As a busy parent who may be juggling a career as well as a family, it is always wise to be prepared. And when it comes to summertime fun, every little bit of preparation counts. Last month, I shared tips on finding the best summer camp for your child. This time, let’s look at some seriously fun and free summer activities for the family.
Summer activities don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, if you’re creative, you don’t have to spend anything. Children enjoy having fun simply. You may have noticed that your child may enjoy playing with items readily available around the house more than the toys you have purchased in the store. Kids are very practical, and it is a wonderful thing when we can tap into our practical side as well to produce some good old fashioned wholesome fun that doesn’t cost a lot of money. Or better yet, that’s FREE.
Check out these 5 fun and free summer activities for the family:
1. Gardening is a Great Summer Activity
Previously, I wrote about how you can introduce your kids to gardening , a great outdoor hobby. Even though summer may seem too hot for gardening, you’ll be amazed at how much fun the kids and you can have digging and watering the plants. So, go ahead, pull on a pair of gloves and dig it up!
2. Cool Down with Crafts
Crafts are a fantastic way of using up the junk you already have and turning it into practical and pretty items. Think magazine boxes out of cereal cartons or earring holders out off egg cartons. Just review what you have, and then, Google “craft ideas using_______{add the name of the material you own}” and voila, you’ll have hundreds, if not thousands of ideas to choose from. (Or you can always utilize our DIY Crafting Section for ideas)
3. No-Cook Sessions Make for Fun Summer Days
Summer isn’t the time to sweat it out in the kitchen. Instead, how about the kids and you experiment with no-cook cooking. Salads, popsicles, and no-bake cookies are a blast to make and cost nothing, other than using what you have in the pantry.
4. Save on Hotel Costs with a City Tour
Don’t have time to travel? Take a city tour. You’ll save not just time but also money. Summer is also when most city tourist spots offer specials and even, free entry. Make use of them and spend time bonding with the kids and exploring your city’s heritage.
5. Read Away Summer Days
Finally, one of my all-time favorite, free summer activities is reading. While a traditional book is my first choice when reading with my daughter, eBooks on the Kindle are fast becoming a close second. Plus, the added benefit is that there are so many good, free children’s books available on Kindle.
If you want to stick to a traditional book reading session, start by reading through the books you already own and then, have swaps with neighbors or use your local library.
You can also take walks together as a family, play hide and seek, go swimming at the community pool, or play board games that you already have in your home. The most important thing is that you are spending time with one another and encouraging your children to stay active during their summer break.
How will you make the summer days fun and interesting without breaking the bank?
Written By: Parenting Contributor, Prerna Malik, TheMomWrites.com
The post 5 Fun and Free Summer Activities for the Family appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.
