Recent news reports indicate the economy is beginning to right itself, however many families are still looking forfamily-fun-on-a-budget-01-af ways to reduce their costs without sacrificing summer fun. With most kids out of school for the summer and parents looking for ways to entertain their children and families without breaking the budget; finding things to do doesn’t have to be a challenge. The following options offer families alternatives to high priced venues that might be beyond reach this year.

  • Whether you’ve got time to kill on tailor made holidays or are just taking a weekend off, State parks offer families the opportunity to either get away for a day trip or even an extended weekend without spending a ton of money. Many parks offer picnic groves, lakes, beaches, playgrounds and other fun activities that can entertain the family for much less than a traditional vacation. Most parks do not need advance notice for a day trip, however reservations are recommended if you plan on staying overnight or for the weekend. Items to pack include food, drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, extra clothes and shoes as well as any camping gear if you are anticipating an extended stay.
  • Drive in movies are making a come back. Hugely popular in the late 40’s and early 50’s many drive in theaters began to fall into disrepair when multi-theater indoor complexes became popular. Today the price of taking your family to the movies can be downright scary, especially when you add snacks and a beverage. This has caused a resurgence in the popularity of drive-in theaters which are far cheaper and allow you to bring your own food and drink. If you are looking for local drive-in that is still in operation check out DriveInMovie.com for more information.
  • Local events. Check out community boards, or local websites for ideas of fun summer activities. Most communities have a free flier published once a month detailing events happening in the area. You may be surprised to find how much is going on relatively close to your home. Fun activities for kids and parents alike are often only a short drive from you home, making a day trip or outing inexpensive and easy to fit into a busy summer schedule.
  • Family friendly amusement parks. Of course all amusement parks target families but some are more inclined to cater to families on a budget. Skip the big theme parks and find smaller parks that allow you to bring a picnic lunch or pay-per-ride versus everyone paying admission. These two alternatives can greatly reduce the price of going to an amusement park by allowing family members who do not ride the rides to enjoy the day out with the family without paying fifty dollars or more to get in the park. Eliminate the long lines and hugely inflated prices of park food and you’ll find yourself enjoying a fun day without breaking the bank.

These are just a few of the options available for families who want to make the most of the summer without going in debt in the process. Pack the car, grab the kids and head out to see what you can find fun to do this summer.



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