I don't know where I've been, but I have to admit to nearly choking when I checked the current price of admission to Disneyland, which is located close to where I live in California. Of course, a trip to Disneyland would be at the high end of stuff to do with kids this summer, but still, I was stunned.

So if big amusement parks with pricey admissions are at one end of the spectrum, totally free entertainment would be at the other. And guess what? There are really quite a few options at that free end.

Bank of America has an agreement with more than 70 museums across the country that allows you to get in free the first weekend of the month if you show them your Bank of America debit card, credit card or ATM card. Here's an example: the Discovery Science Center in Orange County, Calif. Regular admission is $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids. You can go to http://promotions.bankofamerica.com/museums to find museums in your area.

Here's something that is almost free for kids: Summer MovieCamp at AMC Theatres. At participating theaters, a different kids movie starting at 10 a.m. every Wednesday is just $1 from June 25 through Aug. 6. And not just the kids get in for a buck; families and organizations alike are invited to participate. For just a buck! Go to www.AMCTheatres.com/smc to find the participating AMC theater closest to you.

The Home Depot offers free Kids Workshops on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at all Home Depot stores. Kids ages 5 to 12 get to make fun projects, such as toolboxes, firetrucks and mail organizers, as well as other more educational projects, such as birdhouses, bughouses and even Declaration of Independence frame kits. Each kid also receives a kid-sized orange apron like The Home Depot associates wear in the stores and an achievement pin. Go to www.HomeDepot.com and type "Kids Workshops" in the search box to find the schedule for The Home Depot closest to you.

Who knows what other great free summer activities are available in your community? Check with your local library, parks and recreation department, pet stores and churches.

Remember, it's not the amount of money, but the time you spend with your kids doing things together that's going to count in the end. And whenever you can do that for free, it's a great bonus!

Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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