Latest Freaky Fall Finds

 We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column is dedicated to giving you at least five great local deals each week that will help your family's bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

Halloween and Fall festival events are in full swing. This week Frugal Family found some interesting-and normally expensive-activities that are discounted if you wear a costume. The Georgia Aquarium and Children’s Museum of Atlanta both have exciting offers. and Michaels are offering Halloween deals and there are several Marietta festivals you won’t want to miss.

Now Through January come to Magical Mondays at Imagine It! the Children’s Museum of Atlanta Once Upon a Time...Exploring the World of Fairy Tales. If at least one child is wearing a fairy tale costume, everyone on your receipt will receive $3 off (regular admission is $12.50 plus tax).

Step inside beloved stories from around the globe in Once Upon a Time…Exploring the World of Fairy Tales. Featuring multicultural fairy tales from around the world—from an African jungle to a giant's castle—this exhibit takes visitors into the larger-than-life pages of Anansi and the Talking Melon, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Lon Po Po, The Shoemaker and the Elves, and Thumbelina.

Recommended for children 8 and under. (Excludes Dec. 19, Dec. 26 and Jan. 17) 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW; Atlanta

Michael’s Make It and Take It Events are on: Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. come to the Halloween Visor Event (with purchase of visor); Thursday, Oct. 27 from 8 to 8 p.m. join the Halloween Mask Event (with purchase of mask).

Cost: Make it and Take it is free but requires purchase of the item to be decorated. Ages 3 and up. All Michael’s locations.

s nationwide will give kids 12 and under a free Scary Face Pancake on Friday, Oct. 28 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. as part of its No Tricks—Just Treats program designed to provide kids with a safe and fun Halloween event.

The “design-your-own” Scary Face Pancake includes an oversized signature buttermilk pancake with a whipped topping mouth and strawberry nose, served with two mini Oreo cookies and candy corn on the side to allow kids to create their own Halloween hotcake. There’s a limit of one per child, and the offer is available dine-in only. 

"A-Scary-Um" at the Georgia Aquarium: On Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all kids 12 and under in costume will receive free general admission. Up to two free kids with each paid adult or annual pass. The offer includes aquarium general admission only.

The Georgia Aquarium will become the Georgia A-Scary-Um with Halloween decorations. Visit the trick-or-treat candy stations in each gallery while Halloween music plays throughout the world's largest aquarium. Then participate in the Halloween-themed arts and crafts tables and costume contests throughout the day.

Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW Atlanta. Call 404-581-4000 or visit: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

11th Annual Fall Festival of Fun at : On Saturday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m., the along with Cobb County 4-H and the Cobb Safe Kids are the hosts.

This event provides children a safe alternative to the traditional Trick-or-Treat in their neighborhood. The festival will include arts and crafts, games, inflatable rides, police and fire prevention activities, costume and coloring contest, a photo booth and more.

Parking, admission, games, candy and contests are Free (small fee for inflatables/concessions). Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta 30008.

Annual Fall Festival: Join the fun on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the East Cobb Church of Christ from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission is free. There will be games and food for all.

5240 Roswell Rd. Marietta, 30062. Play games and win prizes. Magic show, face painting, music, balloons and free food.