By Laura Taylor

School may be out for the summer, but for many parents, the work has just begun. In addition to the adjustment parents have to make simply managing their time, summer vacation also means facing the greater challenge of managing a new budget. 

Most parents expect and have prepared for the big summertime expenses such as vacations, summer camps and childcare. However, summer can get expensive when trying to find day-to-day activities to keep children occupied.  Trips to the movies, dollars for the arcade, swim toys and meals-on-the-run can turn into budget breakers if you aren’t prepared. In fact, a recent survey by Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS), a division of Money Management International, revealed that more than a third of parents plan some type of summer activity for their children, and entertainment tops their lists.  Fortunately, the counselors at CCCS have some great ideas to help you enjoy a fun and frugal summer.

Spend time in the great outdoors. Many state parks offer such activities as hiking, biking and canoeing. Also, check to see if your neighborhood has a free or low cost pool that your child can visit during the day. These activities can be a healthy form of exercise and offer a great low cost alternative to movies and video games. 

Share responsibilities. After spending day after day with their schoolmates, children are used to constant companionship. Consider starting or joining a babysitting co-op or setting up play dates to share parental responsibilities.   Coordinating with other parents can help relieve your time and finances.

Check community resources.  Some organizations, such as churches, the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs, provide programs that include regular activities for kids of all ages. And in addition to being inexpensive, they benefit the children by involving them in sports, swimming, crafts and reading. 

Explore your own backyard.  With a little imagination, sprinklers can turn into water parks and wagons into amusement rides.  Something as simple as planting seeds and watching them grow can be fun and educational. Take a nature walk in your own neighborhood to notice the amazing array of bugs, birds and plants normally taken for granted. 

Teach them the value of giving back. There are many volunteer opportunities for children of all ages. Contact your local hospital, church or other non-profits to see about your child volunteering. This will develop character and give back to the community.

Finally, feel free to enlist your children’s help. Invite your child to help fund some of their desired activities by providing income opportunities. This is a great way to get your children involved in extra family chores. This will also help them learn that money is something you earn, not something you are entitled to.

Laura Taylor is the director of education and community relations at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Washington, Inc., a division of Money Management International and its family of CCCS agencies. Visit their Web site at http://www.crediteducation.org.