There's still time to squeeze in some fun before the busy back-to-school season starts. Even if you've already gone on summer vacation, there are plenty of low-cost, big-fun things for the family to do in your area this month.
Be a Hometown Tourist
Adopt the mindset that you're a tourist in your own town, and set out to explore the area with a fresh perspective. Check out that out-of-the-way museum, shop or flea market you always wanted to see, or revisit an old favorite that may have added new attractions.
Pick up your city's visitors guide at the local tourist bureau office. It will give you a complete rundown of all there is to do and see in your area, and it's likely to have several 2-for-1 coupons and other discounts to the area's most popular attractions. Check out the bureau's web site for information and discounts as well.
Make it a Matinee
Many movie theaters, playhouses and other performing arts organizations offer deep discounts for matinee performances, perhaps saving you enough for dinner afterwards. Check their schedules for matinees, and find out if lower ticket prices are offered for those performances.
Many popular restaurants offer various "early bird" discounts as well. Call your favorite restaurants to inquire about early bird deals and any other seasonal or family specials they offer.
Free & Easy Entertainment
Produce Most cities have a weekly activity guide, web site or daily newspaper that lists dozens of free activities occurring every weekend, especially during the summer months. Check for free concerts at local parks, libraries and museums. Lots of neighborhoods also put on summer festivals that feature arts and crafts, live entertainment and some of the best ethnic foods you're likely to find anywhere.
Many museums also offer free admission at some time every week. Check with the museums you'd like to visit to see if they offer free admission on certain days.
Major Fun, Minor Leagues
Even if you live in a "major league" baseball city, chances are you've got a minor league team nearby that delivers entertaining action at a fraction of major league prices. Not only will you get a cheaper ticket, you'll likely be closer to the action. And who knows, you might just see a future Hall of Famer on the way up.
August also means the start of college football season. Again, save a bundle by taking a scenic drive to a smaller, nearby college that has low ticket prices, a beautiful campus and a delightful dose of contagious school spirit.
Pack a Picnic
Pack a delicious picnic lunch and head out to an area park that's new to you. Perhaps the park will have a beautiful view of the city skyline or even a frisbee golf course that will give you a fun (and free) way to walk off that big lunch.
Volunteer for Adventure
Your city's weekly activity guide probably lists the various volunteer activities taking place around town. Besides feeling good about giving back to your community, volunteering is a great way to make new friends and possibly embark on new adventures. Volunteering, for example, could lead to a free canoe trip down a local river to help clear litter from its banks.
Or, make a pack of new friends by volunteering at a local animal shelter. Some shelters have an exercise area where you can walk the dogs, and others may even let you take a dog to a local park for a longer walk.
Don't let summer end without getting out and taking advantage of the long, warm days while they last. And who knows, you may just find a new hobby, favorite restaurant or great spot to take visiting guests.
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