Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank

So, the days are long and hot. You've got kids, and they're bored. Here are some wicked fun ways to beat the heat, without breaking the bank.

The library in your town probably has story time. If you've got a babe in arms, story time can be a nice excuse to get out of the house, while still keeping your tiny one out of the harsh rays. If your kids are older, you can plant them in the story circle, and go browse the new releases, and enjoy the 30 minute break.

Some big box craft stores, like Michael's, will offer craft classes during the summer. Typically, they charge a small fee, but this covers basic materials for the class. You and your kids can learn to knit, or scrapbook, or paint tee-shirts, all in air conditioned comfort. The best part? You don't have to do any clean-up at the end!

For a lot of people, summer means a trip to the zoo. But with record breaking highs this year, a cooler alternative is the Aquarium! Climate controlled, dim lighting, and tons of awesome fish to learn about, the Aquarium rocks. Some have interactive displays, with computers where your child can take a short quiz on the information they learned.

If you live in a large city, or close to one, chances are, you've got a big mall within driving distance. Check and see if they've got an indoor play land. If they do, and your kids are driving you up the wall by climbing the walls, pack em in the car and head on over. They can climb and run to their little hearts content.

Of course, summertime is the best time for swimming. But if you can't make it to the local pool, or beach, how about your own back yard? You can pick up a sprinkler adapter for your garden hose for about 10 bucks. Screw that on, turn on the waterworks, and send your little ones forth to frolic under the spray. Set up your lawn chair, and settle in with a cold beverage. Remember, kids should never be left unattended around water.

Go to a local pet store, and look at the exotic birds, and then head back over to the library to take out a book or two on the birds your kiddo liked the best. Or, the classic standby, check your local paper and see what kid friendly flicks are showing. If you go during matinee hours, you'll save about half. Visit a nursing home, a lot of elderly adults don't have family to visit them, and the 30 minutes you and your child spend there could brighten up their entire week.

So go wild. Open up your phone book, and think outside of the box. There are tons of fun activities you and your family can do, without baking, or going broke.