All Moms know summer vacation can take a quick turn into "Bored City" if you're not careful. Parents with limitless funds can usually find something expensive to their kids to consume their time this summer, but for those of us on a budget, careful planning is a must.

First, do your homework. Look in your local newspaper for community events (you can also call your local community center to see what is available in your area. Friendas and neighbors with kids are also a great resource.  In our local neighborhood newpaper I found some dance classes (Aztec dancing, hip hop, tap & jazz), some were free but most only cost $5 ($10 max). for the entire course. Local community centers usually offer some of these types of dance classes in additioni to art, karate, basketball, and even cheerleading courses. The local parks/community center may offer free movies for the whole family. We go to the local park every other Fri. night to see a family movie at no cost. We take blankets and food & make it an event. (NOTE: If there aren't very many activities that are free or low cost in your area, try your neighboring city).

You can also check out your local movie theatre. In the summer, our local theatre offers $1 movies every Wed. @ noon, the catch is that the movie is already out on video (example: Bee Movie), my kids are small and like watching the same movies over and over so its not a big deal. The fun is going into a cool air-conditioned theatre (another way to save $!).

Museums can be a great way to spend the day. Check online or call them to see what specials they have. Example: The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles offers free admission the first Tues. of every month.

You might be interested in taking the kids to a theme park. Some of the local jr. colleges/colleges offer their students discount on admission tickets. I attend college and get my tickets much cheaper. Last year I took 3 kids to Knott's Berry Farm and only spent $54 on admission!!! You can also check your local college to see if they have any summer programs for kids. The programs usually are for kids ages 7 and up and the activities vary greatly. Our local college offers dancing, tennis, violin, piano, swim lessons and a great summer program called College for Kids which offers a wide variety of curriculum (animation, Math, How to get an A, writing, computer programming, etc.).  

If your kids like to swim then check out your local high school, YMCA, or community center (if they have a pool) they usually offer both swim lessons (group participation/private lessons) and open swim sessions throughout the summer and are usually very reasonably priced.   The average rate for group swim lessons, 1/2 hour a day for 2 weeks, is approximately $35.00-$40.00 (in CA) per child.  Open swim is much cheaper at about $1.00 per person per swim session, and it is a great family activity.