“I’m bored, Mom and Dad!” When the days of summer turn endless and the kids run out of things to do, never fear. There are many things you can do at little to no cost. Here is a brief list.

• Act out a short play.
• Bake a cake or some cookies.
• Build a birdhouse.
• Camp out in your backyard.
• Catch up with old friends.
• Check out a free concert.
• Dance to your favorite tunes.
• Feed the ducks down by the lake.
• Go window shopping.
• Invite everyone over for a slumber party.
• Jump on the trampoline.
• Listen to some music.
• Make some crafts.
• Paint a picture.
• Plant some flowers.
• Play some cards or board games.
• Quiz each other.
• Read some books.
• Run through the sprinkler.
• See a free matinee.
• Shop local yard sales.
• Shoot some hoops.
• Spend the day at the park.
• Stop by the farmer’s market.
• Take a hike or bike ride.
• Visit area nursing home residents.
• Volunteer for an organization.
• Watch a video.
• Work in the garden.
• Write a letter, story or play.

This is just a small sample of the low-cost activities that might be available for you and the kids to do in your area. Check with your chamber of commerce, library and park district for other ideas. Ask your friends and family members. You might just discover that there is more going on than you realized, and it might not cost as much as you might think. Start your search today and take advantage of every opportunity to keep your kids busy and your pocketbook intact this summer.