How to Create Frugal Family Summer Adventures

Many families think that in this dismal economy they should go out less and stay in more--however, most communities offer inexpensive or free activities that your family might enjoy. Here are five ways to engage the family without spending a fortune.

Instructions

1. Tour a fire station. Call your local fire station and ask about their tour policy. Whether you have a brief impromptu visit or an official tour, children like seeing the firefighting equipment and trucks and they get a kick out of talking to the firefighters about their jobs

2. Connect with your community. Research. Research. What activities have you been wanting to participate in but haven't. What buildings, neighbors, parks have you wanted to explore? List five parks to explore. List five ice cream stores to visit and do tastes tests to see which store your family prefers.

3. Check out bookstores and libraries. Libraries and bookstores often schedule story time. These can be entertaining and educational.

4. Ride the bus. Go anywhere. Riding to a new neighborhood across town can make you feel like you're on a vacation. Buy a map and mark the route in yellow as you go.

5. Take flashlights and go for a family moonlight stroll.

6. Plant gardens. Plant in anything and anywhere, pots, raised beds, pea patches, along a path. It's healthy and it's neighborly when you share your produce. Watching the seeds turn to spouts and grow into mature plants keeps the kids entertained and feeling proud of what they've accomplished.

7. Attend local sporting events. Sitting in the stands watching a local baseball league play under the lights can be as exciting as watching a major league game.

8. Participate as a family in a local 5K run. Many communities and charities sponsor such events to raise money. Running with a team is a healthy way to let off steam, develop positive body image and increase confidence.

9. Take a trip to the dump. If your kids haven't seen what the dump looks like you simply must take them there to have a look at what happens to all the garbage we throw away. While you're there you can unload some of your own stuff or better yet, recycle it.

10. Check out the Parks and Recreation Department. There are many low-cost classes. Many sponsor free outdoor concerts. Take a blanket, a picnic and invite friends.

11. Attend outdoor movie nights. During summer where I live there are outdoor movie nights in parking lots or parks throughout the city. Families bring chairs, blankets and refreshments, and watch movies with others while enjoying the night air. If you don't have such an event in your area, I suggest you start one immediately. It's fun for all ages.

12. Sell your stuff at yard sales. After you've sold your stuff at a yard sale you can then go buy other stuff at other yard sales. This kind of recycling turns into a treasure hunt.