FREE Easter Egg Hunts in Cleveland 2014

There are a TON of FREE Easter Egg Hunts in the area, and this Saturday would be a great day to make it to one if you haven't already! There's already a great list over at Northeast Ohio Family Fun, so go check it out to see if there is one near you!

Do you know of any in your area that aren't listed? 

FREE Online Mom Conference All Week, April 7-14th

Please join me in attending an absolutely FREE online Mom Conference this week! It's By Moms, For Moms, and the conference will cover a wide range of topics that will interest moms in all different parts of their motherhood journey. Although the conference started today, it's not too late to register by clicking here!

This week-long event is packed with 30 inspiring interviews from best-selling authors, parenting experts, fitness pros, and more! I think you will recognize many of the speakers. One of the them is a 9 year old boy named Nicholas, and he will address the topic of picky eaters--I'm intrigued by that and could use some wisdom in that area!! Some highlights they list about this conference are:

• Enjoy being a mother by learning how to stop comparing, judging, or feeling guilty
• Put dinner on the table with a few simple tricks when you create 30 days worth of meals in just a few hours (you’re going to LOVE this!)
• Get your kids to listen without yelling, nagging, or reminding (this will change your life)
• Organize any space and keep it that way (what?!)
• Maintain (or re-light) the spark in your relationship
• Reclaim your rockin’ bod’ after childbirth without DIEting
• Take simple steps to define your time and balance being a mom with other projects/work

Once you register, you will be emailed an event link for each day of the conference. The conference begins at 10am each morning. Each day's interviews are only available for a 24 hr period, so the interviews from today will be available until tomorrow at 9:59am. There's still time to catch up if you register soon!! One of the speakers we missed today was Lisa Leake of 100 Days of Real Food. If you don't have time to listen to some, miss your favorite speaker, or just want to own them for future reference, the conference package will be available for purchase at the close of the event. 

So what are you waiting for? Click here to register, view a short video clip on the conference, and see the line-up of speakers! Let me know how you enjoy it and if you have a favorite speaker! :)

Spread the word!! LIKE and SHARE with all your mommy friends on Facebook!!

Cheap Kids Crafts at Michael's All Summer!

Good morning Cleveland!! I've been thinking for some time now about relaunching my blog, and now seems like a great time to do it as the summer and all of it's awesome FREE things are quickly approaching! Although there are several other great kid and family activity blogs, like Macaroni Kid and Northeast Ohio Family Fun {please follow them and let them know that FREE As Can Bee sent you!!}, this blog is and will remain dedicated exclusively to the FREE or very cheap activities in the greater Cleveland area. 

I came across the above flyer at Michael's this weekend for Kids Crafts all summer long! I'll pass along more information when I get it, but this would be a great, cheap way to unplug and get creative! The BEST thing about this is that you don't have to prep or clean up after said craft, like you would at home. Yay!

But June is still a ways off, so in the meantime you can do some Kids Crafts each Saturday at Michael's. Click here for more information on this month's activities. 

Did you know that the craft classroom at Michael's stores is also FREE to use for hosting an arts and crafts group activity? Reservations are at no charge on a first come, first serve basis. See a store associate to reserve a spot!

Absolutely FREE Lunch Combo at Macaroni Grill on Friday 9/28!

Visit the Macaroni Grill Facebook page and click on the Free Lunch Friday Tab to print your coupon (or show it on your mobile phone) for a FREE "Choose 2" Lunch Combination on Friday, September 28th, from 11am-4pm! The coupon is limited to the first 100,000 prints, so don't wait long!

The fine print: To redeem, print or display on your mobile phone. Valid for one free “Choose 2” Lunch Combination only. Dine-in only. Cannot be used with other coupons or discounts. One coupon per party, per table. O er valid September 28, 2012 from 11am – 4pm & cannot be used any other day or time. Taxes & gratuity not included. At participating locations. Excludes Montana, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and International locations.

Labor Day Weekend Freebees in Cleveland 2012

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Well, I haven't come across too many freebees for this weekend, unfortunately! There is a lot going on in Cleveland, though! Fox 8 has created an extensive list of events in the area (some are FREE), which include Oktoberfest, Navy Week, and the National Air Show, just to name a few. Check out the full list here for more information!

The freebees that I'm aware of are as follows:

• Block Party at Chick-fil-A (Great Northern Blvd, North Olmsted): Fun activities (featuring a bouncy house and more!) for the whole family on Friday, August 31st from 5-8pm. 
• FREE Lunch at Giant Eagle (Biddolph Rd, Brooklyn): Come to the Brooklyn Giant Eagle for Customer Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 2nd from 11am-3pm for a FREE lunch! Lunch is 1/person and includes a hot dog, bag of chips, and a Giant Eagle bottled water.
• If you know of any others, please leave a comment!

Some other FREE ideas to celebrate the end of summer:

• Have a cookout with family and friends
• Go on a picnic by the lake
• Visit the beach 
• Catch up on some sleep
• Have a movie day
• Start a new book
• Enjoy the outdoors by going on a hike or playing yard games

Whatever you decide to do, have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Make an "Eel Face" to Win Two FREE Tickets to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Set your pride aside and post your best "eel face" on the Greater Cleveland Aquarium's Facebook Page for a chance to win a spot on their Hauntaquarium promotional video and two FREE admission tickets to their adults-only Hauntaquarium Bash!

Photos must be posted by this Friday, August 24 at 5pm, and the winner will be announced on Monday morning. Applicants must also be available for a video shooting on Wednesday, August 29th from 6-7pm if chosen as the winner. Ages 21 and over.

I may or may not have submitted my own photo, so don't look too closely... ;)

Good luck!

Cleveland Beats & Eats Starts Tomorrow, 8/21!

Admission is FREE and open to the public! Cleveland Beats & Eats is an mid-day outdoor celebration of the diversity found in Cleveland, featuring local food (restaurants and vendors), live music, art, and culture. Come out an see the best of Cleveland!

Shark Weekend at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

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Stop by the FREE Public Event, Shark Weekend--Draw the Line!, at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium on Saturday, July 28 & Sunday, July 29 from 10am-4pm in the parking lot adjacent to the aquarium. Watch volunteers create a chalk masterpiece detailing the plight of sharks worldwide. This event is free for the public to participate in, and participants receive 20% off aquarium admission following the event. If you've ever wanted to check out the aquarium at a discount, this sounds like your chance!

FREE 8 Count Nuggets at Chick-fil-A in Montrose on Thursday!

On Thursday, July 26th from 5-8pm, stop by the Chick-fil-A located in Montrose dressed as your favorite superhero and receive a FREE 8 count nugget!! The movie Captain America will be shown at 6pm. No age limit is specified, so moms and dads, feel free to participate, too!!

FREEbee Friday: Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Papa Johns!!

Tomorrow, Friday, July 13th, is a GREAT day for FREEbees! I apologize for not getting these up earlier in the week to give you more notice--it's been incredibly busy at my house!! Hopefully you will catch these in time to enjoy some of the offers.

Cow Appreciation Day 2012 at Chick-fil-A!

Chick-fil-A will give a FREE meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) tomorrow to any customer who comes into one of their restaurants fully dressed (from head to hoof) as a cow!! If you wear a partial costume, which could be as simple as a hat, you get a FREE entree. Visit their website for more details and to download your Cow Starter Kit!


FREE Refresher Beverage at Starbucks!


Visit your local participating Starbucks tomorrow from noon until 3pm to receive a FREE Tall (12oz.) handcrafted Starbucks Refreshers beverage, with your choice of Cool Lime or Very Berry Hibiscus. Limit 1 per person, no purchase necessary. While supplies last.


FREE Papa John's Pizza Offer!

Visit the Papa John's Facebook page and click on "Free Pizza Offer" for a FREE large 3-topping pizza, now through July 25th! You MUST order through their Facebook page and follow the instructions carefully to qualify for your free pizza. Once you complete your order of $10 or more (use the promo code p2anylg when ordering to get ANY large pizza for $10, including specialty pizzas!), you will receive 25 bonus Papa's Points in your account the following day, which you can use to redeem your free large pizza by July 25th. This promotion requires you to have a Papa's Points Rewards account, which is FREE to sign up for! See this previous post for more details. 


So with all these freebees, you should be covered for lunch, an afternoon beverage, and dinner tomorrow! Enjoy, and have a great weekend!!

Kids Eat FREE at IHOP in July!

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For the entire month of July, kids eat FREE at participating IHOP Restaurants from 4-10pm every day with the purchase of an adult meal. Kids may choose from the "Just For Kids" menu items. Call or visit the restaurant near you for more details!

FREE VBS Programs in Cleveland 2012

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Summer is now in full swing, and Vacation Bible School's all over the Greater Cleveland area are, as well! Attending a VBS is a great thing for children to do over the summer (and a much-needed break for parents, in some cases!). They are filled with teaching, music, games, prizes, crafts, snacks, and all kinds of fun activities, not to mention that most are completely FREE! There are far too many to list, but here's some to get you started:

Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity
Walton Hills Church of Christ
7166 Dunham Rd, Walton Hills
June 25-29 from 6-8:30pm
Children preschool-Grade 6
Classes for adults
Cost: FREE
Call 440.439.4339 to Register!

VBS for ALL!
Redeemer Church
190 W. Streetsboro St. (Rt. 303), Hudson
June 25-29 from 6-8:30pm
Dinner 6-6:45pm
Program 6:45-8:30pm:
Nursery for ages 0-3
VBS for children ages 3-Grade 6
Bible Study for children Jr./Sr. High
Marriage Enrichment Seminar for Adults
Cost: FREE
Click here for the Registration From!

Adventures on Promise Land
Grace Missionary Baptist Church
3742 E. 131st St, Cleveland
July 9-13 from 6:45-9pm
Children of all ages welcome
Cost: ?
Preregister by calling 216.561.4030!

Gospel Light's Sonrise National Parks VBS
Parma Heights Baptist Church
8971 West Ridgewood Dr, Parma Heights
July 16-20 from 9:30am-Noon
Children ages 4-Grade 6
Activities for children age 0-3 if mom is on premises
Cost: FREE
Click here to Register!

Amazing Wonders: Encountering God's Awesome Power
New Life Christian Fellowship
580 N. State Rd, Medina
July 16-20 from 6:30-8:30pm
Children ages 3-Grade 6
Cost: FREE
Click here to Register!

Sky
Morning Star Baptist Church
10250 Shaker Blvd, Cleveland
July 23-27 from 6-9pm
Activities for teens and adults each day
Cost: FREE
Call 216.721.7300 for more information!

Bug Zone
Cedar Hill Baptist Church
12601 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights
July 30-August 3 from 7-8:30pm
Children ages 2-16
Cost: FREE
Contact them for more information!

Seaside Celebration
Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church
16762 Findlay St, Chagrin Falls
August 13-17 from 6:30-8:30pm
Children of all ages
Cost: FREE
Call 440.247.6938 for more details!


Visit Moody Radio Cleveland for a more extensive list of local VBS's, including some further south in the Akron area and even some in PA. Also, drive around your local community and look at church signs. I was able to find four churches within five minutes of my house that are offering a VBS this summer! If you know of any great ones that aren't posted, please leave a comment!

FREE 16 oz Iced Coffee at Bruegger's on Thursday, June 21st!

I don't think there's anything better then a great cup of iced coffee on a hot day. Click here to print a coupon valid for one FREE 16 oz Iced Coffee per guest with coupon until 4pm on Thursday, June 21st ONLY! Like them on Facebook and print your coupon now!

FREE Book on Fatherhood for Active Duty Service Members

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Do you know a dad in the military, especially one who will not be home this Father's Day because he's serving our country? Here is an opportunity for him to get a FREE book on fatherhood! The book is Be A Better Dad Today: 10 Tools Every Father Needs, by Gregory W. Slayton. Now a National Bestseller, this book will provide fathers with 10 necessary tools to be better fathers and husbands. 100% of the proceeds will benefit fatherhood charities. Military members just need to click here and fill out the information. For more information about the book and to read chapter excerpts, click here.

Still looking for a last minute, but quality, Father's Day gift? This book can be purchased on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or on Christianbook for around $13.49.

Don't forget to check out all the other Father's Day FREEbees here!

Marine Week in Cleveland 2012

Have you had a chance to make it downtown for Marine Week yet? If not, you still have a chance!! Events are scheduled all the way through the weekend, ending on Sunday, June 17th at 5pm. Check it out! Click here for the schedule of events.

FREE Lunches All Summer for Children Age 18 and Under!!

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For the several years now, Grace Church in Old Brooklyn, Cleveland (located at 2503 Broadview Rd.), is partnering with the Cleveland Foodbank to provide FREE lunches to children 18 and under for the summer! This Ohio Summer Food Service Program will run Monday through Friday from 11:30am-1:30pm, starting Monday, June 11th through Friday, August 17th. The lunch menu for the month of June is as follows:

• June 13: Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
• June 14: Beef Lasagna
• June 15: Ham and Cheese Sandwich
• June 18: Sloppy Joes
• June 19: Chicken & Noodle
• June 20: Chicken Strips
• June 21: Chicken Sausage on a Bun
• June 22: Turkey, Ham & Cheese Sandwich
• June 25: Chicken & Gravy
• June 26: Beef & Peppers
• June 27: Turkey & Cheese Sandwich
• June 28: Taco Casserole
• June 29: Ham & Cheese Sandwich

All meals are served with a fruit, vegetable, milk, and sometimes a dessert. Adults will be served at 1pm (or earlier if it's a slow day) with the remaining food. There will also be a Nutrition Class for adults on Thursdays, starting June 21st at noon. Children can come and eat and then participate in a cooking lesson with Chef Micheal while the adults are learning about nutrition. More detailed information about this program and others will be coming soon!

*NEW* As of June 18th, Cleveland Recreation Centers will be offering FREE lunches to Cleveland Residents ages 1-18 every Monday through Friday, until August 17th. Click here to view the list of participating recreation centers, staffed playgrounds, public libraries, and various other non-profit agencies to find one near you! Times vary by location. Glenville Rec, Halloran Rink, Lonnie Burten, Zelma George, and Ken Johnson locations will also be serving breakfast, Monday through Friday from 10-10:30am. 

Weekend Giveaway: 2 FREE Issues of Family Fun Magazine!!

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How would you like to start off your summer break with some FREE magazines?? I have two new, unopened copies of Family Fun Magazine (the May issue and the June/July issue) that I'd like to give away to one lucky reader! 

The giveaway will start immediately and run until midnight on Sunday, June 10th. Each person can earn up to three entries. Here's how:

1.) Leave a comment on this post letting us know which post on Free As Can Bee is your favorite.

2.) Like us on Facebook and leave a separate comment on this post letting us know you did!

3.) Share this post on your Facebook page and encourage all your friends to check us out! Then leave a separate comment on this post letting us know you did.

One winner will be chosen at random and the results will be posted Monday evening, June 11th. The winners will have until Tuesday, June 12th at midnight to respond via email. Details to follow in the winners post!

Good luck!! :)

What's Going on This Weekend in CLE, June 8-10th, 2012

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Here's a roundup of this weekend's events and activities:

23rd Parade in the Circle and CircleVillage
Saturday, June 9th from 11am-4pm in Wade Oval
This "fabulous, fun, and FREE celebration" is entertaining and great for people of all ages! Come enjoy the parade, which begins at noon, and watch the colorful, animated display of floats, puppets, costumes, musicians, and dancers. Hang out in Wade Oval for an afternoon filled with live music, activities, and delicious food! For more information about the parade, click here!


7th Annual Fine Art Fair at Crocker Park
June 9-10th; Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
Featuring more then 100 nationally and locally known fine art and crafts artists displaying a variety of mediums. In the past there has been a children's tent, where they can make their own arts and crafts project to take home! For more information about the Fine Art Fair, click here.


Cars, Crafts, & Strawberries Festival at Mapleside Farms
Sunday, June 10th from 10am-4pm
FREE Admission, Crafts exhibits, Classic cars, BBQ, Strawberries desserts galore! Fun for the whole family!

CanalWay Sunset Concert
Friday, June 8th from 7:30-9pm at the CanalWay Center
Come hear the Chardon Polka Band, and eight year old band that will not disappoint! Bring a chair or blanket.

Don't forget to check out the Father's Day Freebees and the Outdoor Concerts that are going on this weekend, as well!


Anything we missed? Please leave a comment!!

FREE Swimming Lessons in Cleveland 2012

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Did you know that there are many places around the Cleveland area where your kids can learn to swim for FREE?? That would save you an average of $40/session, but the free sessions will probably be more crowded. If you would rather avoid the crowds and pay, check with your local recreation center for their swimming schedule.

The City of Cleveland offers FREE Learn to Swim Classes for kids ages 8-17. There are youth an adult programs available. Click here to view the flyer and find a pool near you! Click here to view the complete schedules of local Recreation Centers and Pools in Cleveland.

Facebook FREEbees!

See the Free As Can Bee Facebook page for some pretty cool FREEbees tomorrow in Cleveland! Westfield Southpark Mall and the Westside Market have some fun things going on! Have a great weekend!

Don't forget to "Like" us (hover your mouse over the "Like" button and click "See in News Feed" to make sure you're not missing any of the great FREEbees that are posted!) and tell your friends!