My idea of a perfect summer day starts in an air-conditioned Atlantic City hotel room.  It includes outrageously oversized meals, a tiny morning gambling foray, an afternoon on the beach (with plenty of adult beverages), another gambling stop, a great supper, a show and more gaming.  The kids?  Hmmmm…  I think a week-long trip to the grandparents may be in order!

Of course, the David R. Lampsen Summer Activity Plan can be used in classrooms as a model of bad decisionmaking and is nothing short of self-destructive on multiple levels.  As such, I generally reign in my less-than-brilliant instincts in favor of something a little healthier, a wee bit less socially irresponsible and a whole lot cheaper.

Luckily, I don’t suffer much in the compromise.  There are many great ways to enjoy a cheap summer.  Here are some of my favorites…  All of them will keep you cool.  They’re all cheap.  And they’re all family friendly.

Pool play. If you don’t have your own pool (or for renters, one in your complex), go to a municipal swimming pool.  It’s good exercise, the kids will have a blast, it will bring back a slew of childhood memories and the price of admission is often manageable by using the change in your car’s console.  Special bonus:  You now qualify for “adult swim”.  Watch the children sneer as you luxuriate in the chlorinated goodness while they’re forced to watch from the sidelines.

Musing at the museum. It’s educational.  It’s entertaining.  Most museums are now rigged to keep kids at least mildly engaged and active, too.  Unless you’re going to a big ol’ famous museum, it usually doesn’t cost much to get in, making it an affordable way to enjoy a few hours away from home.  There’s another advantage.  Air conditioning.  I don’t know what the deal is, but I think there might be a rule that says museums must be cold enough to serve as emergency meat lockers.  Do the culturally refined thing while avoiding the piercing rays of the summer sun.

Matinee madness. The price of movies is escalating while their overall quality is in decline.  Nonetheless, a matinee can be a pleasant family diversion.  Prices are usually a fraction of the night-time rates and it’s usually fairly easy to find something everyone can tolerate during the summer movie flood.  Once again, you’re ducking the heat, too.  Movie theaters are always nice and cool.  Now, I’m not telling you to break any rules by sneaking in your own drinks, popcorns or candy.  This is, however, a blog focused on personal finance.  You don’t want to pay those concession prices.  “Act accordingly,” he said with a wink.

Balloon battle. You can buy a big bag of empty balloons for around a buck.  I’ve never been in a dollar store that didn’t have those cheap balloons available.  Water from your outside spigot is cheap, too.  Fill balloons with water.  Divvy up balloons among all present.  Retreat to respective corners of the lawn.  One, two, three four…  I declare a water balloon war!  The kids get a chance to soak ma and pa.  The water keeps everyone from feeling as if their flesh has been converted to hot candle wax.  It’s a winner!

I know it’s not officially summer yet, but the mercury is beginning to sneak upwards and those days when the pavement feels like lava and opening the front door is like opening a broiler will soon be upon us.  Prepare for them by having a handy set of cheap summer activities you can crutch on to keep everyone cool and happy.