Summer Fun on a Budget for families

If you're anything like me, you want to make the most out of summer but you might not have a ton of extra cash laying around to do what you really want to do.
Here are some ideas for summer fun on a budget:
1. Go to free parks in your community (usually you can find petting zoos or splash pads that are free). Pack a picnic lunch and you're kids will have a great time.
2. Get creative. For example, you could have different themes throughout the summer in your house. You could have a Mexican theme for a week and research games that kids in Mexico play, make Mexican food for meals, etc. You get the picture.
3.Get enrolled in a reading club at your local library. My oldest daughter is going into grade 6 and she still loves doing this. We only get books out of the public library in the summer. That way it's something unique for them and they look forward to it.
4. Use the time you have in the summer to try new meals or bake with your kids. Try new home made slushie or popsicle ideas.
5. Go for hikes. Kids will love exploring new trails in your community.
6. Go to the drive-in movies. Generally, this is more cost effective for a larger family than going to the theatres and the kids love it. Pack your lawn chairs, blankets and mosquito repellant. In our area, they have car load nights so for our family of 5 on a Thursday night, it would only cost $15 to go to the movies.
7. Go to a local beach. Pack your frisbee and some sand toys and the kids will have a great time!
8. Spend an afternoon flying kites.
9. If it's raining, make a scrapbook with your kids.
10. Plan a mini vacation for the kids. We like to be tourists for a day in the summer. There are often great local attractions (that other people are willing to travel a long way for) that we can enjoy practically in our own backyard.
Have fun!
Feel free to post some of your own ideas.