Summer just begs for you to do something fun. Get out the grill, open the pool, hit the beach, etc. With gas prices soaring, and everyone bearing down under the budget crunches, the excitement of summer seems to be burning up in the heat. 

Don’t let your bubble bust… here are some ways to celebrate fun in the sun without diving deep into your pocket books. 

LOCAL FLAVOR Find and visit your local museum. (Every town has at least one. No matter how corny it seems, your kids will love the “trip”.) Do a little research, talk about a plan, pack a lunch, and head out.

FREE FUN Check out your local downtown events. Most towns offer live music (FREE) during the summer months. Pack a sack dinner, grab the kids, and head towards the tunes. 

PARTaaaY Plan a summer play date party. Have your tots friends bring a few of their favorite summertime toys and hang out in the back yard. Add a tiny plastic pool and music to really pump up the party. 

LIVIN’ LARGE (indoor pool) Too hot outside? Bring the tiny plastic pool inside and fill it with balloons or plastic balls. Let your tot don their favorite swimsuit and hop in. Invite friends over for an “indoor pool party”. 

GET CRAFTY Indoors or outdoors- getting the family together for a fun craft (yes dad, you too!) is a summertime staple. 

• Convert a refrigerator box into a vehicle.
• Paint pet rocks.
• Make a collage using post cards and pictures of all the places you’d like to visit.