Save Money Attending Homeschool Days

As a homeschooling family living on one income, I’m aware of just how hard it is to stretch those hard earned dollars. Though we’ve traveled a lot with my husband’s job, there have been times when we just couldn’t afford big splurges. Thankfully we discovered that many attractions offer Homeschool Days or other deep discounts for home educators. 

Homeschool Days are an affordable way for homeschooling families to experience local attractions or to travel places that at times may be too costly. In addition to the deep discounts, you’re also likely to find special programming just for the occasion.

Though this isn’t an exhaustive list, I’d like to share some of the Homeschool Days that are of interest to my own family.

Dollywood

Gatlinburg, TN

Friday, August 20^th

Admission prices are as follows: Students $34.95 (includes taxes), Adults $43.60 (includes taxes) an add-on to Splash Country Fair can be made at $27.95 for both students and adults that is valid Aug. 19, 21 and 22. Admission to Dollywood includes a meal voucher at select restaurants for students. You can also extend your day to the 21^st for free if you arrive after 3pm.

You will need to act quickly if you want to attend this event because advance reservations are required to be made by August 13, 2010. Unfortunately online reservations are not available at this time, so you must call 888-428-6789 and speak to a real person.

Kings Island

(Mason) Cincinnati, OH

Thursday, August 26^th 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Receive an incredible deal of $24.99 for all guests ages 3 and up with meal tickets available for an additional cost of $7.99.

Presentations are planned by COSI and The Creation Museum with a special guest performance.

Biltmore Estate

Asheville, NC

Thursday, Sept. 9^th & Friday, September 10

This year the homeschool festival will focus on the Designs of Biltmore but no further information is listed on the website at this time. You can email your contact information to Kat Bartlett at kbarlett@biltmore.com to receive updated information as it becomes available. 

Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando, FL

Wednesday, September 8^th and Thursday, September 9th and additional dates at the Animal Kingdom, Monday, January 24^th & Tuesday, January 25^th, 2011

The focus is on careers in the arts with additional programs available for a fee. There are many packages available, from a 1-Day Pass for Florida residents to 5-Day Premium Park Hopper Passes that include a presentation.

Colonial Williamsburg Fall Homeschooler Experience

Williamsburg, VA

Saturday, Sept. 11^th through Saturday, September 25^th

Immerse yourself in Colonial Life and the 18th century when you attend the Homeschool Days at Colonial Williamsburg. While you’re there make sure you check out the activities going on at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center too!

Jamestown Settlement/Yorktown Victory Center Homeschool Program

Saturday, Sept. 11^th through Saturday, September 25^th

This program will include a variety of educational programs for a range of grade levels as well as hands-on programs and family tours. The homeschool ticket will include admission to both Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center for the entire date range! You can purchase tickets online at $10.25 per family member. After you purchase your tickets, you must call 757-23-4939 to reserve your spot in the hands-on class or tour as space is limited.

Plimoth Plantation

Plymouth, MA

Friday, September 18^th 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Cost for students is $12, while adults will pay $20 for a 2- day admission pass. A variety of workshops will be offered.

National Museum of the US Air Force

Dayton, OH

Monday, September 27^th

Activities begin at 9:00 a.m. with a variety of classes broken up into age/grade levels. Most of the activities and classes are offered for free, but you must register in advance.

Tennessee Aquarium Homeschool Days

Monday, September 27^th

On homeschool day, you can choose to purchase a ticket for the aquarium, IMAX or a combination ticket that includes both. Cost for students will be $6.50 for the aquarium, $5.00 IMAX or $10.25 for a combo ticket to both. Homeschool Parents will pay the following: $22.50 for the Aquarium, $ 7.75 for the IMAX movie or $27.50 for a combo ticket.

Programs will be offered in the auditorium from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and will include the opportunity for a behind the scenes tour for an additional cost of $5.00. Homeschool students and parents will also receive a discount at the Aquarium Gift Shops and you know gift shops always have the coolest things!

Stone Mountain

Atlanta, GA

Friday, October 1^st

Open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p. m., the discounted rate of $17 per person includes all activities offered at Stone Mountain except the Ducks.

Space Center Houston

Houston, TX

Beginning with a special after hour’s program on the evening of Tuesday, October 5^th and all day October 6^th, the Space Center is closed to the public for this special homeschool day. Advance registration is required with orders placed prior to September 28^th receiving the biggest savings by paying only $8.95 per person. After the 28^th, the cost will rise to $11.95 per person.

Kennedy Space Center

Cape Canaveral, FL

Saturday, October 2^nd

You won’t want to miss out on participating in the special hands on activities while learning about NASA, enjoying the Space Shuttle Experience and meeting an actual astronaut. While you’re there, make sure you pick up a packet of educational materials before you leave. Cost is $31.50 plus tax. For more information call 866-737-5235.

Legoland

Carlsbad, CA

Legoland takes Homeschool Days a bit further by offering discounted admission on select Mondays throughout the year for homeschooling families who register prior to their visit. If you’re planning a trip to Legoland, make sure you take the time to check this out.

In addition to Homeschool Days, you’ll find that many attractions offer discounts to homeschool groups as well, while considering a group to be as few as 10 people. I don’t know about you, but in my circle of friends, that could be as few as one or two families. If you’re looking to save a bit of money and don’t mind organizing some low key field trips for a few friends, that may be just the ticket to reducing the cost on some high price attractions.

If you know of any Homeschool Days offered in your area, I’d love if you’d share it in the comments. And if you’ve attended a Homeschool Day in the past, I’d love to hear about your experience!