You don't have to spend a lot to entertain your kiddos.

Recession Mama: In these times of expensive electronic gadgetry, it's good to go back to the simple things and remember that often, the very activities that engaged and delighted us as children will do the same a generation later.

Bike rides or hikes and trips to the beach or a lake that can be combined with a nature scavenger hike. Time spent in a cool library on a hot day while your children discover (and you rediscover) classics and some great new books.

How about one of my friend's all-time favorites: a trip to the pet store? It's educational, interesting, and just plain fun. Call ahead to find a good time to go: when they're feeding the fish or having some playtime with the dogs. Plan to spend a lot of time, and remember to talk with your kids beforehand about how you won't be taking any of the animals home, but you can come back and visit them until they find homes.

Not only are all these activities easy to arrange, and fun for kids and parents of all ages, but they are all FREE. As my husband would say, "I like that price point!"

A former state deputy attorney general and current stay-at-home mom, Recession Mama Michele Ashamalla has three kids and ten years of experience stretching one salary to cover the necessities and more. She's all about saving money whenever you can, so you have it to spend on whatever you want!