Being a SAHM During the Summer

What a busy summer! Between vacations and everything else, summer is fun for the kids and exhausting for me. Trying to find activities that both a 2 year old and a 9 year old enjoy is tough . Mix that with having a tight budget, and I have quite a challenge. Below is a list of things to do when the interests are varied and money does not grow on trees:

1. Funderland, Sacramento. Funderland has great rides for both the little and big kids. Both of the boys had a fantastic time with rides that were their own speeds. There is no admission fee and coupons are readily available. Just make sure it's not 100 degrees when you go.

2. The local library. Okay, so I have not been to a library since college. It was not a place to leisurely read; the library was a place to cram for finals. As a parent, they provide opportunities for your child to fall in love with reading. I'm a little late to the party on this, but you can reserve books online, receive emails about upcoming books that are due, etc. Oh, and here's the obvious draw...free books!

They also have great events for the kids such as summer reading programs and story times. Once, Gav and I went to a story time at the EDH library. It was phenomenal! We had song time, stories, and crafts! (once again, for FREE!) This summer in EDH, the library will throw a pirate themed event, in the park, with a boat! Forget Borders, it's all about the library.

3. Swimming at the local pool. With two boys at home, it is nice to find activities that entertain and tire out the kiddos. Last summer, we frequented the Folsom Aquatic Center. For $150, we had an unlimited family pass for the whole summer. Not to mention, there are a lot of fun characters at the pool (check out my old blog entry, "Hot Fun in the Summertime")

Please post any summer fun ideas for the kiddies. I could use the help.