Simple Summer Fun

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 May 2009 09:12 PM

Nothing says summer more than a fun family road trip. Unfortunately, the dismal economy has many clans looking for alternatives to traditional treks across the country. If you are on the hunt for wallet-friendly activities that will keep your kids happy and help preserve your sanity, consider the following:

BACKYARD VACATION

Who says you have to drive hundreds of miles to a national park to experience adventures in the great outdoors? Save money and create your own Camp Wannahavefun in your own backyard. You can purchase a fire pit from a home-improvement store like Lowe's for as little as $60. Ditto for family-size hammocks, which can be found for as cheap as $35. Instead of breaking up fights between your kids, put them to work by planting colorful flowers, and vines to create your own private jungle.

BBQ BONANZA

Instead of settling for a boring backyard cookout, create a theme night. Give burgers and hot dogs a rest, and grill up some steak tacos or chicken and lamb kabobs for dinner. Then, instead of making lemonade, try something different like blending cantaloupe and strawberries with lemon-lime soda. There's so much you can do with food, the possibilities are endless.

HEAD TO HOLLYWOOD

If you live in California, you don't have to travel far or spend a ton of money to have a good time this summer. Simply gather the clan and head to Hollywood Boulevard to check out the new Madame Tussauds.

The museum famed for lifelike images of celebrities is finally making its debut in Tinseltown. The iconic museum (the Hollywood location is the ninth in the chain) opens August 1st and is conveniently situated next door to Grauman's Chinese Theatre and its rows of VIP hand and footprints.

The museum is loaded with big name Hollywood look-alikes, including X-Men Origins: Wolverine's Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry and Beyonce. Admission will be $25 for adults and $18 for children under 12.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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