Almost Free Summer Family Plans (Part 1)

Ease into summer vacation by beginning your family plans now. There are several things you can do to keep your children busy without spending lots in the process.

1. Have a family meeting to discuss what interests your family. Focus on free and inexpensive activities within a half hour of your home: trails, beaches, library programs and free concerts. The lists should be available by now.

2. Assign every member of your family a task locating information or gathering materials. Check with the local visitor information centers (in person and online), the AAA office and library information centers. Collect and sort the brochures. Many have costs associated with them, but you can use them as "idea catchers", inspiration for creative ideas 'like' the expensive ones.

3. Select one activity idea for each week of summer break. When we create a plan for something exciting to do beyond weekly chores it keeps us energized.