Going to the beach is another fave. The kids don’t swim so much, but love building sandcastles, jumping over waves and we usually take a long walk along the beach.

My husband and two older kids also like to go fishing. Occasionally, we even get a meal out of it!

When I was a kid I went to a Police Athletic League-sponsored program in the mornings. Nothing fancy – just games & simple crafts. Sort of a day camp thing.

Then when I was in high school, I went to the creative part of summer school, and put on plays, and so on.

Get yourself on as many mailing/email lists as you can and read the local parent-oriented magazines and the newspaper. You will find lots of things for the kids to do. And if you participate/volunteer – you could get it gratis sometimes, too.

Locally, we now have 3 farmer’s markets each week – Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday evenings.
When my kids were a bit older we’d volunteer as a family at various festivals. In exchange, we’d get free entry, free activities, etc. (and of course, we’d take our picnic lunch!). Portland, OR has a Blues festival every year which was always our favorite.

We’d also take long walks in nearby fields and hills, armed with a basket and pair of scissors. Always came home with lots of beautiful wildflowers! Walks through our neighborhood to admire gardens helped us to make acquaintance with many of our neighbors. And many of those new friends contributed inspiration, plants, seeds and wonderful advice to our very first garden.

The small city where we live has free outdoor movies in the evening. We’d always arrive early so the kids could play in the water fountain. And, we’d take a big bag of home popped popcorn to munch on.

Many of the local parks also have free concerts throughout the summer, and since we live in a very diverse community, the music is always diverse as well.

Check to see if your city/town publishes a newsletter; the same with your local Parks and Recreation district. Does your Parks district offer scholarships on classes? Is your city planning events?

Do your local Zoo, art museum and children’s museum have family days where they offer free admittance and activities?

Imagination, flexibility, a sense of fun and wonder – armed with those, you’ll be able to find lots of ways to enjoy your summer!

Take the kids to the park. You already paid for that with your tax dollars.

How ’bout a fishing trip to a local public fishing lake? For more fun, dig your own worms!