Indianapolis Moms Free and Frugal list

Kait Baumgartner from Indianapolis Moms joins Daybreak with affordable enjoyment ideas for summertime

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Now that we are solidly into summer, families are searching for fun that’s both cool and low-cost. Indianapolis Moms can offer some help in your search.

“Kids are expensive!” Indianapolis Moms owner Kait Baumgartner told WISH-TV’s Daybreak with a laugh, as she explained the inspiration for the “ Frugal and Free Sumer Guide .”

The guide includes at least 30 spots around central Indiana that offer a winning combination of enjoyability and affordability. During our Daybreak conversation, we focused on five.

First up: The Treehouse in Plainfield.

“This is a huge indoor play area that’s absolutely free to go to. So you can explore, have fun and it’s just an indoor play,” Baumgartner says. “It’s like a big tree and they can go play at the playground.”

Holliday Park in Indianapolis is also on the list. “Start at the Nature Center, go do some hands-on fun activities,” she said. “They have a little tree house in there, pack a lunch, go to the playground, go to the park, check out the ruins and it’s absolutely free.”

Indianapolis Indians tickets are not free, but Baumgartner says the meal deals are terrific.

“On Sundays, kids eat free. They get a hot dog, a bag of chips, and a Capri Sun,” she explained. She also points out the Tuesday dollar menu and half-price tickets on Wednesdays as great ways to save.

The family fun offered at Daniel’s Vineyard includes something for all ages. “Family trivia is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and that’s free. Also, $5 glasses of wine all day long,” she said.

The final spot in our Daybreak chat belongs to Regal Theaters, which has a “ Summer Movie Express ” series.

“Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they have dollar movies,” Baumgartner says. She also points out there’s less of a pocketbook pinch if one of the films does not hit a home run. “Because if you have to leave early, it’s only a dollar.”

For the full Frugal and Fun guide, click here .