Released June 9, 2008

ST. PAUL, Minn. —Families always look for fun, affordable things to do in the summer. With current gas prices, this is the summer to learn what is offered close to home. Determine how much time and money you have budgeted for summer activities. Use what you have budgeted to guide your planning.

One place to start is the Explore Minnesota website at http://www.exploreminnesota.com. The website provides information on places to go and things to do in Minnesota, such as state and regional parks, city festivals, places to hike and bike and much more. If you don’t have a computer at home visit your local public library.

The public library is another great resource in almost every community. Libraries have programs for all ages, such as story time for preschool-age children, summer reading programs and online games specific for teens, and classes for adults.

City and county parks are great places for families and friends to get together for a picnic, play games, use the play ground equipment, swim, go fishing, enjoy music or just relax. In many areas, skate parks and Frisbee golf are activities now available. Many of these facilities and activities are free, but to be sure to check.

There are many summer day camps offered through 4-H and community education programs. These camps are generally low-cost and offer activities that are specific to a child’s age and interest, such as robotics, gardening and crafts. Many churches and other religious organizations offer summer day camps for study and youth fellowship. Children generally do not have to be members, but must register to participate. All of these are low-cost ways to learn and have fun.

Short driving vacations may be something that will fit in the budget. If so, determine what you want to see, for example, in a 100-mile radius of where you live. There may be historical sites or scenic overlooks that you’ve ignored in the past, but are willing to take the time to enjoy this year. Short driving vacations can be day trips or extended into 2 or 3 day trips.

Enjoying activities close to home is a good way to stretch the family budget and have fun with your family.

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http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2008/lowcostclosetohome.html

Contacts: Catherine Dehdashti, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

Cindy M. Petersen is a family resource management educator with University of Minnesota Extension.