School is Almost Out & Summer’s Coming Fast. How to Keep Those Crazy Kids Occupied, on a Budget!

School is Almost Out & Summer’s Coming Fast.  How to Keep Those Crazy Kids Occupied, on a Budget!

6-2-2011

Happy birthday Annaliese & Alessandra!  15 months old today!!

My daughter is graduating Kindergarten is less then two weeks, and that makes me realize, my kids will be out of school before I know it.  What things can we all do to have a safe, happy, and fun Summer with our kids, and find some fun things that they also can do on their own, if old enough?

I thought about it today, and here are some of my own personal ideas.  I love Summer time because it’s so much cheaper then Winter where all activities cost an arm and a leg. 

There definitely are more cheap and FREE things to do in the warmer months, such as:

1)  Sidewalk chalk. 

Your little ones will get a kick out of this, especially if they have a friend over, or mom or dad gets in on the action.  They now make glow in the dark chalk.  I’m anxious to try that, so when it gets dark we can see our Picasso’s creations in a whole new ‘light’.  It gives them something to look forward to come evening time.

2)  Water guns & water balloons. 

 I’m not into ‘guns’ with my children.  My husband grew up firing off BB guns at my sons age, and I say, ‘Heck no’ to that, but I do find regular water guns and super soakers to be harmless.  Get those kiddos out back with friends or siblings, or yourself, and have some free ‘cooling off fun’ on those super hot, humid days.

3)  Most parks are free, so play it up!

We basically live at free parks all summer long.  It’s a great way for the kids to get exercise, make friends, socialize, and hopefully get themselves tuckered out.  (God willing.)  If you can find a friend of yours to come along with her own kids, not only is your child or children getting a play date, but so are you.  You know how little adult interaction most of us moms get, so this is GOLDEN to me.

4)  Buy a tiny pool for the back yard + sprinklers are great fun to!

They are cheap, they helps everybody stay cool, and are a real treat for your young ones.  Heck, I still like them.  Caution should still always be taken, because any amount of water can pose a risk of drowning.  Just be careful, stay cool, supervise, and have fun. 

Go for a dip yourself.  Some days you really will need it to beat the heat!  Sprinklers are a safe way for even toddlers to get wet without the risks of the pool water.  Having both though, I must say, is TERRIFIC!

5)  Bicycle riding.

The older kids can do this with friends, but for younger ones, bike riding with mom and/or dad can be a real treat.  Plus, if you are like me, you aren’t just thinking about the fun aspect of the activity, but the ‘Oh gosh, I’m actually getting some exercise to.  AWESOME!’  Always a nice bonus! 

If you have wee ones who can’t yet ride, a bike trailer on the back of your bicycle is always a fun option.  I have one I bought for my 5yo, and we only used it once, but I’m soon pulling it out for the twins.  If the day is TOO hot I wouldn’t recommend it though.  Use your own judgement there.

6)  Blowing bubbles

 Again always a hit with the young kids, and even tots, because they may not be able to blow, but they sure can pop them!  It’s a VERY cheap activity, and I know it used to keep me busy for quite a long while, when I was a kid.   Go grab some now if you don’t have them already.

7)  Go on a walk and collect rocks, or walk along the beach and collect sea shells. 

Beaches are so much fun in the hot Summer months.  You can find little local beaches that are usually free.  Oceans and such may cost you per car, but are worth a full day of family fun!

8)  Collect lightning bugs. 

Again always a fond childhood memory of mine.  They aren’t out all of the time, but when the right night comes along, your kids can catch those bugs in a jar with holes on top, and admire their glow.  Of course don’t forget to let them go in the end.  They never last until morning, as well I found out as a child.

9)  The classic traditional games of our childhood are still a big hit.

Red light green light 1-2-3, tag, Simon says, hide and seek with neighbors and friends.  Jumping rope, hopscotch, kickball and wiffle ball in the yard.  These are terrific fun, and terrific exercise as well.  Encourage more activity and less TV watching and computer surfing.

10)  Build a fort/ hideout.

Me, my brother, and neighbors used to LOVE doing this as kids.  It gave our parents a break, and someplace for us to hide out in.  It’s truly great fun, and helps kids use their imaginations, which is so very important!

The summer only lasts so long, so enjoy it!  Get outside and play.  Do everything you can to keep the kids happy and occupied, and you might just have some fun yourself over the Summer vacation.

Thanks for stopping by!