Financial times are tough — but kids still want (and need) to have fun. Here, how to keep them entertained without breaking the bank. Jenna McCarthy, author of “The Parent Trip,” offers some suggestions:

• Recycle your kids’ own toys. Periodically go through their toys and pull out a bunch you haven’t seen them play with recently. Stash in the garage or attic and pull out as needed. Often they won’t even remember they owned the toy in the first place.

• Rediscover the library. It’s free. It’s climate-controlled. They employ a person whose seemingly sole responsibility is to shush your kids. Make it a standing weekly appointment!

• Organize a book/toy swap. It’s simple: For every toy or book you bring, you get a coupon or ticket for another in exchange.

• Put them to work. No, really. Instead of spending $30 to have the car detailed or $100 having the house windows washed, have a car-cleaning or window-washing party. The key is to call it a “party,” and maybe have cookies or another reward for a job well done.

• Get crafty. Homemade goodies are a double win: The process keeps kids busy for hours, and at the end you’ve got a pile of (inexpensive) gifts.

• Buy wisely. Consider a toy’s long-term entertainment potential before forking over. A $10 DVD may get watched dozens of times — a substantial savings over hauling the entire family to a single movie for $50 (when you factor in snacks).