SUMMER FUN WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Rather than wait in long lines at theme parks, here are some things you can enjoy locally without reaching too far in your wallet.

ALEXANDER SPRINGS A great way to cool off from the scorching humidity is to visit Alexander Springs, where the water remains 72 degrees year round. Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive in the crystalline waters, which is surrounded by a subtropical forest with wildlife such as deer, turtles and various species of birds. Cost: Day use in the park costs $5.50 per person. Visit www.recreation.gov/camping/alexander-springs-recarea/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74037

SWAMP SAFARI Ride the world’s largest 4x4 through a 2,500-acre estate and learn about native Florida trees, plants and wildlife. Guests may also interact with and feed local animals. Cost: $25 for adults; $15 for children ages 4-12 and free for children ages 0-3. Visit www. showcaseofcitrus. com

PRESIDENTS HALL OF FAME Since this month is the Fourth of July, your patriotic juices should already be flowing. Why not take a trip to the Presidents Hall of Fame, where visitors see lifesize wax statues of 44 presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt and George H.W. Bush. You will also see authentic miniature replicas of the White House.

Cost: $14.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors and $6.95 for children ages 6 to 11. Visit http:// thepresidentshalloffame.com/

PREMIER BOAT TOURS Take a two-hour, narrated tour through the Dora Canal, which legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice famously called “the most beautiful mile of water in the world.” Cost: $27 for adults, $15 for children ages 3-10 and free for children ages 2 and under. Visit www. doracanaltour.com

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