for a FREE Thintastic bagel and shmear. Yum!

If you are near one of these locations, share this deal with a friend and enjoy the freebie while using time wisely. Happy choosing!

Activities for Saturday, January 11, 2014

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Activities for Saturday, January 10, 2014

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Getting back into our usual routine and recovering from our frozen pipes, I need some time this weekend to get ahead for next week.

My children have grown this week, and their growth is taking them out of their clothing. My son needs his next-size pants hemmed and another pair of shoes.

My oldest daughter will also need the next-size pants, and I am confiscating Miss 3’s short shirts and her pants that now look like capris.

In addition to clothing swaps, general cleanup, menu planning, grocery-list making, and laundry, we are hoping to get out and enjoy a family activity this weekend. As rains are coming, we might end up spending time indoors.

If you are venturing out, here are some suggested activities for Saturday, January 11, 2014 that may fit your schedule:

Lakeshore Learning Store: FREE Bongos

Each Saturday, Lakeshore Learning Stores offer a FREE craft project from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at participating locations. Bongos are the FREE project for Saturday, January 11, 2014. The craft changes each week for children ages 3 and up, and no reservations necessary.

Michaels: $2 Mini Masterpieces

On January 11, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participating Michaels Craft Stores will reserve 30 minutes for your child to paint mini masterpieces. Kids Club reservations are required and recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Other Event Suggestions

Other FREE or inexpensive events are a trip to a local park, hiking, bike riding, or geocaching.

If you have annual memberships, check museums, zoos, science centers, recreational districts, and gardens for special events and activities.

For indoor options, go watch a high school or college sports game. At home, my girls love creating with paints, stickers, and markers while my son prefers a board or card game.

If you are looking for other family weekend events, check Using Time Wisely’s event page. While you are there, please “like” the page to stay updated.

However you plan to spend your weekend, may you stay safe, warm, and dry while using time wisely. Enjoy your weekend!

Question: What are your plans for the weekend?

Subway: JanuANY – $5 Footlong Sandwiches

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Subway: JanuANY - $5 Footlong Sandwiches

Photograph Credit: Subway

During the month of January, Subway has many footlong sandwiches priced at $5 each.

Included in this deal are the better-for-you and the super-stacked subs but excludes premium and supreme subs. This offer continues through January 31, 2014.

With 21 choices ranging from breakfast to dinner options, Subway is a great option, especially when it’s cold and you find your water pipes frozen. 😉

As the chill sets in and schedules pick up, these $5 Subway sandwiches might help you survive an emergency, needed break, or lunch with a friend without spending full price to feed yourself, your family, or a friend.

Happy JanuANY month!