What better way to spend a refreshing and playful time with your family than going swimming! Even if you don't have access to a swimming pool in your own backyard, you can always take a trip to your local lake or beach. You won't need money to enjoy the water, but you will need enough gas to get there and back ;-)

Plus, you can always take a picnic basket full of your favorite healthy snacks with you for a quick lunch. Now, if you happen to live in an area that doesn't have access to lakes or oceanfront beaches, why not pull out the garden hose for some watery fun?

Using what you have "on hand" with water is always a super way to have some fun on a hot day. Sprinklers, water pistols, and water balloons are great alternatives to keeping cool and having fun on a hot day. Divide your family up into teams and see who gets the most wet. Have a big bowl of fresh, frosty fruit as a reward for the winning team.

Most apartment communities have swimming pools available to their residents. Why not go for a dip? Also, many other community areas have public pools that are quite inexpensive to get into. Some only charge a quarter for access for the entire day. Visiting your local community pool can help build your child(ren)'s social skills too. And that's always a fabulous idea!

Whatever your plans, don't forget to put on the sunscreen to protect yourself and your children from the harmful UV rays of the sun. This is especially important on extremely hot days.

You should always make every day count and try and turn each day into a memorable adventure of fun for everyone! And remember, money doesn't make memories, YOU do!