There’s nothing more exasperating than kids lying on the couch whining of boredom the first day out from school. With the warm summer sun beckoning, you would think they could find something to do, but maybe it is just not happening.

Rather than remain frustrated, you could take matters into your own hands. You don’t need a big budget or lots of preparation to have a lot of fun with your kids during summer vacation. You just need to figure out what your family likes and run with it.

What could be a better family tradition than hitting the library once a week to pick up some books to read? Each of your children could go find the books of their choice for the week. Then, you can have fun reading to each other at home.

Picnics never get old. Just pick the right spot whether it’s your own backyard, a local park, or someplace you drive for an hour to get to. Picnics are an affordable way to make great family memories that will last a lifetime.

Planting a garden can be a fun family activity. Maintenance can also bring the family together each week. But the best part is the harvesting and making your own salads fresh from your homegrown garden. Garden’s teach children a lot of life skills, and can be a great way to spend time together.

Other ideas for the backyard include sprinklers and bathing suits, camping out back with tents and all, roasting marshmallows, and backyard scavenger hunts. You could even plan a weekly family meeting at which each child is challenged to bring affordable ideas for the next week’s fun, so everyone is included in the planning process an you don’t hear anymore, “Mom, I’m bored!”