Have you been to the local parks in your area? If not, you don’t know what you may be missing out on.

There are hidden gems in any state and just about any area of the country.

Make it a point this summer to explore as many of them as possible. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the summer, get out there and explore nature.

All the while you’re supporting your local community and the parks themselves. Parks, no matter how big or small, need to attract visitors to make sure they receive the funding to stay in operation.

Go do your part by exploring the parks in your area. Continue reading →

There are a lot of expensive summer activities out there from camps to amusement and waterparks. Even if you’re not heading out on a vacation, summer fun can be an expensive proposition. That is unless you keep an eye out for great deals and freebies available in your own community.

Start by looking for a local calendar of events. Many cities and communities will put these monthly calendars together and note any special events, festivals, concerts, community theatre performances and the likes throughout the year. There are often special summer events as well including plenty of fun and free stuff to do with the kids.

For example, many cities will have summer concerts in parks that are free to attend. Bring some lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on along with your own drinks. You may even want to pack a picnic dinner to take along. Continue reading →