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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- With summer creeping up, many parents are still trying to figure out what to do with the kids.

In our final segment of the Summer Survival Series, I caught up with our experts enjoying the day at IT'Z Family Fun Center -- and found some ways to spend time, stay local and get out of the house for next to nothing.

"It is a busy time. I have to try and keep them busy and get out of the house a lot," says mother of two, Christie Rinard.

She agrees with family manager Cari Pemberton, that to have fun, families do not always need those lavish vacations.

"You don't, especially when we live right here in Colorado Springs," said Pemberton. "We are very fortunate that this is actually a tourist destination and we have it all right here at our fingertips. Probably a lot of families get busy with the day to day and don't take the time to enjoy what's right here in our own backyard."

In today's economy, cheap is chic! Rinard believes for most families like hers, budget friendly is the way to go and there are a lot of options to achieve it.

"Pick up something like the entertainment book, visit the visitors center in our chamber of commerce to see what kind of deals they have to hand out," says Pemberton.

"We go online. Mykidsweek.com is a great website that I go to all the time and find free things to do," boasts Rinard.

And what about your friends? Pemberton says don't be afraid, use them!

"Facebook is a great way to do that along with the other networking sites, and then even networking with other moms to trade," said Pemberton. "Maybe going to the zoo is not you thing, so maybe another mom takes your kid to the zoo, and you take her kids to the park another day."

With so many choices, our mother of two has her favorite ideas to enjoy the local flavor this summer with this thought: get outside! Try a local water park, any park for that matter, Uncle Wilber's fountain downtown, free concerts in America the Beautiful Park or free movie night at the Shoppes at Briargate.

"We take our chairs, blankets and popcorn and sit under the stars and watch movies," adds Rinard.

Pemberton even says go as far as grabbing a map, close your eyes, point, go and explore!

She has a surefire way to keep the kids occupied, and they love it! Send them on a scavenger hunt. It's time consuming and they feel as if they are on a mission and will spend the time it takes to accomplish it. There are just so many possibilities.

Click the video icon to watch the entire story as it aired on FOX21 Morning News.

Click thecluttercutters.net for more information on Family Manager Cari Pemberton and how she may help your family or someone you know.