by Michelle Stein posted in Parenting

Summer break has officially begun!
I don't know about you, but my family of five is more than ready for a break from the school year grind. We intentionally don't have a ton of structure to our summers, but I do try to find fun -- and cheap --activities to help fight away that dreaded chorus of "I'm bored!" (Seriously, it's only a matter of time, with my 5-year-old.)
If you're looking to keep your children busy over break with little to no cost, then this list is for you. Here are 5 free or cheap programs for kids that are sure to bust that summer boredom:
1) Kids Bowl Free. Bowling centers across the nation are once again taking part in the Kids Bowl Free summer program. (Click here to check if a bowling alley near you is participating.) Once you register your children, they can enjoy up to two free games every single day throughout the summer for free. (Heads up: Shoe rental may or may not be included.) If parents want to get in on the fun -- at least at my bowling alley -- there was an option to add adults by purchasing a "family pass." I think we ended up paying about 20 bucks, and our whole family gets a summer of free bowling.
2) $1 movies at Regal Cinemas. Regal Cinemas is offering its Summer Movie Express, starting next week and running through the beginning of August. On Tuesdays and Wednesday each week, two movies will be playing at 10 a.m. for just a buck apiece. (Both movies play both days.) Yo...