Coeur d'Alene area FREEbies are special!
Ongoing & Special One-Time Offers
AVAILABILITY MAY BE ONGOING, SEASONAL, OR FOR SPECIAL DAYS ONLY
Find something fantastic - then let others know about it!
Local Food & Drinks
FREE community meals are always popular & offer a chance to socialize with friends, or meet new ones. View a roundup of weekly meal sites at FREE COMMUNITY MEALS.
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For those struggling to feed themselves or their families, FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENTS & FOOD BANKS are essential.
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On special occasions such as Veterans Day, Thanksgiving & Christmas, HOLIDAY MEALS are complimentary & always appreciated. It's a blessing for those served & for volunteers.
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Don't miss "TOP PICKS" for the list of local franchise eateries offering meals or deals for special occasions such as birthdays, or for veterans.
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Idaho Maps
Experience the grandeur of Idaho wilderness areas! For outdoor recreation - ATVs/UTVs, motorbikes & snowmobiles - get FREE TRAIL MAPS from the State of Idaho.
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For more Idaho adventures, order an OFFICIAL HIGHWAY MAP of Idaho & other FREE guides (to be mailed), or download them from "Visit Idaho".
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Camping? Download the FREE RV IDAHO: OFFICIAL CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY.
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Winter Coats
COATS 4 KIDS kicks off the collection & distribution of FREE coats (new & freshly dry-cleaned) for children in September each year, with distribution of clean coats in October at various North Idaho locations.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS also gives away new coats FREE of charge in November at (3) area Catholic churches - St. Pius, St. George's & St. Thomas. To keep children completely warm, stocking hats, gloves/mittens, socks & scarfs are provided too.
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Family Vitamins
This community-focused "GOOD NEIGHBOR PHARMACY" FREE VITAMIN PROGRAM provides FREE vitamins each month to family members!
For everyone who visits a participating store (from children to seniors), a 30-day supply of children's chewable multi-vitamins, pre-natal vitamins, Century adult formula multivitamin tablets & mature formula multivitamins are offered.
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To find a nearby location (Athol, CdA, Post Falls, Hayden, St. Maries & Bonners Ferry) for this "Good Neighbor Pharmacy Free Vitamin Program" Program", click HERE. Make good health & wellness a priority.
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Legal Forms
Originally developed for use by persons with limited income to represent themselves in civil court, interactive "fill in" IDAHO LEGAL FORMS are now available FREE to all online.
Forms include: divorce, custody, eviction, name change, living will, small claims, identity theft, powers of attorney, collections, guardianship/conservatorship,
civil protection order & fee waiver.
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These are available on the website of Idaho Legal Aid Services. ILAS is located at 610 W. Hubbard Ave., Ste 219, CdA. Ph - 208-746-7541.
Read the "self-help" warning which states "the materials & assistance you receive from the forms are not a substitute for specific legal advice."
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"Ski Idaho Passport"
For 5th & 6th graders, "Peak Season Passport" offers FREE skiing at 18 Idaho ski resorts for an $18 processing fee.
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Sponsored by SKI IDAHO, 5th graders are eligible for (3) full-day lift tickets at each of the 18 participating resorts; & 6th grade passport holders receive (2) full-day lift tickets at each of 17 resorts.
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Participating local resorts are: Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass & Schweitzer Mountain.
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Others are: Bald Mountain (Pierce, ID), Bogus Basin, Brundage Mountain, Cottonwood Butte, Grand Targhee, Kelly Canyon, Little Ski Hill, Lost Trail, Magic Mountain, Pebble Creek, Pomerelle, Snowhaven, Soldier Mountain, Sun Valley & Tamarack.​​​
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Now you're set!
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Compost
The CITY OF COEUR D'ALENE offers compost FREE of charge for Spring planting. Take shovels & buckets because it's a self-loading event (no heavy equipment is allowed).
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For this annual event, residents line up to load compost in April at 3500 N. Julia St., CdA. Info - 208-769-2281. Make your garden happy!
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Infant Sleep Sacks
Babies must sleep safely - on their backs & in a crib, bassinette, or pack n' play. Halo Sleep Sacks help eliminate the possibility that a baby can get entangled with clothing or loose bedding.
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Developed by a father who lost his baby, Haley, to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), participants who attend a FREE class, "Safe Sleep 101", via Zoom, will receive a complimentary sleep sack.
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Through the Rural Education Outreach Program, child car seat safety checks are offered FREE of charge by certified technicians. For those in need of car seats or cribs, resources are available. See schedules HERE.
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"SAFE START" offers classes too at varous times for mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers & medical professionals. Class subjects are: child safety/first aid, safe sleep, car seat safety, childbirth & breastfeeding.
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Registration is easy online HERE, or call 206-582-6191. Safe Start is located at 3649 N. Cederblom St., CdA.
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Ski Lift Tickets
Several of our local ski resorts offer FREE skiing throughout the winter months.
610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg
208-783-1111
See website's event calendar for special dates: "Toyota Free Ski Friday" & more. Octogenarian (80+ years old)? Ski FREE!
I-90 Exit 0, Mullan
208-744-1234
See event calendar for special dates for teachers, military, EMT/medical workers, police officers, firefighters, nurses & Subaru owners. Birthday? Ski FREE! Octogenarians ski FREE too!
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For over 80 seasons, "Lookout Pass FREE Ski School" has introduced 78,000+ kids ages 6-17 to the world of skiing & riding. Each year the registration deadline is in January for the FREE program which runs into March. See details HERE.
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10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint
208-263-9555
See website for FREE days - Nordic trail access, Toyota drivers & more. Octogenarians receive FREE day passes at the ticket window.
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Library Cards
Everyone should have a FREE library card, & getting one is easy! Gain a source for unlimited knowledge & opportunities.
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Our area has (8) beautiful libraries - CdA, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake, Pinehurst & Harrison. Although COEUR D'ALENE LIBRARY is separate from the (7) community libraries which make up the COMMUNITY LIBRARY NETWORK, one CIN card is accepted by all of them.
Additional libraries associated with CIN (Cooperative Information Network) are: Blanchard, Clarkia, Kellogg, Mullan, Osburn, Plummer, Priest Lake, Priest River, Silver Hills (Osburn), St. Maries, Tensed, Tri-Community (Fernwood) & Wallace. For addresses/contact info, click HERE.
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Don't miss out on the "smartest" of cards, the CIN CARD. Apply for one online or in-person.
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Flower & Veggie Seeds
Gardeners can find FREE home-grown vegetable, flower, herb & heirloom seeds in the CdA Library, 702 E. Front Avenue.
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Open to everyone in the North Idaho area, "TRUE TO SEED", a non-profit group, shares resources & provides tips for growing & saving seeds.
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Library cards are not needed to "check out" seeds; however, library cards are FREE as well.
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The "Annual Seed Swap" event begins the growing season. Take seeds to exchange - home-saved or purchased, or a small $ donation. Learn from experts how to be a successful North Idaho gardener & which varieties are appropriate for our area.
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Spring Tree Planting
Two cities provide FREE trees for residents of Coeur d'Alene & Post Falls each Spring.
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CITY OF COEUR D'ALENE offers street trees through its "Re-Leaf Program". Trees are planted at no cost to the homeowner to beautify neighborhoods. Residents or homeowners must be willing to provide care, including watering & protection from mowers/trimmers.
To reserve a tree, contact the Urban Forestry Division of CdA Parks Department HERE, or call 208-769-2266. Trees are provided on a first-come, first served basis.
CITY OF POST FALLS hosts an "Annual Tree Giveaway" in the Spring. (Limited to 3 trees/shrubs per household.) More info HERE or call 208-457-3315.
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Hygiene Hampers
Our COMMUNITY NETWORK LIBRARIES (CNL) provide basic items - FREE of charge - & no questions asked - for children, teens & adults.
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Look for the "Hygiene Hampers" at these libraries: Athol, Hayden, Spirit Lake, Post Falls, Pinehurst, Harrison & Rathdrum.
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Toiletry items will vary by location & may include: toothpaste/brush/floss, body wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, comb/brush, socks, hats, mittens, hand warmers, diapers/creme, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant & feminine pads.
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Local Attractions
Roller coaster or carousel rides at no cost? Yes, on certain days of the year, they are! Golfing, tunnels, or museums? Yes, those too!
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27843 Hwy 95, Athol
208-683-3400
Don't miss FREE admission on these special weekends: Mother's Day, Kids, Healthcare Appreciation, American Heroes, Father's Day, Toyota Tuesdays, Grandparents', & Community Appreciation.
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439 W. Fort Grounds Dr., CdA
208-666-4879
Open May thru September, plan on FREE rides in July for "National Carousel Day" Otherwise, rides cost $2.50 (a bargain) or 10 for $20.
The carousel is a hand-carved 1922 Spillman Junior, built in New York. It was part of CdA's Playland Pier on the shores of Lake CdA from 1942-1974. It was gone for 40 years, but returned in 2017 thanks to generous supporters. Read about its history HERE.
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115 Northwest Blvd., CdA
208-664-3448
Open April through October, be sure to ask for a one-hour FREE parking voucher from the front desk.
Admission costs are: FREE for ages 4 & under; FREE for all active military & vererans with ID; $2 for youth, ages 5-12; $5 for seniors, age 65+; & $6 for adults, ages 13-64.
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FINDLAY STADIUM STATELINE SPEEDWAY
1349 N. Beck Rd., Post Falls
208-773-0100
Special events admit certain groups FREE of charge, such as veterans, kids, fathers, mothers & holiday events which may include fireworks. Enjoy demo derbies, stock car racing action, boat races, semi-trucks & more. Concerts too!
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I-90 Exit 0, Mullan
208-744-1301
There are special FREE deals throughout the season. The 150-mile bike route features 10 train tunnels, 7 sky-high trestles & breathtaking views.
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McEuen Park, downtown CdA
208-500-8696
Look for sponsored events, offering FREE admission & skate rentals. Coeur d’Alene on Ice is a beautiful seasonal ice rink, open the last weekend of October thru January. It is locally owned and operated
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Replacement Trees
AVISTA offers a tree replacement program for customers called "Safe Tree Program".
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Trees may need to be cut or trimmed if they are too fast-growing to maintain, & are located beneath a distribution power line. In this case, a FREE replacement tree may be possible. Call Avista at 800-227-9187 to ask about the program, or read about it HERE.
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Homeowners who are Avista electric customers & have appropriate space for a large-growing deciduous tree, may qualify for a FREE shade tree through a partnership with the NATIONAL ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION. Ask about the "Community Canopy" program.
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Firewood
FIREWOOD CUTTING - how to get FREE personal-use permits, where to cut (or not), how much to take, best types of wood, forest maps, safety tips & more - is available from our Idaho Panhandle Nat'l Forest Service offices.
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Read & learn HERE or stop by an area office (CdA, Fernan, Smelterville, St. Maries, Avery, Sandpoint, Priest River or Bonners Ferry).
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American Flags
For special patriotic occasions, area businesses (below) provided FREE American flags to the public in exchange for old worn-out ones due for proper "retirement". For current new flag distributions, check back.
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National Flag Week - June, 2024
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"PoP Club"
Children ages 5-12 learn how to choose healthy foods by joining POWER OF PRODUCE "PoP CLUB" which entitles them to receive tokens worth $2 to buy fresh fruit, veggies or a plant at KOOTENAI COUNTY FARMERS' MARKET booths each week in Hayden (SE corner of Hwy 95 & Prairie Avenue).
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Tokens can also be saved for purchase of a larger item, such as a fruit tree.
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Children love PoP Club interactive booths at the market which feature age-appropriate cooking & gardening activities.
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The program runs June-August.
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Little Free Libraries
LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES are hand-built & decorated book-sharing boxes found in residential neighborhoods, where anyone may take a book (FREE of charge), or trade a book.
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They operate on the "honor system", calling on community members to keep books tidy, restocked & safe from vandalism.
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Note: if you take a book, you do not have to return it.
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Little Free Libraries can be found in these areas: CdA, Post Falls/Huetter, Rathdrum/Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake, Bayview, Hayden/Dalton Gardens, Cocolalla, Careywood, Priest River, Sandpoint, Osburn & Worley.
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Want to start your own? Here's how to do it. You can even get decorating ideas & blueprints! Click HERE.
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Child ID Kits
Help keep children safe by picking up a FREE "CHILDPRINT ID KIT" at Good Neighbor Pharmacies, located in CdA, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum & Athol.
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Each 8-panel kit contains: a fingerprinting ink strip, freezer-safe bag for a DNA hair sample or cheek swabs, space for a photo & personal contact/medical information, ​a 10-finger chart & more.​
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Child ID Kits can also be downloaded FREE of charge from READY.GOV or order one by mail from McGRUFF SAFE KITS.
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Tree Seedlings
"Arbor Day", observed the last Friday in April, marks the time for seedling giveaways in North Idaho.
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IDAHO FOREST PRODUCTS COMMISSION makes tree giveaways possible & offers additional resources regarding our renewable, sustainable & miraculous forests.
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Halloween
October bursts with FREE Fall Festivals & Halloween events! See details on our HOLIDAY page.
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To stay up-to-date on happenings, & to discover more FREE items, events, services, support groups & ways to volunteer in our community, please join our "Coeur d'Alene Insider" FACEBOOK GROUP.
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Back-to-School
Many local organizations & schools have ongoing "clothes closets" for children in need. Others host distribution events. Here are some resources:
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CUP OF GRACE is a Spirit Lake-based organization which helps stock & maintain such closets for these elementary schools:
Spirit Lake, Athol, John Brown (Rathdrum) & Betty Kiefer (Rathdrum), as well as Timberlake Jr. High & HS (Spirit Lake) & Mountain View HS (Rathdrum).
Community organizations & businesses host back-to-school distribution events for clothing, coats, backpacks & school supplies.
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH provides clothing, shoes, boots, gloves, hats & backpacks in August. Location is 521 E. Lakeside Ave., CdA.
208-667-8446
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"SCHOOL ROCKS BACKPACK GIVEAWAY" is a program sponsored by Verizon Wireless TCC stores in CdA, 430 W. Hanley Ave.; & Post Falls, 3760 E. Seltice Way. Backpacks filled with school supplies are given to children of the community on a first-come, first served basis on a specific date & time, usually in July.
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NEW VISION ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL maintains its Clothes Closet for those in need with shelves stocked with jeans, PJs, children's clothing, hats, scarves, coats, shoes & more.
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Christmas Trees
Christmas TREE-CUTTING PERMITS for the Idaho Panhandle Nat'l Forests are (almost) FREE - they cost $5 & are available at any ranger station, or the supervisor's office, 3815 Schreiber Way, CdA. 208-765-7223.
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Ranger districts are located in CdA, Fernan, Smelterville, Bonners Ferry, Priest River, Sandpoint, St. Maries & Avery. See maps & more info HERE.
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However, 4th graders can get a FREE TREE PERMIT through the "Every Kid Outdoors" program. Complete an activity, print the voucher, & take to any forest service office. Then head out to the trees - a great family activity & photo opportunity!
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Did you know 4th grade students (& their families) receive FREE ADMITTANCE TO NATIONAL PARKS with the "Every Kid Ourdoors" pass?
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