The Frugal Family Rides the Rails

This week the Frugal Family is going on a train trip to find deals that keep our budget on track. Come along and join us as we find deals for riding the rails and at the various stops along the way!

We will take the "El" to the city for a free day at a museum, or take the Metra north to Deerfield for free pizza and a free workout when you are done. At the end jump back on the train and head home with change in your pockets!

This column brings you frugal ideas that can help you out in this economic climate. If you have any special coupons, buy one get one free, or other offers that assist the average family make a smaller dent in their wallet, let us know here on Patch!

1. Metra http://www.metrarail.com

Deal: Weekends up to 3 kids ride FREE with every adult paid ticket. Adults $7 weekend pass. Think of all the places you could go, no parking, no gas, and the train drops you at the center of most towns on the route.

Expiration: This deal is good every weekend with no end date!

2. Cafe Abruzzo 483 Lake Cook Road

Deerfield on the Metra Line Lake Cook Station

847-205-0990

http://www.abruzzodeerfield.com

Deal: FREE pizza during happy hour Monday through Friday 5pm to 6pm at their new bar.You will want to order a drink with that mouth watering pizza. This authentic Italian eatery is a good deal any day with most dinners under $20 and just a walk across the parking lot to the Metra station. But for the woodburning oven pizza mentioned above, you'll need to leave the kids at home.

Expiration: None, or until the pizza runs out.

3. Bally Total Fitness 6821 Dempster Street, Morton Grove or if you have taken the train up to Deerfield check them out at 260 Waukeegan Road, Deerfield,  just the other side of Deerbrook Mall from the Lake Cook train station.

Morton Grove Bally's 847-967-5800 Deerfield Bally's 847-480-0770

http://www.ballyfitness.com

Deal: Go online to their website and click on the 7 days FREE trial. It takes less than a minute and your 7 day pass is sent to your email. There is the idea that you will sign up with them, and if that helps your health in the long run, it's a good deal too! But be a smart consumer, you don't have to sign up if it's not right for you.

Expiration: Check the coupon when it is sent to you, there will be an expiration depending upon when you apply for it.

4. CTA Skokie Swift http://www.transitchicago.com

312-836-7000 

Deal: Children 11 years old and younger ride for only a dollar. 1 day pass for adults with unlimited rides is $5.75. Check with attendant for children's card.  

Expiration: None

5. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago 220 East Chicago Avenue

http://www.mcachicago.org

Deal: FREE admission every Tuesday 10am to 8pm. The MCA is about a forty five minute "El" ride from the Skokie Swift CTA stop.

Expiration: None