Keeping your kids engaged and active each summer can sometimes be a challenge. This is why I've decided to share my favorite summer past times that are frugal, educational and tons of fun.

Summer Berry Picking

Picking apples and pumpkins are favorite fall activities. But in the summer we love to go to local farms and pick berries. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are in season during the summer and many orchids and farms have days where the public can go picking and pay by the pound. I use this New Jersey Fresh website as a resource to find out which farms are open for picking during summer months in New Jersey. Look up local farms in your area!

Why we love this activity: Turn this activity into a yearly family tradition. It's a great way for the family to get out of the house and the kids will love the sweet healthy snacks!

Backyard Water Adventures

Hosting backyard water activities is a fun and frugal pastime on those super hot summer days. For the little ones, here is a great list of water toys for toddlers that are sure to make a splash! Our big kids love water balloon battles, super soakers and water slides. The objective here is to get your kids active and engaged while keeping cool. Don't forget to get your beach towels and snacks ready!

Why we love this activity: Not every summer day warrants a special trip. Having fun activities at home that will keep the kids active (and cool) is a must!

Family Volunteer Days

Make giving back a family affair in my household. Great places to look for volunteer activites include your local church, animal shelters and food drives. Ask around! Giving back to our communities is a great way to spend a summer day (or even just a few hours!)

Why we love this activity: I love sharing the importance of service and giving back. These lessons make a big positive impact that kids will take with them for years to come.

Cooking with the Kids

Turn your daily dinner prep into family time by including your kids in on the work. Cooking with my kids has become a fantastic way for us to bond while allowing them to learn and discover. My little ones love measuring, mixing and pouring!

Why we love this activity: Nothing beats the sense of accomplishment of I made that! Especially when it's something the whole family can enjoy.

Get Creative: DIY Arts & Crafts

It's time to get creative! Arts and craft is a fun and frugal way to spend a day at home. The ideas are endless! Pinterest is my go-to resource for kid-friendly craft ideas.

Why we love this activity: I'll admit arts and crafts is a broad term, but that's exactly why I love it. Cater the crafts to your child's interest to keep them engaged. Does your child love cars? Build your own. How about dressing up like a princess? Why not make your own DIY tiaras?

Free Museum Days

Museums can be a great learning experience for kids and adults alike. Many museums have free or discounted admission days that families can take advantage of in the summer. One great example are Community Nights at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Make sure to check your local museum website to see if they hold special free/discounted days.

Why we love this activity: Learning! Learning! Learning! Many museums hold special family friendly exhibits that are as educational as they are fun. The best part? Exhibits rotate so you can re-visit your favorite museum to discover something new.

Discounted Admission at Your Favorite Theme Park

Did you know that most theme parks offer a discounted admission later in the day? I'll admit, theme parks are often times a special treat for the kids. Between admission, parking and food the day can quickly become very costly. But this activity is a great surprise for the kids and they absolutely love it! Visiting a theme park in the evening cuts down on a lot of the usual costs.

Why we love this activity: Crowded parks usually die down in the evening hours allowing the family to ride their favorite rides with shorter lines. Enjoy a big family meal at home before hand to cut down spending too much on food and snacks.

Have anything to add to this list? What are some of your favorite family-friendly summer activities?

I'd love to hear about them!