10 Ways To Have A Great Family Summer Without Going On Vacation Slideshow

No matter your reason for not traveling this summer, don't feel bad about being unable to go on a summer vacation this year. You can have a great time with your kids at home, too. All it takes is a little imagination and a desire to use your home and hometown in ways you never dreamed of before. From turning your backyard into a water park destination to traveling to local hot spots to making the most of your nearby parks, you can have an amazing summer full of memories without even leaving home.

Take your tent and sleeping bags outdoors and spend an evening in the fresh air roasting hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores by a campfire, swapping ghost stories, and sleeping under the stars. The best part about camping in your yard is that rain, a bathroom emergency, and critters won't ruin your night — you can always just go right back inside.

Taking a trip to the zoo is guaranteed to be a good time. Not only do you get to enjoy the outdoors, but your kids will also learn about the animal kingdom. Many zoos also offer summer day camp programs for children, where they can learn about animals with the zoo staff through crafts, travel, and animal interaction.

You don't have to live in a beach town to spend the day with your toes in the sand. Pack a picnic and your towels and head to the nearest ocean or lake to enjoy a warm day in the sun. Just don't forget the sunscreen!

Take time out this summer to give your kids new life skills. Whether you teach them how to cook, cart them to and from pottery lessons, or learn how to grow fruits and vegetables with them in a community garden, you can have fun with your family and learn together.

No summer would be complete without ice cream. Sure, you can go to a local ice cream parlor to get some of this frozen confection, but it's way more fun to make it yourself. Don't have an ice cream machine? No problem! You can use a plastic bag, cold pan, or immersion blender to make your own ice cream at home.

Bring the outdoors inside and make it new again with a few creative summertime crafts. Paint rocks, use leaves and flowers as stamps, and make beautiful centerpieces using seashells and sand.

Sometimes, you live in a place but never take the time to explore it. This summer, visit your local museums, parks, farmers markets, festivals, and events. If you want to feel like you're getting away without actually getting away, consider booking a night or two at a local hotel and taking advantage of their pool, room service, and continental breakfast.

Your kids can learn the importance of a hard-earned dollar and have fun this summer by starting their own small business... with your help, of course. There's nothing wrong with a classic lemonade stand, car wash, or garage sale to pass the time.

Your local park has endless opportunities for summer entertainment. From a day spent picnicking and hiking to community festivals and movie nights to an afternoon swinging on a swing set, you can go back again and again for a different park experience every time.

Can't travel to a theme park this summer? No worries! Turn your backyard into a water park in just a few easy steps. All you need is a Slip 'N Slide, a sprinkler or two, and an inflatable pool. Make your water day complete by holding a water balloon toss or water gun fight.