In today's economy, families are watching every penny, but that doesn't mean family fun has to end.

Child-rearing expert Bette Holtzman, vice president of consumer and family advocacy at the Goldberger Company, offers some family friendly outings that will get parents and their children outside and moving this summer without breaking the bank.

•Take a trip to the farmers market. Farmers markets are unexpected family oriented places that offer stimulation for children. Kids can experience various colors, shapes, sounds and smells and also touch and taste. There are plenty of freebies, too.

•Do a little gardening. This is an inexpensive way to teach children about nature. Kids can plant flowers, fruits or vegetables in a backyard garden, a flower pot or a widow box. Plus, girls andboys love to play in the dirt.

•Visit the schoolyard or playground. Head to an elementary school playground outside of school hours, or a local park or playground. When the kids have tired of the swings and jungle gym, go for a walk or take a bike ride.

•Go on a picnic. Pack up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and juice boxes and spread out a blanket at a nearby park. Feed the birds or ducks day-old bread. Bring the family dog or a favorite doll or stuffed animal along for the fun.

•Make bubbles. Blowing bubbles is always a fun activity for kids. To make bubbles together, use a shallow pan, a little dish soap, water and glycerin available at a local pharmacy. A fly swatter doubles as a wand for teeny bubbles.

•Have a neighborhood bicycle parade. Host a bicycle and tricycle parade through the neighborhood with the local children. Use newspaper comic strips as handlebar streamers. Attach playing cards to the spokes, and when the wheels turn, the spokes will make noise.

•Have a garage sale. Get rid of stuff in the house that is no longer wanted or needed. Other parents are always looking for used children's things. Let school-age kids manage their own lemonade stand.

Or take the children to a neighborhood garage sale and let them pick out a "new" toy. Garage sales are also great places to find used books for all ages to read.

•Chalk is cheap. Sidewalk chalk is thicker than blackboard chalk, easier for small hands to maneuver. Sidewalk chalk lasts longer and comes in colors and fun shapes. A sidewalk or driveway becomes a canvas and is easy to clean up with a garden hose, or families can just wait until it rains.

•Walk the mall. Many malls open their doors for walkers before the stores open. Parents can visit the coffee shop afterward and bring some juice boxes for the children. Call the local mall to learn more about their walking program, as some require registration.

•Visit the public library. Most libraries have a number of free programs, including story times, author readings, reading contests and craft activities.

•Make clay. Use 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon oil, ½ cup salt, 1 cup water, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar. For color use food coloring, beet juice or carrot juice. Combine flour, salt, cream of tartar in bowl. Gradually stir liquids into dry ingredients.

Stir in food coloring or juice by adding small amounts. Cook in saucepan over medium heat until a ball forms. Clay will darken slightly when cooked. Remove from heat and knead until smooth. If sticky, cook for a few minutes longer.

•Spend time on the Internet. Computers offer a wealth of knowledge and activities for children to do on their own or with parents or older siblings. Visit the websites www.PBSKids.org, www.ala.org/greatsites and www.nwf.org/kidzone, or Google "free stuff for kids."

Bette Holtzman has been a family therapist and children's advocate for more than 25 years. The Goldberger Company is a 93-year-old family owned and operated toy company that specializes in dolls and playthings for children up to age 3.

For more parenting tips from Holtzman, visit the website www.goldbergertoy.com.