Free and Inexpensive Activities to Do with Your Kids

It's summertime, and the kids are home from school. Your preschoolers are antsy and full of energy, and your toddlers are just feeding off all of it from the older ones. What can you do with your kids to keep them occupied and maybe learn a thing or two that is fun and within your entertainment budget? Here are a few ideas that might help relieve the summer boredom and help keep money in your pocket.

The Library-Local public libraries are full of fantastic entertainment options that are free or inexpensive. Programs there are made to be very accessible to the community, so fees are usually very reasonable, if they are charged at all. Story-readings usually happen for different ages once a week, and it is a great way to expose your kids to different books and ideas. Other kids and parents are there, too, so it's another way for both of you to socialize. Libraries also have lots of music CDs oftentimes as well. Check some jazz, classical, country, or whatever piques you and your children's interest to get acquainted with some new artists and maybe discover a love for a new type of music. Movies are available to be checked out for free, and you can often get several at a time and keep them for a week. People donate their old movies to the library sometimes, so be on the look out for new titles often. For older kids, there are sometimes free seminars and concerts hosted by the library. Summer camps put on by the library for kids of different ages are another opportunity to get out of the house for your kids and help them develop their interests and skills in different areas. Check with your library for their calendar of events.

Children's Museum-If there is a children's museum, or even a local cultural museum, in your area, check out their summer programs for children. Children's museums usually have very interactive and hands-on exhibits, tailored to kids' interests.

Recreation Center-The YMCA or city recreation centers often offer several summer camps and activities for children during the summer. These are usually affordable, and there may be financial assistance for those who qualify.

Community Programs-Summer concerts in the park, free swim days at the local swimming pool, and loads of other activities sponsored by the local city or county government are other options to explore to keep your children engaged during the summer. Contact the community outreach office of your local government, and see what is available.

Crafts and Freecycle-Check your local Yahoo! Freecycle group to find out if anyone has extra craft supplies cluttering their house they want to give away. (http://www.freecycle.org/) People are always giving away yarn (Check out a book at the library on how to crochet or knit, and learn with your child.), paper, etc. Take advantage of it, and make some great crafts with your kids. Search online for craft ideas for your children using your newly-found treasures.

Toy Exchange-Find a toy exchange group in your area, or set up one of your own (http://www.soundmoneymatters.com/toy-clothing-exchange/ or http://www.ehow.com/how_4892536_neighborhood-kids-toy-exchange-program.html) to change out the toys your children are playing with this summer since money is too tight to purchase new ones.

Park-Take a walk to the local park to while away an hour or two of summer time heat. Take a picnic with you to eat in the shade, and let the kids have a blast playing on the playground. Bring a book, relax, or maybe even join your kids on the slide!

There are loads of options out there to keep your kids and your wallet happy this summer. Get creative, and get out there this summer!