I’m sure that many of you are excited to spend the summer with your kids and go on new adventures. However, it’s only a matter of time before they start to get bored and you start to countdown the days until school begins.
Although we’re a homeschooling family, I feel that summer brings a new pressure to keep the kids constantly busy and entertained. I do think that summer is a great time to expose them to new things such as camps, places and even foods. However, sometimes all of these things can add up quickly and bust our budgets before the season is even over.
So what are some easy (and inexpensive) ways to keep the kids busy this summer? Check out some of my favorites:
Frugal Things To Do With The Kids This Summer
Take a trip to the library
You can’t beat free, and the library is the perfect resource for free summer activities. Check out your local library’s summer schedule. Most offer activities for a wide range of ages and if you still find that what they offer is limited, simply check out some amazing books. Check out this Summer Reading Lists for Kids 6-14 by Imagination Soup for book ideas.
Visit a farmers market
This is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. Our family has been blessed with some great local farmers market in our area. The kids love walking around and sampling some of the food. While I get the opportunity to purchase fresh and inexpensive produce. Win-win.
Have a water balloon fight
You can’t go wrong with a water balloon fight. Obviously your kids should be a bit older since little ones shouldn’t be playing with balloons anyways. Just grab a bag of balloons at your local dollar store and fill them up halfway with water. Instant fun. You can also opt for a water balloon toss if you prefer.
Play tic-tac-toe outdoors
Have the kids get creative with things they can find around the home to create their own tic-tac-toe game. They can also draw a tic-tac-toe board with chalk on the driveway or paint lines on the grass. I love this DIY Tic-Tac-Toe Game by A Mom’s Take. You’ll be surprised how much fun the kids will have. Don’t forget to join them!
Have a family field day
Ever have a family field day? This can include grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. The more family you include, the better. Go with the classics and include games like limbo, water balloon toss, relay games and egg & spoon race. If you need more ideas check out this great FREE resource with 101 game ideas!
Go hiking
Pick a safe trail, gear up, and pack water and snacks for everyone. Hiking is a great way to get the kids outdoors and explore new parks in your area. It’s also a great way to sneak in some physical activity. Check out the National Park Service website to find parks near you.
Cook something!
Who doesn’t enjoy eating? Let the kids come up with a meal idea for the day and help them prepare it. You want to make it fun, but be safe. You can also have them set up the table and serve the food they prepared. Although adults wouldn’t consider this fun, kids love the opportunity to help in the kitchen when possible. Check out these fun kid-friendly recipe ideas by The Artful Parent.
Pull out the sports equipment
Remember your old baseball bat and glove that has been stored for several years? Now is the time to pull it out and teach your kids how to play. Prefer shooting hoops? Go to a nearby park and play a game of Horse (click here for the instructions). Whatever you do, just make sure you join the kiddos.
Act like a tourist in your town
We live near many Amish attractions and even closer to the town of Hershey. Since I know there are many things to see and do in our town, I like to research what free family-friendly places we can go to. You might be surprised with the little gems your town has to offer. Even some museums offer free summer days throughout the season.
What are some of your favorite ways to keep the kids busy during the summer? Please feel free to share! I’m always looking for new ideas.
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