3 Ideas for Inexpensive Family Fun

Have a local adventure or volunteer for good.

ByABC News
July 30, 2016, 3:51 PM

— -- The dog days of summer can have parents searching for activities for their little ones, and once you've done the sprinkler to death, what's left?

Here are three simple -- and inexpensive -- ideas to pass the time with good old-fashioned family fun this summer.

Playground Tour

Try to hit every park and playground in a certain radius in one day. Compare the highlights of each. Did one have a splash pad but one an awesome set of monkey bars? Have your child "design" their ultimate playground based on their favorite features of each.

Photo Bomb the Town

Spend the day photographing your town or city. Every town has special places and people. The guy who has run the neighborhood diner for 40 years? The tree in the center of the town park with the special plaque? They've all got stories to tell. Learn the story, snap a selfie and then print the day's photos to compile a simple scrapbook.

Volunteer for Good

Disney, the parent company of ABC News, is sponsoring a Summer of Service campaign, encouraging young people to engage in public service. Kids can apply for a $500 grant to put toward projects they're working on in their communities. Kids ages 5-18 who are working on projects to improve their communities should apply for a grant at YSA.org/BeInspired. This website also has advice on how to brainstorm ideas for a new project.