Budget Busted? It's Time for Summer's Cheap Thrills

The final weeks of summer are stretched out ahead of us. So, too, are the final dollars and cents allotted for the season's entertainment. Maybe the family vacation cost a bit more than you planned. Maybe you spent more than you hoped on camps, and dining out, and gas for that car ride to Uncle Walter's beach house. What all of that means is that it's a good time for cheap thrills that provide an hour's or a day's entertainment without breaking the bank. From inexpensive baseball outings to ferry rides, beach days, and garden tours, here are some of our favorite cheap — or entirely free — diversions.

These Cats Rock

That's the slogan for the Rock Cats, the New Britain-based Eastern League baseball team. The team's affordable, family-friendly games sometimes include special events like "Bark in the Park" (bring your pooch) nights, and "Homerun Birthday Parties."

Ticket prices start at $5 for general admission. For tickets and more information, visit www.rockcats.com. Home games are at New Britain Stadium, 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain. 

Free Flix Outdoors

Family-friendly movies are the rule at the Farmington Valley Shoppes in Canton where films ranging from Tangled to Toy Story 3 are screened outdoors for free after sundown. Arrive early for the pre-show entertainment ranging from juggling to magic.

The Shoppes at Farmington Valley are at 110 Albany Turnpike, Canton. The pre-show runs from 6 to 8 p.m. The free screening begins at dusk in the main parking area near the barn. The Shoppes at Farmington Valley are at 110 Albany Turnpike, Canton. For more information, visit www.theshoppesatfarmingtonvalley.com or call 860-693-3059.

Unionville is having its own outdoor family-friendly movie showings at on July 22, Aug. 5 and Aug. 19. Cartoons begin at 7:30 p.m. and films start at dusk. Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy an evening with family, friends or neighbors. See the schedule here.

Explore Wickham Park

Manchester's best-kept secret may be Wickham Park, a 250-acre expanse of gardens, open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, sports facilities, and other attractions. Garden lovers can look forward to a variety show with planted areas devoted to English, Oriental, Italian, lotus, and cabin styles plus wetlands and rhododendrons. Go for an hour or two, or pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Admission costs $4 per car Monday through Friday; $5 on weekends and holidays. Wickham Park is at 1329 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester. For more information, visit www.wickhampark.org or call 860-528-0856.

Sentimental Journey to the Beach

What New London's Ocean Beach offers is more than a day at the beach. The acclaimed boardwalk resort conveys a sense of nostalgia and makes the good old days seem brand new. A fee of $14 on weekdays and $18 on weekends gets you and a carload of your relatives or friends access to one-half mile of "sugar-sand" beach. Amusement rides, an arcade for kids of all ages, mini-golf, and a pool, waterslide, and spray park are also yours to frolic in. (Some small fees apply.) Watch for weekly special events including movies, magicians and fireworks. 

Ocean Beach Park is at 1225 Ocean Avenue, New London. For more information, visit www.ocean-beach-park.com or call 860-447-3031.

 We All Scream for Ice Cream

What's more summery than savoring fresh-made ice cream in the great outdoors? Some of our favorite spots for slurping a cone-full of the sweet stuff include:

Main Street Creamery & Cafe — This Old Wethersfield stop offers more than 30 flavors. The quaint shop is at 271 Main Street in Old Wethersfield. Visit www.mainstreetcreamery.com or call 860-529-0509.

Tulmeadow Farm — It all started with a field of cows, now it's a family tradition. Tulmeadow produces over 50 flavors.The dairy bar is at 255 Farms Village Road, West Simsbury. (Visit www.tulmeadowfarmstore.com or call 860-658-1430).

The UConn Dairy Bar — It's as close as you get to ice cream legend. The dairy bar, located in sight of the cows who produce the milk for the sweet treat, serves at least 24 flavors. Address is 3636 Horsebarn Hill Road Extension, Storrs. Visit www.dairybar.uconn.edu or call 860-486-2634.

Take Me to the River

In 1655, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferry was a simple raft pushed across the Connecticut River with long poles. Nowadays, the oldest continuously running ferry service is an open flatboat that accommodates cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Used by commuters, day-trippers, and tourists, the ferry is towed back and forth by a diesel-powered towboat. The voyage may be close, but you'll feel a million miles away.

The ferry operates from May 1 through October 31. Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $3 per vehicle; $1 for pedestrians and bicyclists. For more information, visit www.ct.gov/dot/cwp or call 860-443-3856.

People-Watching in West Hartford Center 

For the cost of a latte or a cocktail, you can sit and watch the world go by at any number of outdoor cafes and bars lining LaSalle Street and Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center. From a French bakery to restaurants dishing up la dolce vita, and coffee emporiums to a rooftop bar, there are choices for all ages. Some spots even invite you to bring along the family pooch.