frugal and fun family ideas for summer

I had a lovely day going to three different libraries. I live close to the coast so I can take my kids down there to make sandcastles and play on the sand. I can take them to the countryside for a picnic overlooking superb natural scenery. I suggest a bike ride along the cycle path then a game together. Maybe you could collect food and other packaging and make things out of it. Your kids can make a model ship or a model castle perhaps. I like to walk along a pier and see the fine coastal views. Little money has to be spent. Camping in a tent for a weekend would be really economical.

I think personally there are a lot of great Family ideas that a family can do that does not really cost a lot, and are fun. How about finding a place where you can pitch a tent or two, and go camping. Roast some marshmallows, or have some Smores. Theme park is a great idea, or maybe the Zoo. Check online sometimes and you can find some Cheap prices for both. But with summer here, it is a great time for some Family fun.

Our library has several programs all year long the kids like going to. Hubby's company has team sports they can sign up for if they wish to play in summer. Sometimes various museum's, botanical gardens, and zoo's have free or reduced day. However, we've gone on those days and it's elbow to elbow and you didn't get to see much beyond the crowds. But usually it's a deal if you get a zoo pass and you can go anytime. Fishing is fun but again the gas prices put that idea to an end this year for us. We don't usually go much of anywhere we just don't have the funds and the high gas prices are not helping either.

Depending on where you live some of the movie theaters have free movies on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings in the summer. In our area it's Regal Cinemas and AMC Theaters. This is really great for little kids.

There's a community park near our place. They have a big soccer field outside, a children's play area on one side, and a water park on the other. After work, we would bring the kids there, and spread a blanket on the soccer field. We would bring sandwiches for dinner, and the kids would run around afterwards. It's great because it's free. Sometimes, they would even have open air screenings there too.

Another idea, besides the great ones already given, would be to check out free concerts over the summer. In our area, we have several parks and other spots that host free summer concerts. The music varies from kids; shows, to jazz, classical, rock--you name it. And sometimes there are fireworks, too! The kids can run around and listen to music at the same time.

Search your area for places that offer free or inexpensive admission. We have a museum nearby that is free admission and only $5 to park. There are others that cost only $5- 10. Search for discounts and coupons to places before you go. Lots of times you can find printable ones online, and some places will offer discounts to those who follow them on facebook or twitter. Check at your library for free or almost free events. My library often does activities like puppet shows for free, and offers coupons to local attractions or restaurants but you just have to look for them in the rack of flyers or on the bulletin boards.

natural sites, historical sites, mini golf, zoos, aquariums, museums...

Good morning, sounds like u have some great ideas. Don't know if your kids like baseball or not but there are games going on here every night just about. Of course it is just kids playing but they might enjoy that. Hope y'all have a great time all summer long.

actually, you wont believe this but the most fun we used to have for old and young alike was to buy a ton of balloons and fill them with water, put in tubs and buckets to take with us, then all get in a big round circle and toss them back and forth at each other. we'd laugh when one was caught off guard and didnt catch it in time, as you dont know who they will toss it at next. after its thrown a few times it even pops on you if you successfully catch it this is best on a really hot day as some get soaked. but we all laughed so much with it

get one of those inflatable pools so your kids can swim all day long. it's inexpensive and fun plus if you store it well you can still use it next summer

My family loves to go camping. We can get the holiday weekend- Memorial or Labor Day and get into camps for $25 for the whole weekend using tents. You should check your area and look into state parks that offer camping or swimming because they are very cheap to get in and once you are in- you don't have to pay anymore! Or better yet, depending on your yard size, set up camp in the backyard! This is great for the kids and you still have the local amenities from home. Try to stay out as much as possible though to get the real camp experience. Check your local library, children's museum, and parks for activities. Our library has a summer reading program and they start the summer with a great outdoor party and end the summer the same way. Plus all summer long, they have extra programs that you can do besides going inside to read. Good luck and have fun!