In 2008, it was gas prices.

This year, it's the recession. No matter what's got you watching your wallet, the Jersey Shore has plenty of free - yes, free - options to keep your budget in line without sacrificing fun.

The great outdoors

Beaches in the Wildwoods (that's North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest) and Atlantic City are 100 percent free - no beach tags required to swim, sun, or sleep to the sound of ocean waves. Plus, walking up and down their boardwalks (Atlantic City's permanent structure turns 80 this year) costs nothing, nor does strolling on any of the Jersey Shore's boardwalks (but it is hard to pass up that slice of pizza or ice cream cone).

Looking to check out a party on the bay? Then head to Ocean City's Night in Venice Boat Parade on July 25, which showcases decorated boats sailing through the Great Egg Harbor Bay. It will cost you to enter your boat into the competition, but the parade is free to watch from grandstands from Battersea Road to 15th Street on the bay.

If your kids are into exotic life outdoors, head to the Cape May County Zoo in Cape May Court House. The 80-acre zoo has more than 500 animals and 200 species. It's free, though they do ask for a donation. New this summer is a Scavenger Hunt, which you can print from the Web site (along with an answer sheet for you) at www.co.cape-may.nj.us.

Concerts

Yes, you could pay big bucks to see Jimmy Buffett or No Doubt in Atlantic City this summer, or you could save that money and check out free shows. The Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series, which takes place Thursdays in June and the first two Thursdays in July, is a free concert series at Kennedy Plaza and on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City (check www.chickenbonebeach.org for varying start times).

Wildwood Crest offers free live concerts at Crest Pier on Mondays starting June 22 and through Aug. 31; and on Wednesdays at the Gazebo-by-the-Sea from June 24 through Aug. 26. Like string bands? Head to the Wildwoods boardwalk on Wednesdays from July 1 through Sept. 2 to see the Duffy String Band strut.

History and art

Both the Atlantic City History Museum and Atlantic City Art Center are open to visitors at no charge. The history museum tells the long, storied, and sometimes gritty history of Atlantic City (and make sure to get your free Heinz Pickle pin before you leave); the art center showcases paintings, photographs, and sculptures by local artists and of local scenes. Looking to get a little exercise with your history? Try the self-guided Ocean City Walking Tour, which takes you to sites such as landmarks from Ocean City's founding and buildings with architectural interest. Get the tour at www.ocnjmuseum.org/ochm_06_pages/events_pages/walking_tour.html.

Nightcaps

End your day at Sunset Beach in Cape May, where you can plop in the sand at the tip of the state and watch the sun go down over the ocean - a rarity on the East Coast. There on a Friday? Hang around and look (or head) north to Wildwood for the free fireworks display, which starts at 10:30.

If You Go

All events are free.

Night in Venice: July 25, 7:30 p.m. Parade proceeds from Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. along Great Egg Harbor Bay in Ocean City. 609-399-6111, www.ocnj.us

Cape May County Zoo: Open daily 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 4 Moore Rd., Cape May Court House. 609-465-5271, www.co.cape-may.nj.us.

Atlantic City History Museum: Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 204 S. Vermont Ave., Atlantic City. 609-347-5839, www.acmuseum.org.

Atlantic City Art Center: Open daily 10 a.m. to

4 p.m. New Jersey Ave. and the Boardwalk. 609-347-5837.

Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Series: Thursdays in June and first two Thursdays in July. Start times vary from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at Kennedy Plaza (between Mississippi and Georgia Aves. on the Boardwalk) in Atlantic City. www.

chickenbonebeach.org.

Live Music at Crest Pier: Mondays, June 22 through Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m. 5800 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-523-0202, www.wildwoodcrest.org.

Live Music at the Gazebo-by-the-Sea: Wednesdays, June 24 through Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m. Rambler Rd. and Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-523-0202, www.wildwoodcrest.org.

Duffy String Band: Wednesdays, July 1 through Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. on the Wildwoods Boardwalk from 16th St. in North Wildwood to the Wildwoods Convention Center. 609-523-1602, www.dowildwood.com.

Wildwood Fireworks: Fridays, June 26 through Sept. 4 (no show July 3), at 10:30 p.m. Fireworks are fired on the Wildwood beach at Pine Ave. 609-523-1602, www.dowildwood.com.

Jen A. Miller is author of The Jersey Shore, Atlantic City to Cape May.