80 years ago you could get a hamburger AND a pint of ice cream for almost a quarter EACH! Times have changed and budgets are tighter but that doesn’t mean you can’t have summer fun without taking out a loan! Here are JUST 5 fun and affordable ways you can make sure your kids stay happy and entertained right here in North Florida and South Georgia!

1. Cheap Movies

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Photo by Sarah_Ackerman [/caption] Regal Theaters across the area hold their Summer Movie Express every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer. Kid friendly movies every week and all for $1 each! Just picture it! Movies to keep your kids occupied in a nice dark, air conditioned room…no one’s going to judge you if you sneak in a quick nap. Plus a portion of the proceeds go to the Will Rogers Institute (A charitable foundation supporting research in asthma, tuberculosis and pulmonary diseases).

2. Sweet Treats

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Photo by Leonid Mamchenkov [/caption] There’s nothing better than a nice, cold frozen treat to help beat the summer heat! Did you know July is National Ice Cream month? Be on the lookout for great deals and specials this month on your favorite snacks (like Ice N’ Creamy in Thomasville and their $1 scoops every Tuesday this month)! Check out great local favorites like Big Easy Snowball (ice cream IN a sno cone!?) or Nuberri and Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt (a pay by the ounce, healthier ice cream alternative…until you hit the toppings bar).

3. Splash Down

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Photo by vastateparksstaff [/caption] Of course the most traditional and often favorite way to beat the heat during the summer is a quick dip in the pool! And there are TONS of affordable options all over North Florida and South Georgia! Community pools are everywhere like Trousdell Aquatic's Center (check out Tot Time every week just for kids 5 and under) or Splash & Jam activities held every week at area pools designed just for teens! Plenty of fun to be had at the Butler Mason Pool in Thomasville (as well as TONS of other summer activities at the YMCA)

4. Game On

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Photo by chelseacharliwhite [/caption] If we don’t step in and do something most of our kids would be content to stay glued to a television or tablet playing their favorite video games. There’s no sense in fighting it but at least they can get out of the house and interact with other gamers. Facilities like Gamescape offer a variety of gaming activities for kids of all ages with some all day specials (also check out their great collection of board and card games). Or put their hand eye coordination skills to the test with REAL life gaming like bowling (plenty of summer specials to be had at your local alley)

5. VBS

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Photo by FirstBaptistNashville [/caption] Summer always brings our favorite time of year - Vacation Bible School season!! You want to talk about fun, affordable (usually FREE) summer fun than look no further than VBS! Your kids will have a blast learning new songs, playing fun games, making creative crafts, AND learn more about Jesus all at once! We've got you covered with the VBS HQ - find EVERY Vacation Bible School and summer camp nearest to you all in one website! The possibilities of summer fun are endless and the best part is - it doesn’t have to break the bank! Of course if you’re ever looking for fun, family-friendly activities don’t forget to check out the Community Events Calendar! We add new events every single day of the year! You’re guaranteed to find something to do in North Florida and South Georgia that will get you and your family outside of the same 4 walls! [tweetthis twitter_handles="@yourwayfm"]Summer fun doesn't have to break the bank! Here are 5 affordable ways to beat the heat in N FL & S GA[/tweetthis]