Smart Family

(ARA) - Many American families will opt to save money this summer by foregoing a vacation at the beach, theme park or other destination. But deciding to stay home doesn't mean you have to give up summer fun altogether. You can have plenty of fun close to home - even right in your own backyard - with a modest cash investment and a little planning ahead.

Water, water everywhere

Summer and water play go hand in hand. You don't have to head to the beach to make a splash. Explore local attractions to learn if a water park is near your home; a one-day trip to such a destination can yield hours of fun at a fraction of the cost of even the most modest beach vacation.

If no water park is nearby, look for a nature preserve, park or lake where you can engage in some water sports. If all else fails, don't underestimate the sheer fun you can have in your own backyard with a couple of kiddie pools, a sprinkler and a garden hose. After all, the objective is to get wet, cool off and have fun together as a family.

While you're having fun in the water, remember to get enough water into your body as well. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water whenever you take part in outdoor activities this summer. Don't leave home without a supply of water bottles like the spill-proof, BPA-free plastic Tritan Hydration Bottle offered by Contigo. Reusable water bottles not only help you stay hydrated, they help the environment by keeping plastic bottles out of the waste stream.

Keep the outdoors great

Spending time in the great outdoors is one of the great joys of summer. But to keep your enjoyment of the outdoors feeling good, be sure to take some important items with you when you're out, whether you're hiking a trail in the community park, frolicking at the community pool, enjoying the kids' summer softball game or gardening in your own backyard.

Always wear sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays - at least SPF15, but higher is better. Also carry a sunburn soother, like SunBurnt After-Sun Gel, a homeopathic extract, to cool, sooth and hydrate your skin to help reduce skin peeling in case you inadvertently get too much sun.

Take the technology

Technology makes our lives easier in so many ways, and you can use some of your favorite high-tech items to make your summer stay-at-home vacation more enjoyable.

Carry the flat-screen TV and DVD player out to the backyard and set up a summer movie night for the whole family. Or rent a projector and screen for a more theater-like experience. Keep your favorite music player on hand for spinning tunes when you're enjoying the backyard, whether it's watching the kids play in the kiddie pool or hosting a sophisticated adults-only barbecue for some close friends.

When you're on the go, your iPod or MP3 player can help keep summer moving with great music. For times when you don't want to share your music, opt for earphones and try an accessory like Spot for Earphones that will keep cords tangle free. The Spot clips to shirts, pants or shorts and keeps earphone wires tangle free.

Courtesy of ARAcontent