Are you having sleepless nights thinking of the summer ahead? Times are hard, and more and more parents are cutting corners to make ends meet. For some, like me, full-day summer camps are out of the question. How do we then keep the kids occupied and happy without sacrificing much? Thinking outside the box about some cheap, inexpensive summer activities for the kids would definitely help.
To keep yourself sane and patient, keep the following things in mind.
- Keep your schedule flexible.
- Don’t try to work with the kids restlessly jumping around looking for something to do. That will end up making you more frustrated.
- Set aside some quiet rest time for the kids, then try to finish your projects.
- Multi-task.
- Ask the kids for help like folding and putting away the laundry.
- Remember your lists, calendars, and power naps.
This list of cheap summer activities is mom-approved, tested, and recommended.
Camping in the Backyard/Deck:
Camping is always fun for the kids during the summer. The best part of this kind of camping is that it involves minimum expense and absolutely no traveling. Just open the door and step outside.
Serve dinner on the deck. Let the kids enjoy the outdoors. Plop some camping chairs. Sing songs. Start a fire and make S’mores. Open tents in the backyard and allow the kids to camp the whole night. Fun, exciting, and not an extra penny spent. It works great with little kids, too, who enjoy the independence of sleeping alone yet aren’t too far from home. Plus if anyone needs to use the restroom, it is conveniently right inside your home!
Gardening
Container gardening is another cheap, inexpensive summer activity that keeps the kids happy. It’s encouraging and motivating too. Buy a couple of containers, or use the ones you already have on hand at home.
Ask the kids to choose the seeds they want. Gardening helps them in being responsible for watering plants, taking out the weeds, and putting the container in and out of the sun. Make the most of the competition between siblings and encourage them to work hard to bring those seeds to life. Seeing the first flower bloom in their pot will make everything worth it.
Puzzles
Another cheap summer activity is doing puzzles. Invest in puzzles that compliment your decor and plan to frame and hang them. Many of the puzzles are available at Dollar Tree for just $1.25. Five Below also has some nice ones. The kids can work on them together, and once done you could put a puzzle saver on the back to keep the puzzle stuck together. Then frame and decorate their rooms.
To keep the kids interested, don’t buy one that’s too huge; rather, invest in many small-sized puzzles that keep them motivated.
Latch Hook Kits
Older girls generally have fun with this craft. A nice-sized latch hook rug kit is available at Amazon.com for around $20. They even have latch hook pillow kits too. It proves to be an inexpensive summer activity that will keep them busy. Once done, they could proudly display it in their room.
Talent Show
A talent show is a fun way for the kids and you to get together with friends. Organize a potluck. Ask the kids to perform their best talents. Certificates, available in Dollar Stores, can be handed out as a mark of appreciation and encouragement.
Whether you decide to have the kids camp out in the backyard or grab some puzzles to work on, with these tips your family will have some cheap activities to keep them busy this summer.
If looking for some games to play at your summer barbeque, head this way!
