How to Satisfy Bored Kids This Summer Vacation, Cheaply

You know you're going to be in for a long summer vacation when school hasn't even been out for an hour and the kids already bored.

If you're living on a budget, don't fear! There are still cheap, easy things you can do over the summer to keep your children happy.

1. Put together a box of paper, crayons or colored pencils, stickers and rubber stamps. Let the kids make their own stationary, and then write letters on it. This will please even older children, and it will keep them busy for quite awhile.

2. Visit your local library; they are usually doing all kinds of activities over the summer to keep kids busy. It's usually very educational at the same time. If you're library has a children's section, bring them in to play and curl up with a good book. You can even rent a good movie for free to bring home and pop a bag of popcorn.

3. Bake cookies. Who doesn't like fresh homemade cookies? Chances are you were going to bake them anyway, so let the kids help. They can do measurements or stir the bowl. Let them decorate the cookies with M&M's.

4. Find a local park and play a game of Frisbee, do a nature walk or feed the ducks or the fish. It's all free, the ducks will appreciate it, and so will the fish!

5. Encourage a tent. Do you remember when you were younger, taking a sheet or a blanket and hanging it over various furniture to make your own tent? I do - and it was a lot of fun! Have them build their own tent, and they can bring books in to read, or have a picnic lunch inside.

6. Go for a bike ride. It's free and you can spend time with your kids and get a free workout along the way. Go on a day when you don't have to hurry to follow a time line, especially if you're old and out of shape like I am. You can stop and take plenty of breaks along the way. If you can bike to the park, take a picnic lunch with you.

7. Go to the zoo or the park. A lot of times during the summer you can get discount coupons for admission, and the kids always love seeing the animals. Bring a picnic lunch with you here as well to save on the food costs.