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Money Saver: Inexpensive Ideas For Keeping Kids Amused This Summer

DENVER (CBS4) - Keeping children amused during the summer while watching the family budget can be a juggling act for parents. They want them to have fun and hopefully learn something, but don't want to break the bank.

Summer camp, while sure to keep them busy, is pricey. The average weekly fee for sleepover camps nationwide ranges from $325 to $780 a week. But CBS4 money saver Suzanne McCarroll found some wallet-friendly ways to keep kids amused this summer.

Check the calendar at the local library. Beyond summer reading programs, many branches hold events such as magician performances.

Another great educational outlet is museums.

"Museums are a great place to come and explore, look together, think together, and get to make art together as well," Christian Davies with Family Programs said.

For only $6 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science kids can visit the Discovery Zone and build things, dig for dinosaur bones, and dance to music from around the world. .

At The Children's Museum there is a different art room set up every day during "Arts a La Carte."

At the Denver Zoo the new "Zoo Moves" program features a visit to an animal exhibit and an up-close encounter with a small animal from the education collection. Kids can even spend a morning and learn what's involved with become a zookeeper. The zoo charges $8 for kids from 3 years old to 11.

Or go berry picking. A small drive to Penrose offers free hayrides and a barn kids can play in after picking blackberries, raspberries, and later this season, pumpkins. Happy Apple is on 1st Street in Penrose. It's free admission. Parents just have to pay for what their children picked.

At Berry Patch Farms "Junior Farmer Days" is designed to connect kids through farming. Kids can learn about plants on July 20. It's $10 per class.

Links:  Denver Museum of Nature & Science  |  The Children's Museum  |  Denver Zoo  |  Happy Apple  |  Berry Patch Farms

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