Summer on a Budget

Summer can mean a lot of things to some people. Hours spent grilling in the backyard, relaxing with friends and trips to the beach. Although during this recession, summer has found a new meaning; spending. There is no denying the amount of money spent during the hottest season of the year. However, it is possible to enjoy your summer and spend less at the same time. Instead of completely eliminating favorite summer activities, here are cheaper alternatives that won't break the bank.

Skip that five-star Caribbean cruise and go for a boat ride in a local river or lake. These can cost anywhere from 10-250 dollars depending on the size and quality of the boat and the service provider. These cruises are usually an hour long and are kid friendly; also, private charters are available so you can have the whole boat to you and a group of friends or family. If you are into history, there are many sightseeing cruises that go by historically significant areas. You can find a list of licensed companies on your local government site.

Instead of eating out, try having potluck dinners with family, friends, or neighbors. In a potluck dinner, everybody is expected to bring their own food to a host's house. Participants can take turns being the host every week or so. A good idea is to have a theme for every different potluck dinner, this way you are not having the same food over and over again. There are many variations of the potluck dinner. You can have a potluck barbeque, potluck party, and potluck breakfasts and lunches. With potlucks, everybody is saving money.

If you're looking for something more educational for the kids, almost every town and, certainly every state, have a museum. If you live in the D.C area, museums are everywhere. Most public and Smithsonian museums offer free admission, though sometimes parking might be a problem. To get past the lines, make sure to come early and leave before closing time. Bring your own lunch but, make sure to keep it in the car, because most museums do not allow you to take it in. You can have lunch in the car or stop by a park.

Most towns, cities, and states have parks within walking distance of most residents. If your kids are anywhere from four to eight years old, or even older than that, they will enjoy a trip to the park with some friends. You can pack lunch for the whole family and have a picnic at the end of the day. With a trip to the park, you can relax and read a book or, talk on the phone, while your kids play. Although, whatever you do, make sure to always keep an eye out for your kids. Some parks are dangerous, especially after dark.

You do not have to do all of these activities. You can just do some of them to save money for another, more expensive, activity. There are also many more outdoor activities you can enjoy, such as, hiking and fishing. Also, if you have a large backyard, you can invest in some outdoor furniture and have a good time right at your own home.