In this tough economy, families are looking for ways to have fun during the summer without breaking the bank.  There are a lot of great summer activities that don’t involve plane rides, hotel rooms, and amusement parks.  These activities are also sure to provide enjoyment for both children and adults.  Take these ideas into consideration when planning family events for the summer:

~Camping Trip~ the average campground costs a fraction of the price of a hotel room, and with family tents and a few sleeping bags, it’s possible to have a lot of fun outdoors for just a little money. 

~Road Trip~ while it’s not certain where gas prices will be when the summer hits, a road trip even for a day can be a lot of fun and quite cost effective.  Plan out a fun destination like the beach, a lake, or a river and make sure it’s not more than a couple hours long or the kids will start to complain! 

~Visit Friends~ arrange to stay for a day with friends in a distant location, and take in all the local sights and entertainment.