Entertainment for when you're broke

Take advantage of discount days

Many theaters, museums, galleries, zoos and parks offer special discount days, such as standing-room-only or pay-what-you-can nights. Some even offer free admission on certain days.

For example, you can get in free to the San Francisco Zoo on the first Wednesday of every month, or the Modern Museum of Art in New York every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. For performances, ask about free or drastically discounted admission to dress rehearsals.

Also, matinees aren't just for senior citizens or little kids. You can often get cheap tickets to movies, theater productions and other shows if you attend in the early afternoon instead of a prime evening time slot. Daytime is also a good time to try out a hot new restaurant. You can get lunch-menu prices for dinner-quality entrees.

Go with a group

When it comes to finding cheap entertainment, more really is merrier.

Buy in bulk and you could get a 10% (or more) discount on many exhibitions and events. Team up with friends, co-workers or relatives to get the lower rate.

Use your assets

Being a strapped student may seem like a liability. But your student ID card may be your golden ticket to affordable entertainment. Many theaters, concert halls and sport arenas will knock a few bucks off the price of admission when you flash your card.

When I was in college, one of my favorite places to take a date was the symphony, which offered $6 tickets to students with IDs. After the show, I'd treat my date to ice cream. Total cost for two: less than $20.

Student status also can help you snag front-and-center tickets to some of the hottest sporting events of the year starring your school's teams. And don't overlook free or inexpensive student concerts, plays, dance performances and art shows right on campus.

Not a student? Use other associations to your advantage. For example, your job may offer discount tickets to amusement parks, sports arenas and other local events. Check out discounts offered through AAA, your credit union or your alumni association, too.

This article was reported and written by Erin Burt for Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine.

Updated Nov. 13, 2008

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