By Gerri Gaitan

It's tough to entertain kids all day without breaking the bank. But just because it's tough, doesn't mean it's impossible. Now that it's summer, take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the great outdoors - there are so many ways to do it while watching your budget. Here are six free, or very affordable summer activities to enjoy with your nieces and nephews.

1. Public Swimming
Most public swimming pools offer incredibly affordable day rates. At my local pool, it only costs $9 per day for both my son and I to swim. To avoid the crowds, go on a weekday, and ask if you can bring your own pool toys to keep your nieces and nephews entertained.

2. Sports Leagues
If the kids in your life are sports fans, why not sign them up for a sports league? Many leagues, especially church leagues or city-sponsored leagues, cost between $20 and $60 for a full summer's-worth of fun. Just make sure you leave room in your budget for any necessary equipment.

If you only have your nieces and nephews with you sporadically, look into weekend sports clinics or recreation centers that offer open gym time. Public facilities are likely to offer affordable rates (my local rec center costs just $5 per day, per person), and it's a great way to help your your niece or nephew get more exercise.

3. Cooking Classes
Lots of restaurants, grocery chains, and cooking schools offer low-cost classes for kids. Do an Internet search to find a few options near you. For example, some California Pizza Kitchens teach kids how to make pizza for just $10 each.

4. Picnics
Pack up sandwiches and healthy snacks, and make a day of it at a local park. Use coupons found in the Sunday paper, or a mobile grocery app like Grocery IQ, to save on food costs, and pick up plates and utensils at your local dollar store. If you choose a park with a great playground, the kids are likely to stay entertained all day.

5. Outdoor Games
There are lots of ways to enjoy cheap fun in your own backyard. Throw on bathing suits and turn on the hose, or pick up squirt guns at Target. Plan a scavenger hunts by hiding items around your yard, then provide clues to help your nieces and nephews find them. Offer a prize at the end, such as a coupon for a free ice cream cone, to reward the effort.

6. Rainy Day Activities
When the weather goes south, don't just park your nieces and nephews in front of the TV and call it a day. They may enjoy it, but there are other ways to have fun. Line stuffed animals up on your couch, and let your nieces and nephews compete to see how many they can knock down (super balls work well for throwing). Or, turn the day into a "classic games day" and break out the Play-Doh and board games, including perennial favorites, Clue, Scrabble and Sorry.

While you want to go out of your way to make your nieces and nephews happy, you also have your own budget to worry about. Take advantage of inexpensive entertainment ideas so you can have fun while also saving money.

How do you keep the kids in your life entertained without draining your bank account?

Photo: freedigitalphotos
Published: June 30, 2014