MANILA, Philippines - Is a summer getaway not part of the family budget this year? Don't fret -- a summer vacation at home can actually be a lot of fun.

Here are some inexpensive stay-at-home ideas that will not only hone your skills and creativity, but will also nurture your relationship with your family and friends:

Get wet. Play a game of tag by filling up bottles, balloons, and plastic bags with water. Turn on the sprinkler and start dancing. Wash your car with friends and family. Take a dip in a makeshift pool -- whether it be a drum, an inflatable pool, or a sandbox -- and read your favorite book.

Get dirty. Dig into the earth and try your hand at planting with your parents. Play hide and seek in the backyard -- or better yet, set up your very own obstacle course using old tires and wooden planks.

Get pretty. Invite your girl friends (or even your male buds) and create your own beauty products out of stuff in your refrigerator or cupboard -- Mybeautyrecipes.com offers some free homemade beauty recipes. Play dress-up, take pictures, and place them on a special summer scrapbook.

Get hungry. Cook up your own summer dish with friends and family. On a budget? Try checking your fridge for leftovers and whip up a whole new meal.

Get competitive. Challenge your family and friends to your favorite indoor game -- video games, poker, UNO Stacko, board games, mahjong, etc. Ask the losing team to clean up the house (or prepare lunch) the next day as punishment.

Get daring. Play spin the bottle / truth or dare. You'll be surprised to know a lot of things about your friends and family members.

Get fit. Buy (or rent) an exercise workout DVD. Ask your family to clean up your room, the kitchen, or even the whole house with you. -- Karen Flores, abs-cbnNEWS.com