Entertaining your children when
school is out for the summer can become quite expensive,
especially if you enroll them in pricey summer camps for
a large portion of the time. However, many parents feel
that the alternative is to have their children sulking
on the couch while moaning about how bored they are,
especially if friends are all attending camps. Actually,
there are plenty of ways to have no cost summer fun with
your kids. Why not try a few of these budget friendly
ideas?
Start a book club-Pick a
spot in the backyard, and lay down a blanket large
enough to fit the whole family. Have some cookies,
lemonade and whatever snacks you choose to have. Use a
book from the library and take turns reading it out
loud. You can even discuss some things that occur in the
book. Consider making it a weekly event and invite your
neighbors and friends to participate as well.
Treasure Hunt- Some kids are
into anything to do with pirates. You could plan a
treasure hunt with their help. Scour your backyard,
local beach or park and find things you could put into a
treasure chest. The kids could also make some of their
own items to place in the chest too. Spend some time
searching for pirate information on the internet and use
what you find to make up your very own treasure map.
Then bury the chest or hide it in the house and let the
kids try out the map they created.
Gardening- Make up a small
garden or use a small portion of your existing garden.
Let each of your children have a row or small area to
use to grow whatever they choose to. Each child is
responsible for taking care of their own crops. Help
them research the item they chose to grow so they can
see how to best care for it. When their crop is ready to
harvest, they can reap from the hard work they put into
growing it.
Help your child’s interests to
grow- Find out what interests your child and help
them research it. If your child is into sports, you can
research their favorite team or print images off the net
and start a scrapbook of their team. If your child is
into crafts, you can research craft projects on the net
and find some that are no-cost and interest the child.
Teenagers may be more interested in playing a game of
basketball, baseball or visiting a zoo.
Movie night- Some libraries
have movies you can rent. Pick a night each week and
watch a movie the whole family could enjoy. The children
can take turns picking out what they want to watch for
that week. Have your bowl of popcorn or whatever snack
you choose, and sit back with your family in your own
“home theater”.
There are plenty of ways to spend
some fun time during the summer that doesn’t cost you
money. Use your creativity, imagination, and get ideas
from your children on what they would like to do. Plan
some of those activities as a family and enjoy your
summer.
For more help, visit
Finding More Family Time
for tips for a happy family life.
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