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Inexpensive Entertainment Options

Buzzle Staff
When searching for things to do in the long hours of summer, keep it cheap so you can get the most bang for your buck.
Summer is here, means that people will be looking for lots of things to do to fill the long daylight hours and warm nights. It can be easy to get sucked into the trap of spending lots of money on entertainment, but don't break the bank to have a lot of fun. There are plenty of free or inexpensive ways to keep you and your family entertained this summer.

Free Museums, Concerts, and Movies

Check the local paper or the Internet for free stuff to do. If you live near a major city, there are plenty awesome activities the whole family can enjoy. Museums have free or reduced fare days, you can take advantage of.
On these days, the museums are packed with people, but it can be a good excuse to get out of the house and learn. There are plethora of free concerts and movies in parks both inside and outside cities.
Pack up your lawn chairs or a soft blanket, and get there early for the best seat in the house. You can even bring a picnic to these events, which can save money while being fun for the whole family or a romantic date night.

Visit the Library

Libraries are the most underused resource for free entertainment during the summer. Libraries have so much more than books. They carry CDs and movies, too, and often have free or inexpensive summer programs - like story time - for the kids.
Many libraries have digital subscription programs where you can get e-books, music, or audio books for free and install them on your MP3 player or e-reader right from your home computer. All you need is a library card. Don't have one? Just bring a recent piece of mail to your local library and they'll sign you right up.

Backyard Games

If there isn't a park near your house, try playing some games in the backyard. Playing catch is an all-time favorite for dads and sons, but you can also try some new games, as well.
Bags tournaments are a great way for kids and adults to have fun and improve hand-eye coordination at backyard barbeques. You can also try your hand at bocce ball, croquet, or horseshoes if you have the equipment. Of course, you could always sit and dip your feet in the kiddie pool as you watch people playing, too.

Potluck Parties

Potluck parties are great ways to get friends and family together without breaking the bank. Asking everyone to bring a dish to pass will help you save money and ensure that everyone has something there that they like to eat.
If you are having a lot of people, think about preparing a list of items you need and have people sign up to bring them so you don't get duplicates. Specifying what course people should provide can help, too.

Play at the Park

Some good playtime at the local park can be great exercise for adults, children, and pets. Best of all, it's totally free to visit the park, and you might even make some new friends while you're there.
If you can walk to the park, you get bonus points for fitness. Make sure you pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen to keep playtime safe and fun.
For those rainy summer days, DIY projects and crafts are also one of the options that can keep you busy while you are stuck inside. Your local craft store most likely has lots of inexpensive ideas for projects that the whole family will love.