Five ideas for affordable summer fun

(ARA) – The traditional week at the beach house is out of the budget, thanks to the recession. And you’re not too keen on spending $50 per person to visit the local amusement park.

Where can you find affordable summertime fun? More Americans will likely cut costs by staying home this summer and finding fun right in their own backyards or other close-to-home locales.

While there are plenty of activities you can enjoy for free -- from a backyard camp-out to planting your own recession garden -- if you still have a small budget for summer fun, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck. Here are five affordable ways to have fun this summer.

1. A “Wheely” Great Way to Have Fun

Millions of Americans turn to cycling for fun and health. Bikes are a great way to get the whole family involved in outdoor fun for a reasonable cash investment. For adults, a one-time expenditure on a good-quality bike can yield years of enjoyment – and can even be a cost-saving investment if you can bike to work rather than drive your car. For children, look for bikes that will grow with them as long as possible. Then get the whole family on wheels and rediscover the sights and sounds of your own community.

You can get an idea of what bike you might be interested in, and what it will cost, with a little online research.

2. Splish, Splash

Summer is synonymous with pool time. If you don’t live in a development with a community pool, you don’t have to spend thousands to install an in-ground pool. You can enjoy a splashing good time quickly, easily and inexpensively. Easy-to-set-up, above-ground pool kits start at just $139 at Wards.com. Long gone are the days when installing an above-ground pool required you to hire a professional and commit to a permanent structure on your property. Now, collapsible pools make setup quick and easy, and take-down and storage for winter even easier.

3. I Detect a Good Time

Looking for an outdoor hobby that’s inexpensive, something the whole family can do together, and that could even generate some pocket change? Metal detectors promote outdoor exercise (you’ll walk a lot searching for “buried treasure”), are easy to use and could help you discover some valuables -- or at the very least some spare change. Enthusiasts enjoy the anticipation of the hunt, as well as spending time outdoors.

4. Let’s Go Camping

Sure, a weekend camping in a national park would be fun, but if it’s not in your budget, simply set up a tent in your own backyard, bundle the kids into sleeping bags and enjoy your own piece of the great outdoors. Make the experience seem even more authentic for youngsters by throwing in a set of reasonably priced walkie-talkies, so kids can be on their own “in the wilderness” while knowing you’re just a short-wave radio call away.

5. Get in the Game

Yard games have been enjoyed by all ages for about as long as humans have had yards. From traditional horseshoes to more modern options like ladder golf, it’s easy to find a yard game that appeals to all skill and fitness levels. You’ll find plenty of yard game ideas at Wards.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent