So what's a parent to do to stave off the summertime boredom without turning her kids into video game zombies or couch potatoes? Before school let out last week for my kids, I spent a bit of time compiling a list of activities and adventures for us to embark upon during our carefree days of summer. The best part, most are free or very low-cost.

Visit local parks. In our area there are many events and activities put on by our local parks department. Day time and evening concerts are a great way for our family to get out and enjoy a picnic at the park while listening to a new, local band.  Check your local websites for their programming lists.

Hit up a cultural fair or local event. Many towns within the county offer various fairs and events. Local artists share their creations and many times the local restaurants are in attendance offering tasty selections. What a great time to give kids an opportunity to experience and learn about a variety of other cultures from the people who live in our community.

Escape to a local library.  The library is a wonderful resource for summertime fun as well as learning. Many libraries offer a summer reading program, with prizes earned for the number of books read, to help kids continue reading while not in school. Libraries also offer special programs for kids of all ages.   

How about some bug hunts and bird watching? A big hit in our house last summer started with a simple walk through our neighborhood. The kids started noticing the bugs that jumped out of their way as we walked through a field and wanted to catch them. After running home for some nets and a box, the bug hunt began and it captivated their attention for a better part of an afternoon. After that day, we collected nets, bug boxes, binoculars, gloves, notebooks and pencils and crayons. We kept all of our bug hunt items in a bag that we grabbed every time we went out, just in case. There were many impromptu hunts that resulted, with the kids grabbing their nets and binoculars when they spied an interesting creature, which they then drew in their notebooks and many times researched when they returned home. This was a great way to have simple fun at a moments notice!

Cool down at a splash park. Over the years many towns have opened splash parks that appeal to all ages. When my kids were much younger, they did not like to swim in the pool and the sprinkler at home only held their attention for a few minutes at best. But with the opening of the splash park, my kids were able to enjoy cooling off in the large sprinklers and water cannons at the park and I didn't have to worry about them being unable to swim at a larger pool. Even now that my kids are older, they still enjoy an afternoon at the splash park. Many of these are free through local parks departments and some bases even have them, so google your city and see what's around.

Go to the movies. Movies are the perfect way to get out of the house but stay cool on a hot summer day! Check your local movie theater of their summertime offerings.

 Water fun. Take advantage of the local beaches, or go to the pool. Play Marco Polo, have swimming races. Do underwater acrobatics. Dive for pennies. Run through the sprinklers. Have a water fight. Fill up some water balloons, buy a cheap water gun at the dollar store, or find a hose attachment that sprays water further than before, and start a water fight! (Just make sure you don't hit anyone in the face or throw water balloons at breakable surfaces, such as glass.)  

These are just a few ideas to help ward off summertime boredom and be active in your community. While we certainly enjoy spending some relaxing downtime at home, it's nice to be able to get out of the house once in a while and explore what our local community has to offer. With all of the options available, I hope to keep my kids active and having fun while at the same time spending lots of quality time with them. Because before we know it the first day of school will be here and the busy schedules will begin again!

What things do you do with your kids to keep them active and entertained during the summer months?