Our area of upstate New York has many attractions that draw tourists from the New York Metropolitan area, New England, and Canada. There is an amusement park, indoor and outdoor waterslides, miniature golf courses by the score: plenty to occupy young and old alike.

There are also a number of free or inexpensive activities for young families. Today I visited two events that were held within a few blocks of each other.

The Farmers Market offers locally grown produce, specialty cheeses, baked goods, and flowers. There was even a chicken in attendance, surveying the scene with a wary eye. Little ones munched cookies, drank cider, and saw healthful food choices that looked colorful and appealing. The Market is open every Saturday morning from May through October and sponsors a number of special events. Next week is the Strawberry Festival, sure to draw a large and enthusiastic crowd.

The summer Arts Festival was an easy walk away. While there was plenty of jewelry and home accessories for the adults, there were also a number of child-themed items and activities, including face-painting, sand art, and a beguiling assortment of wooden toys, dolls, and pinwheels.

For those who hadn’t filled up at the Market, there were sausages, hot dogs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, homemade strawberry shortcake and, my special treat, fried bread dough sprinkled with confectioners sugar or cinnamon sugar (or both!).

Check your local papers to find similar opportunities for inexpensive family fun. There are usually a variety of county fairs, church bazaars, and parades held in the summer months. Gather up the family and do a little local exploring. You’ll have a great time, and it won’t blow the budget.

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Tags: family fun, inexpensive activities