The costs of summer fun in Southeast Missouri

After a while, the same old routine of bad daytime television and blistering hot summer days gets old and it's time to find something new. Here are some fun things to do around Southeast Missouri that will help you and your family beat the summer blues:

Parks: Theme and Water

n Six Flags in St. Louis is often a popular summer vacation spot. The general admission for an adult is $45, children 4 feet and under are $27, children age 3 and younger are free, and the parking pass is $25 per car, per day. Some of the new attractions include Bugs Bunny National Park and the Justice League. The popular Hurricane Park is open until Aug. 20. Don't forget to add in money for gas, food, snacks and souvenirs.

n Closer to home, admission to the Farmington Water Park is only $4.50 for youth ages 11 and under and $5.95 for adults, Monday through Friday. The park is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Go later in the day and receive discounted admission.

* Also check out Bluff Falls Water Park in Poplar Bluff, Mo. It's open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Children under 2 feet tall have an admission of $8.89; regular one-day admission is $15.89. Late-day admission (after 3 p.m.) is $8.89.

The park also offers go carts, an indoor arcade and miniature golf.

Swimming

If gas prices have you sticking within city limits, the Cape Girardeau Municipal Swimming Pool is a perfect place to spend an afternoon. Adult admissions (14 years and older) are $2.20 per person, seniors (age 60 and older) $1.85, children 13 and younger pay $1.60, and anyone 2 years old and younger enters free. If you plan on making it a regular afternoon out, coupon books are available in packs of 25 admission tickets. The Jackson and Scott City swimming pools also are open with $2 admission.

Go-carts

The Big River Grand Prix in Cape Girardeau has go-carts, a miniature golf course and an arcade. For adults, it's $4 a car, for anyone from 5- to 4-feet tall it's $3 a ride, and anyone under 4 feet is $2 a ride, as long as they are riding with an adult who is 16 years or older with a valid driver's license. Mini-golfers can enjoy an 18-hole mini-golf course with a cost of $3.50 per person. Bonus: If you get a hole in one on the 18th hole, you win one free game.

Movies

If it's too hot to do anything outdoors, you can go to the movies. Wehrenberg Theatres (by Wal-Mart) has a summer series, where they show child-friendly shows during the early afternoon. For matinees (including children's shows), it's $6 for an adult and $5.50 per child. For evening shows, it's $7.25 per adult, $6 per senior and $5.50 per child. Also, a medium drink is about $3.50 and medium popcorn is nearly $4, both with tax.

Free stuff

Don't want to spend any money at all? Then why don't you try Trail of Tears State Park? The park, which is situated about 10 minutes east of Fruitland, has many activities for families -- especially large families -- including camping, swimming in the lake, nature hiking trails, fishing and picnic areas.

The Missouri Department of Conservation's Nature Campus has programs throughout the summer, and the exhibits also are fun for children.

Also, check out Cape Girardeau's downtown area with scenic views of the Mississippi River and the floodwall murals.

Emily Hendricks is a student at Southeast Missouri State University. Visit her Web site at www.emilyhendricks.com.