Summer is a supposed to be a fun time for kids.  But with gas prices so high, how can parents keep summer fun, without busting their budget.  Let’s take a look at some low-cost, fun activities for kids.

• Neighborhood, Park, Shopping Mall or Inside the House Scavenger Hunts are always a big hit for young and old.  This takes some planning but is well worth the effort.  Having one parent set up the hunt allows the other parent to actually hunt right along side the kids.
• Star Charting and Stargazing:  Get a piece of paper and chart the start you see.  See what patterns and designs you each come up with.  Bring a telescope and spy the planets.
• Have some extra money?  Try a day trip to the local zoo or museum.  Some communities have special "free" days to museums for kids so check your local museums.
• Backyard picnic or campout is always a hit.  Set up a tent or create a tee-pee or other shade using old sheets and blankets.  Include a campfire in the BBQ, cook hot dogs and end the evening with some S'mores and marshmellows.
  
• Bug Safari:  with magnifying glass in hand, see how many different kinds of bugs you can find.  Don't handle the bugs but you could have them move onto a piece of paper where they could be studied and drawn.
  

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