This summer there are a lot of families out there looking for things to do with the kids while on a tight budget. I'm always up for a good time with the kids when it's free or reasonably priced. Who isn't? The amount of money you spend doesn't determine how much fun you will have. That's one thing I know for sure. But since most everyone has had to take a financial hit one way or another communities seem to be coming together to make summer fun for kids of all ages at little to no cost at all. You just have to know where to look.

Point your browser on over to Google and find your city or county's web page. On almost all of these sites you can find a link to the community calendar of events. If it's up to date, there you can find everything that is supposed to be going on from the town hall meetings to events in the park, parades, ice cream socials, free concerts, street dances or whatever your community has the ability and funds to put together. Larger city's may even offer events that are just for the parents to enjoy for free. Find a sitter and take advantage one of those nights and enjoy a free date night with some wine tasting.

Another great place to check out for things to do with the kids is you local library. During the summer time there are usually summer reading programs that get the kids involved in reading books in a group like a book club with a prize incentive for mile markers. They also will have things for the younger kids like story time with puppets and different arts and crafts projects that cater to all different age groups. I have never seen a library charge for any of these activities but there is usually a sign up list for the craft days so be sure to get your kids signed up before all the spots are filled!

Got a hand held GPS navigation system like on your mobile phone? If you do, then you have to opportunity to plan a weekly or monthly outing with the family GeoCaching. It's a whole new way to go treasure hunting and people all over the world are getting in on the fun. The object is to find hidden treasures or GeoCaches that are found outdoors. On the official GeoCaching website you can put in your local zip code to get maps and instructions for your area. This is also a great activity if your family likes to go camping. Get your maps and instructions before you leave and have them ready when you are out roughing it.

Share your summer fun ideas with the kids. We all know how bored the kids can get and when money is an issue sharing creativity and ideas will help us all get through the summer months without the unneeded cabin fever! Drop a line here in the comments or as always on Twitter to @HellenWyeth.