As summer arrives and kids get out of school, living well while enjoying time with family and friends doesn't necessarily require a lot of effort or extra cash. Whether you want to be productive, experience something new, have fun or just relax, here are some suggestions on how to use your time and money wisely as summer heats up.

Family Fun

Family Game Night

Get everyone excited about a family game night tradition. It fosters healthy competition as well as sportsmanship. Plus, it fits any budget. Great summer outdoor activities include playing games such as Frisbee disc, capture the flag, and sardines. Rain or shine, board games with pizza and simple snacks make a winning combination. Look for coupons online for classics such as Monopoly and Scrabble board games.

Backyard Carnival

Organize a backyard carnival with the kids and their friends. Set up stations for old-fashioned games such as a ring toss, a clothespin drop and water balloon darts (use particle board with small balloons pinned on it). Face painting and estimation jars filled with candy (the closest guess without going over wins) also add to the fun. Look for inexpensive prizes at dollar stores. Don't forget concessions such as hot dogs, chips, soda, ice cream and lemonade, or the plastic plates, bowls, and cups. Coupons for these products are abundant at this time of year, so be sure and stock up when you see a great deal! For example, you can even find coupons for premium brands like Häagen-Dazs ice cream for a special treat.

Neighborhood Potluck

Organize a neighborhood block party or potluck gathering. It's an inexpensive way to invest in your immediate community and have fun at the same time. Assign specific categories of food to different families - appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts - so that you don't get too much of one dish. If you need ideas for recipes, visit the Coupons.com Recipe Page, which automatically shows coupon offers for ingredients to help you save even more.

Local Outings, Budgetwise

As your budget permits, consider outings to local amusement parks, sporting events or zoos. Be sure to plan ahead and pack your own water bottles, soda, and snacks to save throughout the day. Look for coupons on grocery items and pick up sandwiches ahead of time to save on food items that typically cost a fortune at the park. Consider investing in an Entertainment book for discount admissions to venues in your local area.

Of course, kids love entertainment venues like Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants, so be sure to check online or in your local Entertainment book for coupons.

Be Productive

Home Improvement

Using your money to make a lasting change in your home may sound like work, but it can actually lead to greater relaxation down the road. After all, if you're not worried about a leaky roof, that's true peace of mind. Learn how to do-it-yourself through free seminars offered at home improvement stores and you'll save in the process. Pick up sponges, window cleaner, and other household cleaners while you are there and don't forget to look for coupons for those items.

Garage Sale

Clear the clutter from your home while making some additional cash by having a garage sale. Invite neighbors to participate in a neighborhood sale to maximize foot traffic. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the weekend and have fun with your earnings! Introduce your kids to the basics of entrepreneurship by helping them with a lemonade or juice stand that runs in conjunction with your sale. You can even help them to maximize their profits by showing them where to look for coupons and discounts on their supplies.

Great Adventures

Let Your Budget Drive You

What can you do for just $100? In some cases, a lot! Set a budget and see how far it takes you. There are a number of websites that offer last-minute discounts on hotels, car rentals, and flights. Do not leave your sense of adventure behind since you don't know exactly what you'll get. For added savings throughout your trip, you can purchase the local Entertainment book for your destination.

Campouts

Pitch a tent in your own backyard for some close-to-home adventure. If you have a fire pit, make sure you have graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows to make s'mores. If it rains, you can run for cover quickly. Besides, there are no grounds fees. If you're looking for outdoor gear for less, check out thrift stores, Craigslist, and resale shops.

Taste of Culture

Free Festivals

For some, attending outdoor festivals is an occasional event. For many, it's a ritual. Whether you're into food, music, or crafts, there's certain to be something to fit your interests as well as your budget. Search online using your town name plus "free summer events" as your keywords. There are websites that allow you to search for festivals by keyword, category or by state. Again, be sure to plan ahead and pack your own water bottles, sodas, and snacks.

Wine & Beer Tastings

Take a tour of a nearby vineyard or brewery and enjoy some free samples when the tour wraps up. If you're not located in close proximity to any wineries, organize your very own tasting event with friends. Instruct guests to spend no more than $10 on an interesting bottle of wine and pair it with some cheese. Conduct a blind taste test and have everyone vote on their favorite variety. Always use alcohol responsibly: designate drivers ahead of time and have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand for them to enjoy.

Discount Museum Passes

Most museums offer free admission one day a month or at certain times during the week. Go there to experience some culture, completely gratis. If that doesn't work out, other great discounts may be available through your employer, AAA, or your credit card. Some libraries even offer museum memberships for checkout as they would books and other media. If you're a frequent visitor, consider investing in a family membership to have something fun to do year-round.

Here's to a great summer, without the heat evaporating our budgets.

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