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Enjoy the summer without breaking the bank.

After years of two good incomes to the family, we're now down to one. Although the results are well worth it, it does take some shifts in our thought patterns. In the past, we would have thought nothing of hundreds of dollars going to the shore or a theme park for family vacations, but this summer - hundreds of dollars isn't available for that type of vacation. So - we've searched and pondered possibilities and found some great ways to spend our time as a family without breaking the budget.

Check into state parks. One park near us offers paddle boats (for a nominal fee), fishing, swimming, hiking and grilling. Other than the paddle boats and hot dogs for grilling, the cost is minimal. Having a tween and a teen, the best way to make these days successful is to bring the football, dollar-store water balls, and plenty of friends. We wait for a weekday when hubby is off and bring anywhere from three to ten kids to the park for a day of fun. In the meantime, I'm reading (my favorite past-time) and hubby is taking a snooze while the kids frolic in the water, try to catch some trout and play in the woods.

We also keep our eyes out for group youth activities offered by local churches or family organizations. Many times - these activities get special group prices. In addition to the kids having a day off from the parents, we - as parents - get time off from the kids. Sometimes, the peace and quiet in the house is well worth the cost of sending the kids off with friends for a day.

Finally, include kids in daily activities. We work in the garden, figure out dinner and cook together, the kids man the grill and as a family - we watch the fruit trees and vegetables grow. Together - we pick the food from the garden, plan our daily activities and incorporate into our dinner plans.

Learn more about this author, Linda J Banks.
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