How to Throw a Kickass Frugal Bar Mitzvah

At age 13, a Jewish boy reaches a milestone with his Bar Mitzvah ceremony. This is the traditional transition to manhood, when the boy becomes a full member of the congregation and when he can take part in religious functions as a “son of the commandment.” He has spent many years practicing to become a man and his practiced readings from the Torah emphasize this heritage.

The party after the Bar Mitzvah also is rich in tradition, but these celebrations seem to have morphed into a rite of passage that revolves more around American Idol and scantily clad dancers. In light of this metamorphosis, your son might want the same. But, you might remind him that this celebration is more about throwing a kickass party with friends than it is about spending money. The only problem is that parties, much like any traditional event in America, still cost an arm and a leg (in other words, they’ll max out a credit card or two). So here are some tips for that Bar Mitzvah, only on the very frugal side.

• It’s never too late to plan: Sure, many people might admonish you if you didn’t begin planning this celebration when your son was age ten, but what do they know? It’s never too late to get this celebration rolling, especially since you don’t need to hold the party on the same day as the ceremony.
• Avoid the Party Planner: Why do you need a party planner, when your congregation is filled with contacts? Your boy isn’t the first one to enter Bar Mitzvah, so ask around about caterers, musicians, and entertainers to find the best deals. Better yet, ask your son what he wants, as it may not be much.
• Eliminate pre-Bar Mitzvah events: You can opt out of the Friday evening Shabbat dinner and any Sunday brunches. You’re not breaking any laws by avoiding what could be an expensive affair. Instead, you might invite your son and his friends over for the Friday Shabbat dinner so that they can bond for your son’s special event. Leave the adults out and make the boys feel special.
• Keep it Simple: It’s not necessary to hold a celebration immediately after the ceremony, so if you can find a place to celebrate during the weekday that’s less expensive than during the weekend, then arrange for a weekday or weeknight celebration. The celebration is sometimes delayed for reasons such as availability of a Shabbat during which no other celebration has been scheduled, or the desire to permit family to travel to the event anyway.
• Limit the Guest List: With the above said, it might be best to limit the guest list. This way, you don’t need to worry about renting large rooms or paying out the nose for a caterer. But, it is your son’s day, so make sure all his friends have been invited.
• Don’t worry about flowers: It’s a Bar Mitzvah, not a Bat Mitzvah…do you really think your boy will worry about the lack of flowers on the tables?
• Make it Potluck: It’s the father’s duty to create a feast for his son on the day his son reaches the age of Bar Mitzvah. In fact, the celebration is no less important than the day his son goes under the marriage canopy. Why celebrate any less? But the cost! It’s enough to make you scream in terror, especially when all the relatives show up even without invitations. So make it a potluck, where every family brings a favorite dish.
• Make it Casual: The advantage to the Bar Mitzvah is that it doesn’t matter how you dress, whether you light candles, or have a cake. These are matters of personal preference and aren’t governed by any rules or customs. So, make the festivities casual, but be careful - if you decide on a theme, the party favors and decorations might become expensive. Instead, keep it simple and that way you can focus on each other and the man of the hour.
• Build Up to the Speech: It’s tradition for the Bar Mitzvah boy to give a speech. But, not every candidate wants to make a speech. The custom, therefore, is to interrupt by singing loud songs until the boy is forced to sit down. So you can build up to this point for free by generating excitement for this moment. By then, it’s time for…
• The Karaoke Machine: You don’t need to hire entertainment when the real performers are already in the room. This is about the least expensive music around, and probably more fun. Plus, your son doesn’t need to worry about asking anyone to dance.
• Be sure to send thank you notes: Even if a person can’t stand your son, the least that person can do is offer $18 as a gift or a token gift certificate to a record store or some such triviality. Still, you want your son to be better and rise above this small gift, so thank you cards and stamps will be your most expensive item in this whole, frugal affair. Make sure your son signs the cards, and send them out to everyone who offers a gift.
• Do it again, much later: Among religious Jews, it is customary for a man who has reached the age of 83 to celebrate a second Bar Mitzvah. Under this logic, a ‘normal’ lifespan equals seventy years, so an 83-year-old man can be considered a thirteen-year-old in a second lifetime. Although you, as parents, might not be around for this second kickass party, at least you don’t have to foot the bill.

Remember - the Bar Mitzvah is not your party. This event belongs to your son and a thirteen-year-old has privileges because he’s considered old enough to act responsibly. So, it might be a good time to teach him the responsibility of a credit card. Co-sign with him for a card and teach him how to use that card responsibly (especially before he enters college!).

Expensive parties aren’t responsible, but maintaining close family and friendship ties is an adult act that deserves a celebration. Mazel Tov!

57 Creative Ideas to Save Money As a Pet Owner

Whether you are an extravagant pet owner or not, responsibly raising an animal involves years of expenses. Granted, your child’s goldfish may only involve weeks of expenses, but you have to cough up some dough to care for any kind of animal. Many people don’t consider these costs before they commit to pet ownership. From food to regular veterinarian visits, most domestic animals require constant maintenance. Rather than put you off owning a pet altogether, we would like to offer you 57 creative ways to save money as a pet owner.

Acquiring a Pet

1. Avoid “Puppy Mills” - Unless you want a show dog, buying a dog based on its exclusive pedigree is needlessly expensive. Animal activists even argue that breeding dogs is unethical. Besides, mutts often are the most lovable dogs.
2. “Free To Good Home” - Many people find themselves with too many puppies or kittens after their pet has a litter. Ask friends or family in this situation for an animal and they will often give it to you for free. Also, you may happen upon a “free to good home” sign or classified ad in your travels.
3. Take In a Stray - This is a good way to acquire a free animal, provided you are sure he/she is a stray and not someone’s lost pet.
4. Contact a Rescue Group - There are many animal rescue groups that are looking for good homes to place animals with. If you are keen on having a specific breed, this is the more humane way of acquiring a pedigreed cat or dog.
5. Work at a Pet Store - Working at a pet store will not only get you a company discount on pet products, you may be able to get a free or inexpensive pet through your connections.
6. Limit Yourself - Can you really afford a pack of dogs or aquarium full of fish? Limit yourself on how many animals you acquire, as the costs will mount very quickly.
7. Check the Local Paper - Free and inexpensive pets are often listed in the classified section of your local paper.
8. Use Craigslist - Craigslist.org is a classified Web site that is free to the public. You can find almost anything on Craigslist, including pet advertisements. Also, you could post your own ad, expressing your desire for a free or inexpensive pet.
9. Go to the Shelter - There are many animals at your local animal shelter who need good homes. The prices are fair and, if you are going to a shelter that euthanizes animals, you will be saving a life.
10. Call Dibs On an Unborn Animal - If you know someone who has a pregnant animal or an animal that may become pregnant in the future, call dibs on one of its offspring. This may not yield you immediate results, but may secure you a free or inexpensive pet in the future.
11. Don’t Tempt Thieves - Like cars, there are certain types of animals that are popular among thieves. Certain dog breeds, in particular, can fetch a high price for dognappers. Try not to obtain animals that people are looking to steal. If you already have one that is highly coveted, keep it out of public view.
12. Buy a Low-Maintenance Pet - You don’t always have to get a dog or a cat for companionship. Rodents, for example, are easy pets to care for and relatively inexpensive in the long run.
13. Get a Pet That Will Work For You - Whether it’s a backyard guard dog or a grass-munching goat, you can save money by acquiring a pet that offers something in addition to companionship.
14. Avoid Rare Animals - Not only are exotic pets expensive to purchase and sometimes illegal to own, they are often very costly to care for. From birds to dogs, it is always cheaper to own a common, domestic animal.

Food

15. Use a Rewards Card - There are credit cards and grocery store cards that will help you save money when buying food for your pets. When applying for a credit card, make sure it is one with a low interest rate.
16. Compare Store Prices - You may find that a pet superstore offers better prices than your supermarket, or vice versa. Don’t assume you are getting the best deal on food prices. Call around for price comparisons and keep your eye open for sales.
17. Skip the Trendy, Expensive Foods - While you want to give your pet healthy foods and the occasional treat, he/she probably doesn’t need anything from the frozen section of your local pet store.
18. Don’t Feed Your Pet Junk - On the flip side, the cheapest brand of food in the store could be the least healthy, leading to higher health care costs. Consult your veterinarian on what kind of frugal food is safe to purchase.
19. Feed Your Pet Less - Is your pet eating more than the recommended amount? Only distribute as much as the packaging suggests. You will be saving in food costs and health care costs if your animal maintains a healthy weight.
20. Use Coupons - Manufacturer and store coupons can save you a lot of money in the long run, particularly if you use them during double or triple coupon events.
21. Buy In Bulk - You will always need food for your pet, so buying in bulk will not be a wasted investment. This could be a way to save a considerable amount of money. Check your local price club, such as Sam’s Club or Costco.
22. Don’t Let Wet Food Spoil - If you are feeding your animal canned, wet food, feed them a little at a time and store the rest where it won’t spoil.
23. Don’t Share Your Pet’s Food - With other critters and insects, that is. Leaving your animal’s food bowl where it can be picked at by strays or swarmed by ants is a surefire way to waste money.
24. Keep Food Out Of the Rain - If your pet’s food bowl is always outside, be sure to protect it from the rain.
25. Grow Your Own Pet Food - While this will only work for certain animals, a vegetable garden can be cost-effective for the whole family (including your pet rabbit).

Grooming

26. Brush Your Pet’s Teeth - This is a service provided by your veterinarian and/or groomer that you can do on your own for a fraction of the price. A toothbrush can be found at your local pet store.
27. Clean Your Pet’s Ears - Doing this on your own will save in grooming fees and in health care costs, as your animal will get fewer earaches.
28. Trim Your Pet’s Hair - If you have a long-haired pet that requires frequent haircuts, you can do this at home with a grooming kit that costs less than $100. Usually, this kit will pay for itself with one haircut. However, take your time and be careful, as you don’t want to nick your pet’s skin.
29. Trim Your Pet’s Nails - Rather than paying someone to do this, trim your animal’s nails with a special tool from your local pet store. This may also save money in reducing household destruction by your pet’s unruly claws.
30. Wash Your Own Pet - Sure, it’s a pain to do sometimes, but why would you pay someone else to do it? If you are the owner of a large dog, even investing in an outside dog bath will save money.
31. Regularly Brush Your Pet’s Coat - This is especially important for long-haired dogs. Regular brushing will help to maintain your animal’s appearance without sending him/her to a groomer. This also cuts back on loose hair on your clothes and furniture, reducing the need for dry cleaning.
32. Trim the Hair Short - Just like your lawn, you will have to trim your animal’s hair less if it is cut short.
33. Dilute Your Pet’s Shampoo - To make your pet shampoo stretch further, pour half of one bottle into an empty bottle and top both of them off with water.

Healthcare

34. Attend All Well Visits - Don’t postpone your animal’s regular visits to the veterinarian. Even if he/she is healthy and thriving, their check-ups will keep them that way.
35. Don’t Get Unnecessary Shots - Ask your veterinarian what your animal absolutely has to have shots for this year. Recommendations change all the time, so stay on top of it and make sure you aren’t spending needless money.
36. Make Sure Your Pet Exercises - You’re not the only one who needs to get more cardio. A sedentary animal will experience more health problems, costing you more money (and heartbreak).
37. Think About Medical Insurance - While your hermit crab won’t benefit from it, some animals will be cheaper to maintain if they have an insurance policy. Some affordable plans will cover all routine visits and shots.
38. Spay/Neuter Your Pet - Doing this will reduce your animal’s chances of developing certain reproductive cancers. Also, he/she will be less likely to stray from home and get hurt.
39. Find an Affordable Veterinarian - Some animal clinics will see your pet on a sliding scale, should you be under financial strain. Also, local universities with a veterinarian program may see patients for less money than a regular office.
40. Find Inexpensive Shot Clinics - When it the time comes for your pet to get his/her shots, look for low-cost clinics to save money. Your veterinarian’s office may host shot clinics a few times a year. Also, you can check with the Humane Society for information on shot clinics.
41. Ask Your Veterinarian For Samples - Like any other doctor, your veterinarian receives samples from drug companies. Request free samples if your animal needs any kind of medication.
42. Compare Pharmacy Prices - Don’t assume that your pet’s medication is going to be the same price at every pharmacy. If you are about to buy something expensive or if your pet is put on chronic medication, call around town and get the best deal.
43. Don’t Use Over-the-Counter Flea Products - Many inexpensive flea treatments for dogs and cats are actually quite toxic. Consult your veterinarian about your pet’s flea problem, not your groomer or your local pet store. Though you may think you are saving money with such products, you are actually risking high medical bills or even your pet’s life.
44. Research Common Household Dangers - Do you know which household plants are toxic to your pet or which foods you should absolutely not feed your dog from the table? A little online research on a credible animal care site can save you a bundle in medical bills.
45. Keep Your Pet Indoors - Outdoor animals tend to get into more accidents and contract more illnesses.
46. Mail Order Medications - Monthly prescriptions, such as your dog’s heartworm medication, can be purchased with a credit card through various mail order services. Research this service beforehand, however, and make sure the company you use is reputable.

Toys & Supplies

47. Give Your Cat Something to Scratch - Doing this is cheaper than reupholstering your furniture. A few scratching posts will suffice, which you should place near the cat’s food and next to the cat’s bed.
48. Recycle Your Children’s Toys - Did your baby grow out of his/her teething rings (great for a puppy who is teething) or stuffed animals? There may be something in the collection that can be passed down to your playful pet.
49. Use Household Items as Toys - Not just a cliche image, a ball of yarn is something that cats really do enjoy. That is one of many inexpensive things around the house that your pet can play with.
50. Skip the Wardrobe - Does your pet really need to wear little sweaters and costumes? You may think the outfits look cute, but they are really a waste of money.
51. Use Alternative Cat Litter - Refilling your cat’s litter box can really add up, so try an alternative. From sand to wood pellets, some people have made the switch without kitty ever noticing. Do make sure that whatever you use is safe for your cat, however. If you’re really ambitious, you could always toilet train your cat.
52. Buy a Durable Leash - A leash endures a lot of wear and tear, so buy a heavy-duty one that is appropriate to your animal’s size.
53. Choose a Practical Collar - Your pet doesn’t need a designer collar, rather one that is safe and long-lasting.
54. Forgo the Fancy Tags - You will be issued a tag for your dog or cat when you get him/her licensed, so don’t waste your money with some fancy, personalized tag service that is often advertised at the pet store.
55. Make a Dog Bed - Buying a dog bed is unnecessary, as most indoor dogs are easily trained to sleep on the floor. However, a dog that prefers something soft can be given an old quilt or folded sheet to sleep on.
56. Assemble Your Own Doghouse - If you are handy with wood projects, then assembling a pet shelter from scrap should be no problem and is much less expensive than commercial doghouses.
57. Attend Garage Sales - You can find many pet accessories, particularly children’s toys that your pet will love, at garage sales for cheap.

Owning a pet can be costly, though animals offer many emotional benefits. While we aren’t suggesting that you deprive your pet of any comfort, there are many expenses you can forgo as a pet owner. By following some of the above advice, you can save money in areas you never knew possible.

Frugal Summers: 101 Ways to Entertain Yourself and Your Family

Summer vacation lasts about two to three months, or 60 to 90 days. The following list contains 101 ways to entertain yourself and your family, so now you have more ideas than there are days in your summer vacation. Additionally, these tips are free or inexpensive, so they won’t put a strain on your wallet, either. If you create memories through any of these activities, this may be your best summer ever.

The Library

Whether you’re an adult, a teen, or a child, the library can offer some great free summer programs. Check out your local library to see what they have planned for the summer. If you’re traveling, you can attend summer events at your destination library as well. This latter trick will not only save some money, but an indoor activity can rescue you and your family from the summer heat with library air conditioning. Here are some examples of what you can experience:

1. The New York State Library is offering a state-wide summer reading program. Most libraries offer this opportunity, but if your library is behind the times you can challenge your kids to read a certain number of books in a weekend or over a week. Get their friends involved in this competition if you face a roadblock.
2. Whether you’re traveling or staying at home, you might enjoy a lecture series offered by various institutions. For instance, The Friends of the University Libraries, a support organization for the libraries at Utah State University, sponsors a summer lecture series that is open to audiences of all ages.
3. Look for special library events to spice up your summer. The Boulder, Colorado library is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and they’re commemorating this event with concerts, films, storytellers, and special displays.
4. Even toddlers can take advantage of local library programs with crafts and story times geared specifically to this age group. If your local library doesn’t sponsor such a program, volunteer to start one and pull other mothers into a rotating schedule.
5. Clean out your bookshelves and offer the books to your local library. Better yet, find out when the local library holds their annual book sale and offer your books for that event. If they don’t hold one, organize a book sale to benefit your library. Yes, kids can get involved as well!
6. You don’t need to hang out at the library. You can check out books and movies that will help enhance some of the other activities listed below.
7. Pick one author and read every single one of his or her books. If the author has a biography, read that as well. Learn as much as you can about this author, and you’ll become a mini-literary expert by summer’s end.

Virtual or Free Trips

Virtual trips ignore travel budgets and you can also fit free trips (excluding gas or public transportation) into a skinny budget. The best list of virtual trips is located at OOPS, but the following list will get you started:

8. Take a walk around the neighborhood to learn about various topographical features. Use Google Maps as a tool for interactivity, as you may discover new trails or other features that were previously hidden from view. Geography4Kids is just one of many sites that can introduce this subject to your family in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.
9. Head to the library to gather books about a specific place and use the Internet to learn more about your “destination.” Virtual Field Trips is your guide for this activity, but other sites like VolcanoWorld can take you and your family to specific locations.
10. The nice thing about virtual trips is that you don’t need to stay on earth. A visit to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Web site is free, fun, and educational. NASAQuest challenges kids to learn, along with a page on how to participate.
11. Teens, small children, and interested adults can take a trip to the farm to learn more about agriculture. Or, if animals seem more fun, take a trip to the San Diego Zoo to visit the inhabitants online.
12. A historical trip doesn’t require a time machine. Send the youngsters to dig™, an online archeology magazine, while teens and adults can head on over to Archeology Magazine. Both venues offer interactive projects that can keep the entire family busy for days.
13. Whether you plan a real or virtual trip overseas, learn more about how to travel beyond U.S. borders. This activity incorporates ideas that can foster discussions about safety and money.
14. Most towns have local historical districts. Visit your Chamber of Commerce to learn about them, and ask if they have a walking tour. Usually you can take these tours at your leisure with a map, so pack a picnic and take a free lunch break.

Learn a Skill

Your body might feel like a lazy summer, but your brain can sizzle with the activities listed below:

15. What better way to gain a solid math background than to earn money? You can spark a budding entrepreneur’s excitement with a little help from Money Instructor. Supervise younger kids with something simple like a lemonade stand. Older kids can benefit from more complicated tasks that involve crafts or business plans.
16. Do you own a guitar that gathers dust or a flute that’s hidden in the closet? Clean up those instruments and expand on your musical skills with lessons provided by Berklee Shares, an open source project that tackles everything from bass to winds.
17. Poetry may seem easy to write, but each type of poem has its own set of rules. Kids can learn more about this writing form at The Poetry Zone and play with the Poetry Engine at the Scholastic Poetry site. Teens and adults can go to Poetry Magic. Make it a goal to write some silly poetry (a haiku, perhaps?) and share those poems for a good laugh.
18. Combine those musical instruments with poetry and write a song together.
19. If you want to learn a new language, this list of free online language lessons will help you toward that goal. Practice with a language exchange that will help you to hone your newfound skills (use parental guidance for kids).
20. Teens and adults can take advantage of many new open source projects supplied by top-notch colleges. Visit this Open Source Success Stories article to learn about your options. Use the suggested reading lists provided by these courses for your next library trip.
21. If you own a GPS, learn how to map your neighborhood when you take those walks.

Holiday Perks

When you think about summer holidays, you might think about The Fourth of July. But did you know that July 13 is “Embrace Your Geekness Day,” or that July20 is “Moon Day”? Check it out…

22. Before you head out for Fourth of July festivities, take time to learn more about upcoming fireworks. Take the kids to How Fireworks Work, and then challenge them to name the various firework patterns they’ll see that night.
23. Holiday Insights offers information about every famous and obscure international holiday imaginable. Use the site on your virtual trips around the world or as a resource to help keep the kids busy. For instance, August 3 is National Watermelon Day, so be prepared to gorge on this big fruit at a backyard picnic. See who can spit the seeds the furthest, and you might end up with a free watermelon next year!
24. Celebrate a holiday out of season, based upon your beliefs. While some families might want to make Christmas projects in July, while other families might want to create a Yule Wreath for Winter Solstice.
25. Maybe your idea for a holiday isn’t listed at Holiday Insights. In that case, you’ll need to create your own holiday. Use the theme to make decorations and cards, and invite some friends to celebrate.
26. Holiday Insights probably skipped by your local celebrations. Learn in advance about any centennials, annual events, or other traditions and take part in or visit the activities.
27. Holidays mean little without family or visitors, so make it a point to include the elderly in your plans. Make holiday-specific cards and take them to the local nursing home. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the inhabitants - they’ll appreciate your efforts.

Get Artistic

If you can’t draw a straight line, then use a ruler! Otherwise, try to stretch your visual creativity with some of the projects below:

28. If you own a digital camera (traditional is ok, but film processing costs more money), use it to create digital collages. You don’t need expensive software - just print out the photos, cut, and paste. Or you can invest in inexpensive software like PhotoMix or CollageMaker. Visit a collage gallery for ideas, and Ancestry.com for some guidelines.
29. Another version on the collage uses old photographs. Supervise the kids so they don’t cut up valuable mementos!
30. Do you have hundreds of magazines in the attic? Use their headlines and pictures to create cards, collages, posters, and more.
31. Make a family movie. Movie-Making for Kids provides a great guideline for the younger ones to get started.
32. Create a movie poster to advertise that home-grown video and send it out to family or friends along with a release date for a showing. Or, simply use this poster as a way to get the family together for a DVD night.
33. Before you pull out the paints, head to Color Matters to learn all about basic color theory and why color matters in art.
34. You might want to keep the younger kids away from messy paints. If so, just send them to the Coloring Page for non-splatter activities.
35. If you don’t mind the mess, you can involve the kids in a household painting project. Learn about interior and exterior paint methods, techniques, and other essentials before you get started. Plus, you can find special interior painting techniques through books at your local library.
36. Use a pencil instead of paint and draw a portrait.
37. Write a script and produce a play. Find costumes at a local second-hand shop, and use the movie poster venue in #32 to advertise your production.
38. Take a clue from the kids at the Newfields Elementary School. Over a month, 28 fourth-graders read biographies, wrote first-person speeches and jotted down facts and quotes. They then dressed up like their characters and created a “wax museum.” This idea is a great neighborhood or group activity for the summer.
39. Create a blank journal for some of the following activities…

Collections

Sometimes it’s fun to collect things. Sometimes it’s fun to get rid of those old collections…

40. Keep a journal about summer activities. Collect quotes that fit your thoughts.
41. A larger journal can become a summer scrapbook.
42. Learn how to dry flowers for that scrapbook.
43. Kids of all ages can collect natural materials to create a small “museum” small exhibit. A real or virtual museum trip can help them with ideas for their collections. Free collections like leaves, flowers, rocks, or shells can be gathered during neighborhood or vacation walks.
44. The previous idea might lead to a hobby like stamp collecting. If so, research that hobby online, as many clubs offer their expertise for free. For example, the budding stamp collector can visit the American Philatelic Society and the National Postal Museum to learn more.
45. It’s time to clean out the kitchen! Invite friends to do the same, and pull those food collections together for a variation on a potluck. Instead of bringing a dish, you create the dish out of the ingredients. Visit Recipe Zaar for some zany potluck recipe ideas.
46. While you’re in the cleaning mood, visit your attic and closets. You might find plenty of “collections” for a yard sale. This is one activity where the kids can learn about money management, sales, and - yes, the value hidden in a cluttered closet.
47. One more on the household collection theme… make a list of all the household chores that you’ve avoided in the past. Pick one or two days where you can make headway on that list. If you have kids who can help, those tasks will be done in a flash.
48. Recycle some of those unwanted household items with a family time capsule.
49. Collect ancestors as you research your family tree. While you might shy away from fee-based Ancestry.com, this site does contain some free resources. Your other option - one of the best on the Web - is at Family Search. This activity might lead to the next one…
50. Visit a cemetery to conduct family research. While this activity might sound morbid, you can volunteer your time to keep grass trimmed around stones while you visit. Plus, many gravestones hold lessons in their carvings, and these sculptures can create a new collection. If your kids are into the Goth lifestyle, you won’t be able to hold them back. Photos are better than rubbings (rubbings can deteriorate a stone), so bring a camera.

Look Up

The sky can offer plenty of activity, mostly at night. Be sure to wear sunglasses during daytime activities.

51. There’s nothing like cloud watching, especially on a lazy summer day. Younger kids (and adults) can imagine animals in cloud formations. Teens might enjoy learning about hurricanes (it’s that time of year!) at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
52. Track the moon’s phases in real time and through a virtual Moon Phase calculator.
53. Even if you don’t own a telescope, you can keep track of the stars through Astronomy News.
54. If you live near a place where you can view the stars, see if you can identify the constellations in your area.
55. Make a map of the constellations that you find.
56. You can’t help but look up when you fly a kite. If you make that kite, this activity can take up a full day.
57. Go to the dollar store and purchase some soapy bubbles and a blower (or make your own bubble solution). See who can send the bubbles up and out the furthest.

Natural Delights

Take advantage of outdoor activities that can help you and the kids sleep better at night. On hot days, go out in early morning or after dinner and do inside activities (like museums or library) when the sun is high.

58. Create a campground in the back yard with sheets. Sleep out on a trampoline. Go to a local park and pitch a tent. Use whatever you can to spend the night outside.
59. Local or faraway National Parks can spice up your summer. Although most National Parks now charge a minimal entrance and/or parking fee, their grounds are superb and many hold historical or natural treasures.
60. While you’re on your camping trip, record night time sounds. Try to identify those noises at sites like Nocturnal Animal Sounds.
61. Record sounds while on a walk. Use the sounds to create a background for your poetry recordings.
62. Learn about your state flower and bird. Try to find both when you’re out on your walks.
63. Use a bicycle if you don’t feel like walking. Teach the younger kids how to ride, or hold a Bicycle Safety clinic.
64. Turn a walk into a day-long adventure with backpacks. Plan ahead to avoid frustration, and be sure to carry some bandaids, sunscreen, and wear hats.
65. If you have access to a local botanical garden, learn about their summer activities. You might discover that many of the events are free, especially for children.
66. If you live near a beach, a swimming hole, or a pool, then grab that swimsuit and practice your strokes (requires RealPlayer).
67. Create a terrarium in a jar.
68. Use your backyard to create a maze or an obstacle course.
69. You might not like worms, but your kids might love them. Help them to build a worm farm, and the whole family can learn about natural recycling (the worms eat compost and other trashy treasures). If you purchase the “Reds” to start the farm as the article suggests, the worms can be sold or offered for free to local fishermen (and women) and gardeners at summer’s end.
70. Avoid sodas this summer. Instead, drink water or learn how to make crushed fruit drinks. All you need is a blender, frozen fruit, and some juice to make a concoction that’s cold, sweet, and healthy. You can find a recipe at Mountain States Health Alliance (try it without the honey - it’s just as sweet).

Community Resources

Community centers, businesses, and other organizations don’t take summer vacations. Use the list below for some ideas on how to use these resources…

71. Visit your Chamber of Commerce and ask them about this summer’s free town or city events. You can also check the newspaper for activities close to home. If you get online, just type, “free activities ‘your town’” and you might discover a plethora of things to do this summer. Use this same trick if you plan to travel, but replace “your town” with the destination town.
72. County Fairs are great ways to keep the family occupied - often for days. If you haven’t visited a county fair lately, you might be surprised at the level of sophistication involved with some activities and exhibits. You’ll see animals, yes. But, you’ll also see great photography, artwork, food, and other great exhibits. Speaking of food - often you’ll find very inexpensive meals at these affairs, as well as some concerts worth your attendance.
73. Sidewalk art sales are great ways to introduce kids to art and entrepreneurship. Many local or traveling artists like to talk about their work, so don’t walk by without saying hi.
74. Don’t eliminate church activities from your agenda, even if you don’t attend that church (or any church for that matter…). You might discover a concert, a play, or other secular event that uses a church as a venue.
75. Check local shops for classes. Craft shops, for instance, might hold classes that are age-specific. Some classes may be offered free as a way to lure people into the shop. Other classes might cost. Determine what you can afford, and if you can’t attend then purchase a few supplies and hold a design-it-yourself class.
76. Don’t miss Grand Openings or anniversaries sponsored by local businesses. You might find food, music, and great deals at these events.
77. Look for “free days” at your local museums and zoos.
78. Visit Cinemark, Regal, and AMC to learn whether you have access to their budget-priced G-Rated films. If not, check with your local theater to ask them about their reduced summer rates.
79. Volunteer your time and/or skills for local needs. You may soon discover that volunteerism means more than helping the poor.

Neighborhood Resources

If you like your neighbors or if you belong to a social group, you can get together for many activities. Just add more folks to the activities above, or try the ones listed below:

80. If you like scrapbooking, get together with other families to share resources. You can learn more about this activity at Scrapbooking Club Basics.
81. Leave the neighborhood with your neighbors and visit a local park. Bring dishes for a potluck picnic, and let the kids run (almost) free.
82. Create a community project, or get involved with a local effort. You could do this on your own, but it’s more fun with friends. Use this guideline [PDF] to get started. Although the guideline comes from a U.K. effort, you can use the same ideas to create your community project.
83. Create a scavenger hunt, but don’t overdo this effort. Twenty activities or items will keep kids going for a full afternoon if planned carefully. Keep this activity age-specific so it’s not too easy for teens and not too hard for the youngsters.
84. Get together to learn new games or to play old ones. Learn how to play bridge, or play bingo. Some games aren’t suitable for younger kids, so utilize the teens as babysitters or monitors for kid’s games (a small payment for this job would be appropriate).
85. Create music with your neighbors and their kids. Use traditional instruments, or get creative and use pans, spoons, or other objects to create rhythms and sounds.
86. Hold a block party. Although these parties usually celebrate special events (new neighbor, holiday, etc.), you can make up a new reason for the party and make it an annual event.
87. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, hold a neighborhood DVD day. It only takes two or three families to share two or three movies - enough to fill a long afternoon or evening. Make popcorn, bring drinks, and settle in for a showing!
88. If your neighborhood is kind of geeky and if your neighbors are willing to ante up for a trip, then you can check out the Inexpensive Getaway list at Free Geekery. While some of the trips listed here might not appeal to the entire group, they can help you to generate some ideas. The bonus? Group travel often is cheaper than traveling alone (be sure to use any airline, hotel, or travel awards cards to gain points to use next summer).
89. Hold a local tournament. Computer games, darts, horseshoes, or any other game that provides team play will work for this activity. Make the games age-specific for safety and to hold interest.
90. Coop with your neighbors. If one has a pool and another has a soccer net and you have a trampoline, share resources. Spend one day at the pool, another playing soccer, and then share your trampoline on the third day.

Rainy Day Solutions

91. Take photos on your walks or trips and post them online on rainy days. Use flickr as a free personal photo gallery to share with family, friends, or classmates.
92. When you clean out the attic for that yard sale, you might find your old scrapbooks and photo albums. Share these books with your children so they can learn more about your life.
93. If that rainy weather persists, move the kitchen or dining room table and hold a picnic on the floor.
94. Relearn how to write letters. If writing long letters proves too painful, make cards and write short notes.
95. Turn off the lights, get out some flashlights and tell some ghost stories.
96. Gather the kids and tell them all about how their parents met and fell in love.
97. Make sure you have a pack of cards and then go to Card Games. Your family can ignore a rainy day easily if you play all the games on this site.
98. Teach the kids how to make Rice Krispies® Treats. They’re good, they’re fun, and you don’t need to turn on the oven and heat up the house.
99. If the rain is a simple shower - not a thunderstorm - go outside and play tag. This is a great way to cool down!
100. Build an eggshell ship to sail in puddles (or in the tub). Even teens think this toy is hilarious.
101. If you’ve kept a journal or have taken photographs or videos of your summer activities, then you might want to create a family blog. Use a site like Live Journal, where you can insert videos and photographs, and where you also keep the journal private if that’s your wish.

Finally, just have fun. If you can laugh just once every day this summer, you’ll know you’ve met that goal!