SUMMER DEALS

   Some of my greatest summer memories are swimming in the pool  until my eyes are so saturated with chlorine that I can hardly see my brothers cheating in marco polo.  Eating cheap hot dogs by the pool… the bun all wet from my dripping hair.   Rolling around in the Florida grass making up dance routines with my sister for so long that my skin is itching with summer. 

      None of these things cost very much.  I don’t remember going to many expensive camps or on long family vacations in the summer.  We had the luxury of living in Florida so we played all day in the Florida sun.  

     As I researched my “Summer Deals” story, I found more and more Atlanta families planning on sticking close to home and enjoying the basics of summer this year.  It is a symptom of the economy but I think the outcome may be families finding enjoyment in the simple pleasures of a sun drenched summer.

     My husband and I have taken to riding our bikes everywhere we go on  the weekends.  On my bike I found free arts festivals and ice cream parties at Fire House 19 in the Virginia Highlands.   I found Free Yoga and Pilate’s in the park.   This weekend we cut through Piedmont park several times and I was thrilled to see the new multi-million dollar renovation to the public pool.  It is beautiful!!  And cheap!!  2 dollars a day for kids OR 365 dollars for the year (dollar a day) gets the whole family in for the year!!

      I discovered half off depot.com selling half price tickets to things like the acquarium.  I found reading programs at the Atlanta-Fulton County Library led by actual child development experts (FREE).  We found free bowling, free movies, free arts and crafts… you name it! 

    I will be updating my list weekly on www.CBSATLANTA.com so log on and ENJOY!  

     Let’s fall back in love with summer (on a budget!)