Summer is just around the corner and school will soon be out for summer vacation. Many Americans will be planning vacations and things to do with their families. If you are one of the millions facing a tight budget, don’t despair, there are affordable things to do with your family this summer.

There are many things to do in Texas and around Austin. If you have kids that love history, then the Bob Bullock Texas State Museum is a great place to start. The museum explains Texas’ history and has thousands of displays. It also has an IMAX theatre that shows 3-D and 2-D shows. They also host a series of free Friday night concerts. The museum is located downtown at 1800 North Congress Avenue.

The Austin Children’s Museum is geared towards younger kids, and offers many hands on projects for the kids to enjoy. This museum is also located downtown at 201 Colorado Street.

Just a few miles south in New Braunfels, is the McKenna Children’s Museum. This museum is also a hands on learning museum. Kids can feel, touch and taste many of the exhibits. They can learn about science, medicine and much more. It is perfect for those kids who love to figure out how things work.

If your family loves animals, then try a day at the Austin Zoo. Located at 10807 Rawhide Trail, this zoo is a little off the beaten path. The zoo hosts a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, monkeys and much more. They also have a petting zoo available for those who just can’t look!

For Austinites, a day in the park means a day at Zilker Park! The home of Barton Springs Pool, a spring fed pool that stays at a cool 68 degrees year round. There are many fun things for the entire family to do at Zilker Park. The park offers a free summer concert series that show cases local and other bands. The concerts are free and make a wonderful cheap night out, whether you are a teen or an adult.

If your family wants a little more adventure than what Austin has to offer, you can take a short drive to San Antonio and visit Fiesta Texas and Sea World. Sea World has a deal where you can buy a year pass for the price of a one day ticket. It is just one of the ways they are trying make vacation a little easier for Americans this year.

Fiesta Texas also has promotions for visitors. You can discount coupons at several places, and on Coke cans.

Schlitterbahn is just a few miles away in New Braunfels, and is a very popular hot spot for Texans. Take the entire family and spend the day sliding and tubing in America’s largest water park. Like Fiesta Texas and Sea World, you can find discount tickets.

The wonderful thing about living in Austin is that there are many things to do and see, just take the time and look.