Editor's note: It's a new year and these are tough times, but not so tough that you can't find some cost-cutting detours when spending your money. Through Sunday in Living Here, we're offering a daily dose of 15 ways to save on food and wine, outdoor activities, entertainment, home and garden, and caring for yourself and your family. Keep the change.
• Monday: Spend less on books and media
• Wednesday: Grocery-store savings
• Thursday: Outdoor fun for less
• Saturday: Saving around the house
• Sunday: Cutting medical and fitness costs
Share your great money-saving tips by clicking here.
Here are 15 ways to pick up some local culture and adventure on the cheap:
Free museum day
Mark your calendar on Feb. 7 for the 10th annual Museum Day, when 26 local and area museums offer free admission. Details at sacmuseums.org.
Free Sundays
Drop by the Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays, and get in free. "The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons" closes Jan. 18. "Buddha" opens Jan. 31. (916) 264-5423; crockerartmuseum.org.
Art at the library
The 75th Crocker-Kingsley: California's Biennial showcases established and emerging California artists. Construction at the Crocker Art Museum has moved the exhibition to the Central Library, 828 I St., opening Saturday and continuing through Feb. 6. See it for free during regular library hours. (916) 264-2920; saclibrary.org.
STC preview rates
Sacramento Theatre Company, 1419 H St., offers cut-rate ticket prices for preview performances: $30 general, $25 seniors, $15 students. Matinee shows are a good buy at just $4 more for general admission and seniors. Next up on STC's Mainstage is "Gem of the Ocean," opening Jan. 21. (916) 443-6722; sactheatre.org.
Free Capitol tours
California's magnificent Capitol sits on 40 acres of gardens, filled with native trees and flowers and stately monuments. The California State Capitol Museum offers free daily tours of the building itself (where you might glimpse a certain movie-star governor). Public tours begin on the hour 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Head to the basement tour office, Room B-27. (916) 324-0333; capitolmuseum.ca.gov.
All outdoors
Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael (in Ancil Hoffman County Park) is "the" local spot to enjoy the great outdoors, with mostly free weekend activities. Park entry is $5 per car; admission to the nature center is free. (916) 489-4918; effieyeaw.org.
Skate park
The cool kids hang out at Sacramento's supervised, indoor 28th and B Skate Park in Sutter's Landing Regional Park, 28th and B streets. Skate sessions are 4-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Just $3 per session. Helmet and pads required ($1 rentals on-site). (916) 808-4066; cityofsacramento.org/ parksandrecreation.
Take a class
The cool older folks are at the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T St., in the Senior Dance and Fitness class, a choreographed workout for ages 50-plus. It's three mornings a week, with new sessions starting monthly, and is a bargain at $42 for 12 classes.
P.S. The city's Parks and Recreation Department offers tons of reasonably priced classes. (916) 808-5200; cityofsacramento. org/parksandrecreation/ recreation.
Take a hike
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, Sacramento's beloved American River paved bike trail, is 32 miles of urban-rural natural splendor for cyclists, walkers and runners. It's free. Pick it up between Beals Point, at Folsom Lake, and Discovery Park, near downtown Sacramento. For a map, stop by a local bike shop or go to www.msa2.saccounty.net/ parks/Documents/Parkway Map.pdf.
Art galleries
Visiting an art gallery doesn't cost a thing (unless you find something you can't live without.) The Sacramento area is home to dozens of fabulous galleries, and many launch new exhibitions during Second Saturday, the second Saturday of each month. People-watching, particularly in midtown, is an added bonus. Gallery guide at 2nd-sat.com.
Art in Public Places
You may think you don't own any fine art, but you really do. Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission has 750 sculptures, paintings, murals and fountains in its Art in Public Places collection, and it's there for you – the public – to enjoy. For starters, check out Steven Kaltenbach's whimsical sculpture "Time To Castaway Stones" at 1215 K St. It's a favorite among local artists. To arrange a free guided tour of the APP collection: (916) 566-3992. Browse digital images of "your" art at sacmetroarts.org.
Volunteer at a museum
Volunteer. Local museums welcome folks who want to help out. You'll get in free and be privy to upcoming exhibitions. Call the volunteer coordinator at your favorite museum to offer your services. You'll be glad you did. Sacramento museum guide at sacmuseums.org
Get a library card
Read a book. Visit the public library and check out something that interests you, or discover a new interest. A book-borrowing card is free (although overdue-book fees aren't.) Sign up for one with proof of address. Branch locations and hours: (916) 264-2920; saclibrary.org.
Download books
Once you have a library card, go to saclibrary.org and click on the icon "Download Digital Books, Videos and Music," to get material sent directly to your computer, portable device (like an iPhone) or iPod/MP3 player. It's free. Downloads disappear after 21 days. You'll need a library card to place an order.
Drive the Delta
Take a drive. The Sacramento River Delta is an adventure waiting to happen. Head south on Highway 160 for a lazy journey on river-levee roads through historic Freeport, Hood, Locke, Courtland, Walnut Grove, Clarksburg and Isleton – and stop off for a bite to eat, or throw a line in the Sacramento River and hope that something will bite.
Call The Bee's Dixie Reid, (916) 321-1134.
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