Having fun in the summer doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.  There are plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy on a budget!  Take a look:

Picnic.  Pack a few sandwiches, drinks, a blanket, and a Frisbee and head to your local public park. 

Monon Trail.  Pay a visit to Indianapolis’ Monon Trail and go for a long walk, a bike ride, or even rollerblading.  Click here for more information on the Monon Trail.

Barbecue.  Instead of going out for an expensive dinner, have a barbecue pitch-in party at your home and invite friends.  You can provide the barbecue and your friends can bring sides and desserts.

Use the Sprinkler.  Instead of paying $5 to $10 a person for you and your family to visit the local public pool, turn on a sprinkler in your yard.  Your kids will have fun with this!  You could even incorporate a water balloon fight.

Backyard Camping.  Try camping at home and instead of paying a fee at a campground.  You can still sing campfire songs, tell stories, and sleep outside without the cost!  Plus, indoor plumbing will only be steps away.

Library.  If it’s a rainy summer day, visit the library and check out a good book instead of spending money at the movie theater or mall. 

IMA Movie Night. If you really want to see a movie with the family, visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art's Summer Nights Film Series from June through August.  They feature movies every Friday evening at the IMA’s amphitheater for $5 per ticket.  $5 is around half the cost of a ticket you’d purchase at your local movie theater.  Click here for details.

Do you have other low-cost summer activity ideas?!