Parents on a Shoestring Budget: Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

Get OUT!
Just because you're on a budget, it doesn't mean you have to stay locked up inside all summer.

* Playgrounds are your no-brainer best bet for kids of all ages. If you live in an area where the day gets unbearably hot, pack up your breakfast and have a morning playground picnic (don't forget the iced coffee for you)! Tire them out all morning then head home for lunch and a nap.

* A fun backyard summer activity is to pitch a tent and play 'camping.' This is guaranteed to shed a whole new light on the backyard for your kids. If that's just too much work for you, spread a beach blanket out and have a backyard picnic. Be sure to include kids in the planning and preparation.

* Have a 'scavenger hunt' around the neighborhood. Make a list of items that can be found outdoors (such as pine cone, leaf, stone, twig, etc.) and send your kids on a hunt! Make sure to have a cool prize for the winner.

* Help your kids set up a lemonade stand. All you need is a small table and chair(s), some pitchers of cold lemonade, and disposable cups. Help your kids make some signs and they're on their way! This works best in neighborhoods where kids are home during the day in the summer and thirsty from playing outside.

Get Wet!
Swimming and water play are excellent outdoor summer activities that can provide fun and exercise for your kids.

* If you're fortunate enough to live near an ocean or beach - enough said. Pack up your sand toys, inflatables, and more. Take along a cooler with lunch and plenty of cold drinks to make a day of it - but don't forget the sunscreen!

* Your local pool or swim club can also provide hours of summer fun and exercise and may also offer formal swimming lessons or training in water safety. Check with your local parks and recreation department or YMCA.

* For an easy and inexpensive water play option, pick up a child-size pool from your local toy store and put it in your backyard. Better yet, pick up two: fill one up with water and the other up with sand (available at your local Home Depot or Lowes) to recreate the beach in your own yard.

* Low-maintenance options for water play, include water balloons, squirters and the ever-popular 'sprinkler.'

Get Adventurous!
With all outdoor summer activities, try to incorporate a sense of wonder and adventure. Be creative and make up pretend scenarios for every activity you engage your kids in this summer. You can pretend to be pirates or wild animals in the jungle. Just have fun! Here are some ideas you can use to make each outdoor summer activity into an unforgettable adventure:

• Lost at sea
• Jungle safari
• Fairy tale castle
• Wilderness survival
• Mountain climbers
• Mystery/detectives
• Spy kids
• Treasure hunt

No matter which fun summer activities you decide to engage your kids in, remember safety first. Be sure to slather them (and yourself) in plenty of high SPF sunscreen and don't forget about mosquito repellant. Also, be sure to keep first aid supplies on hand. Have fun exploring the great outdoors and all it has to offer!