Summer vacation will be here soon. With it will come a chorus of exclamations from your kids – they are bored. What will they do for fun today?

For some families, time or money won’t allow for a vacation this year. Fortunately, there is a lot of fun to be had in your own back yard if you just go looking for it!

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Take a Hike – Look to community and state parks for trails filled with trees, wildflowers and wildlife. Here you will find recreation and pretty scenery.

Visit a Farmer’s Market – Most communities have them and you never know what you’ll find. Help your kids learn where their food comes from while supporting local farmers.

Take a Picnic – Whether it’s at a scenic park or in your own backyard, family picnics are fun! Dining al fresco is especially fun if you pack a Frisbee or some other outdoor game.

Pick Your Own – Seek out a pick your own patch of fruits or vegetables. Pick your own berry patches are especially popular.

Take a Bike Ride – Dust off your bikes and go for a little ride. Everyone will have fun and it’s great exercise!

Hang Around – Spend an afternoon at the school or community playground. What’s more fun than monkey bars and swings?

Look for “Discount Days” – A lot of museums, parks and other attractions offer discount tickets or even free admission certain days of the week. Check out their website or call to see if there are any offers available.

Plan a Movie Night – Too hot to go outside? Prepare a few snacks and watch your child’s favorite movie!

Schedule a Photo Shoot – Give your kids some props and let them ham it up for your camera! They will have fun playing around and you’ll have some great pictures to remember the day.

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive or far from home. Look around your neighborhood and see what’s available and appropriate for your family. Look to your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors’ Center for guidance as well.