Besides free workshops and activities for kids, there are many opportunities for kids to get free stuff through rewards programs and clubs. Some of them aren't even geared specifically towards kids, but children can still join to accumulate the rewards. Who doesn't like free stuff?
Here are the things you might want to sign your kids up for:
Frequent Flyer Programs
I've flown several times before with my daughter, only to realize late in the game that she could've been racking up points or miles for all of those flights. Hint Mama points out that there's generally no minimum age for frequent flyer accounts. Some airlines will require you to fill out a form or call for children who are under the age of 13, but in general the process is easy enough that you should do this for your young jetsetter.
Sports League Kids' Memberships
Most major league sports teams offer a kids club that gives things out like free games or activities. Some also have upgraded memberships (for a fee) that come with things like t-shirts and tickets to games; the Pacers Kids Club for those under the age of 14, for example, comes with a $20 membership fee that includes six tickets to games, discounted tickets, a backpack, t-shirt, and autographed card. Search for your favorite sports team and the words "kids club" to find out what's available.
Birthday Clubs
Free food and gifts abound for anyone—young or old—who's celebrating a birthday. Here's a list of stores and the free gifts you can expect, such as free ice cream from Baskin Robbins or Ben & Jerry's. Check the sites' terms of service though for age requirements. Starbucks Rewards, for example, is limited to those 13 and older, and the free gift certificate to DSW likewise is only for teens and up. One store that limits age rewards in favor of younger kids: Toys R Us (get a gift card, birthday balloon, and a birthday call from Geoffrey until the age of 10).
Circus Tickets
This one's only for kids under the age of one, but Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will send you a free ticket and commemorative certificate for baby's first circus. (How much a newborn or infant will enjoy the circus is another story.)
Broadway Tickets
For another entertainment option, bring your kids to the theater during Kids' Night on Broadway. It's a week-long, national event during which kids ages 6 to 18 can see a show with a paying adult. Check the website for schedules.
Barnes & Noble's Kids Club
Technically, this rewards program is for parents to sign up, but kids get something out of it too (a free cupcake or cookie on their birthdays). After enrolling in B&N Kids' Club, you'll get a $5 certificate for every $100 you spend on kids' purchases—up to $20 a year.
Rewards for Good Grades
Finally, in addition to student discounts, several companies offer rewards for students with good report cards. Pizza Hut, for example, gives children in elementary and middle school a free personal pan pizza and soft drink if they show the manager their report card with 3 A's on it. Teenage and college-age drivers who do well in school might be able to get discounts on their auto insurance (ask your insurance agent). Family Circle has a list of these sorts of rewarding programs for scholars.
Lucky kids!
Photos by Dmitry Lobanov (Shutterstock), Burdie Henri, Tim Pierce, docmonstereyes, Hurst Photo (Shutterstock).