As prices go up and wallets shrink, families are constantly looking for more ways to simplify their lives while staying connected.  With a desire to save money and beat the recession it may not be affordable to go on an extended family vacation or send your child away to camp this summer. 

If you are looking for solutions to have fun and be adventurous without breaking the bank here are 10 affordable and enjoyable activities that the whole family can do together while staying close to home and saving you money. 

1. Be a tourist in your own city: Visit monuments, landmark buildings and sites and create a mini history tour that your child will remember all summer long. 
2. Go to your local art, science or specialty museum:  Check online or in your free local paper and find out what events and exhibits are taking place at the museum.  This is a great way to expose your child to actual pieces of art and man made inventions that they definitely will not see on TV or Internet.
3. Have a picnic in the local park:  Take going out to eat literally by planning a day in the park.  Allow everyone to prepare their favorite meals and snacks.  Afterwards go for a walk in the park, play in the playground, climb trees and feed the ducks in the pond. 
4. Take in a free concert.  Almost every city offers free shows featuring local musicians over the spring and summer months.  Go and discover a new band or singer, you may be witnessing the next big thing. 
5. Be outdoor adventurers.  Go for a nature hike, bike tour, rollerblading or city walk.  Check out a different neighborhood, go window shopping and sit at a caf? and enjoy the local scene.  
6. Garden at a community garden or in your own garden:  Great opportunity to teach kids about growing local produce and what is seasonal and grows best in the summer climates. Sample the fruits and vegetables that are ready to be harvested, bring some home to use and give to neighbors.   
7. Have movie night at home.  Pop some popcorn and create other snacks and turn your living room/family room into a movie theater. 
8. Can't afford to go to a sporting event, plan a day at home and watch your local team.  Invite friends over, wear team colors, make some sandwiches and other snacks and root for the home team. 
9. Have your own family Olympics.  Come up with several different activities like two legged race, chalk hopscotch, go carts racing, invite other families to compete against and give out prizes. 
10. Take your child to the library or local bookstore and sit in the children's room and read.  This is a great way to encourage your kids to pick up a book during the summer break.  This will help improve their vocabulary and reading level. 

Whatever you decide to do always plan ahead, but be open to spontaneous moments.  Invite other families with kids in the same age group as yours.  Bring your camera to remember the day and be safe, carry basic first aid tools with you in case of any minor cuts and bruises.   

Copyright  2009 Lola Law