August is Family Fun Month! 6 Cheap (or Free!) Family Activities August is Family Fun Month and if you’re looking to squeeze in an affordable activity that everyone can enjoy before school gets underway, check out these cheap (or free!) ideas: 1. Movies in the Park There’s a huge movement toward providing free weekly "movies in the park" in cities and towns across the country. These family-friendly nights are typically sponsored by a library or school district, so check your local calendar of events, visitors’ center website or school district homepage. 2. Free Days at the Museum, Aquarium or Zoo A quick Google search or calendars on individual establishments’ websites should help you find out which days of the year are free to the public. In addition, "Museums on Us" allows anyone with a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch debit or credit card FREE access to over 175 museums and culture centers around the U.S. on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. (Only the cardholder is eligible for the free general admission pass.) 3. Concerts in the Park Similar to "Movies in the Park," many cities and towns across the country are now offering free weekly concerts in local parks. Check your local calendar of events and pack a picnic to make the most of a night of toe-tapping, dancing or just relaxing under the stars! 4. Geocaching All you need is a GPS-enabled phone to track and find these containers (often with small trinket treasures!) at local parks. Just download a geocaching app and start your adventure! Be sure to sign and date any logbooks and feel free to bring your own little treasures to leave behind for the next family! 5. Build a Time Capsule Encourage the family to gather items from around the house to bury in a backyard time capsule! Be sure to include photos, letters and other time-sensitive pieces—then set a date for the opening a decade or more in the future! 6. Play "I Spy" on a Hike Make a list of things you’re likely to see (with a few that are possible but more rare) and then head to your local nature center or hiking trail to go out in search of the items/creatures! Depending on the age of your children, you may want to choose something as simple as "a hiker wearing a hat" or "a bird with red on its feathers or beak."