Save Money on Summer Fun

July 11, 2007 — -- Forget spending lots of dough during the warm months -- summer is the season of free.

Many cities offer free concerts, theater events, movies, art shows and more throughout the summer. In New York, for example, there are tons of opportunities to see top-notch theatrical performances for free, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Central Park's Shakespeare in the Park.

In Pittsburgh, Cinema in the Park features popular family-friendly movies, such as "Happy Feet" and "Superman Returns," throughout the summer at seven Pittsburgh-area parks. The cost: nothing.

For more details about what is happening in your city or town, take a look at your local paper or visit the chamber of commerce. Also, don't forget that many museums, zoos and aquariums offer discounts or even free admission on certain days during the summer, so be sure to call or check online before you plan your next visit.

Last, if you are an avid exerciser, ask if your gym allows you to take a leave of absence from your membership. Not only can you enjoy exercising outdoors, but you can save a few hundred dollars by doing so.

Outside your hometown, there is still plenty of summer left for vacations. According to the Travel Industry Association, Americans are expected to take a record-high 330 million trips this summer.

If you are one of the millions and you are flying, the best way to save is to be flexible. Leave on a Tuesday or Wednesday and consider flying late at night or early in the morning to find the cheapest fares.

Also, remember that if you're flying into a major city, going to a small, alternative airport can save you a bundle. For example, a flight from Dallas to Memphis is around $370, but it costs just $98 to land 130 miles west in Little Rock. By driving the remaining distance to Memphis and factoring in gas mileage, you save more than $250.

Families hitting the road, take note: From Maine to California, hotels are issuing rebates on gasoline up to $100 to help ease the pain at the pump. Even historic Gettysburg is jumping into the action. One Gettysburg hotel is giving out a $50 gas rebate if you stay two nights. If you have not already reserved a room, ask the reservations representative if the hotel has any rebates or if they will give you one.