Summer is finally here, and for families with kids, the novelty of sleeping in and not going to school has turned into cries of boredom and complaints of nothing to do. Luckily for us, we live in a city where opportunities abound and where the hardest part of finding fun activities may be deciding among so many choices. Whether you're a born-and-bred San Antonian or a transplant, you can have lots of fun with your family without a long car ride or a big budget.

While San Antonio has lots of exciting, big-name attractions like Sea World, SplashTown and Six Flags, it's also fun to explore downtown, where the colorful sites are unique and rich in history. The Alamo is a great starting point; of the five missions, the Alamo is the only one located downtown, and it's free. Many describe the Alamo, a site that commemorates the 13-day battle for Texan independence from Mexico, as the quintessential Texas locale. The grounds cover more than four acres and are not only beautiful, but also allow kids plenty of room to roam and explore the old buildings where American legends like Davy Crockett once stood.

After you have been to the Alamo, check out the River Walk, which is rated one of the top attractions in the state. The River Walk is especially fun for kids who can wander the banks of the river, traveling up and over the bridges and creating their own adventures. There is always a lot going on, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops and other forms of entertainment to keep everyone happy. And if you have never done it, or if it's been a long time, taking a boat ride along the San Antonio River is a great way to learn about the city while taking in the sights at a more leisurely pace. Don't worry if you look like a tourist; it's a fun and great way to spend an afternoon.

If your family is looking for a slower pace, the San Antonio Missions National Park is a wonderful place where you can easily spend hours strolling the grounds and trails around the four mission compounds that date back to the 1700s. There are free, guided tours, movies and demonstrations during the week to keep the kids entertained, and the kids can also get free junior ranger booklets to enhance their experience.

El Mercado (Market Square) is also well worth your visit, and if you have never experienced the market, you should definitely not miss it. El Mercado is always bustling with activity and is home to traditional shops and restaurants, as well as artists and lots of festivals. It provides an opportunity to share the wonderful culture of the region with your children, and there is truly something for everyone. Don't forget to try the local specialties ",“ particularly the sweet drinks and the baked goods, which make for special treats.

Brackenridge Park is another great place to spend an afternoon with your family. The park spans more than 353 acres and provides plenty of room to walk, hike, picnic and just relax. And the San Antonio Zoo, which is nearby, is a huge hit with kids and parents alike. The daily entrance fee is minimal, and an annual membership provides extra perks in addition to free admission all year long (www.sazoo-aq.org).

These are just a few examples of the things you can do, but there are plenty of other choices to suit every family. A quick Web search will yield ample resources; the Web site, www.visitsanantonio.com, for example, is filled with ideas and trip planners to help you narrow down your options based on your time and budget.

It's very easy to live here and take our local treasures for granted; while your visit to some of these attractions may feel touristy at times, there is a reason so many people choose to vacation in our city, so don't wait until you have visitors to enjoy it, too. The time you spend exploring, laughing, learning and relaxing will create lasting memories and eliminate boredom. Whether it's your first time or your 100th time, put down the remote, load up the family and head out to start rediscovering San Antonio with a new perspective.

For more information contact, Brighton Center (formerly Brighton School) at 210-826-4492 or visit www.brightonsa.org. Raise money for Brighton just by searching the Internet or shopping online with GoodSearch!