The following post is by MPFJ staff writer, Laurie Blank. Laurie is a wife, mother to 4 and homesteader who blogs about personal finance, self-sufficiency and life in general over at The Frugal Farmer. Part witty, part introspective and part silly, her goal in blogging is to help others find their way to financial freedom and to a simpler, more peaceful life.
Summer is almost here, which means the kids will be out of school and looking for something to do. How can parents make sure to keep kids entertained without breaking the bank this summer?
I know that for us, as we work to pay off our debt we also work to keep entertainment expenses at bay. We don’t want the kids locked in the house all summer in the name of saving money, so we work to find cheap summer activities that will entertain the kids while still keeping our budget in check.
Here are some of the fun activities we’ll be having our kids do this summer.
Organized Outdoor Play
Once the kids reach age 5 or so, they love gathering with friends and playing organized games. Soccer, baseball, airsoft, sword tag; there’s tons of options for play when you gather up some friends and meet at a local park or at the house of someone who has a large yard to play in.
Fishing
There’s something about fishing that is simple yet fun. Dig up a few worms, head to a local fishing lake and toss in your line for hours of entertainment. This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy, and if you do it right you can come home with dinner.
Hiking & Biking
Our family spends lots of time at local state and county parks on hikes and bikes. Depending on which parks/paths you choose, you can go for an easy trek or a rugged one. A Burley for your bike or a baby carrier or jogging stroller for your hike allows you to bring little ones along as well.
Picnics
A picnic is a super simple way to do something different for very little cost. You have to eat lunch anyway; why not enjoy it in the great outdoors on a soft blanket while listening to the birds sing? Don’t want to go anywhere? Simply picnic in the summer sun of your back yard.
Free Outdoor Summer Concerts
Many cities and towns boast free summer concerts via local musicians or music houses. Check out your state’s tourist website or specific city websites for information on times and dates. Be sure to arrive early so you can get a good spot for enjoying the show.
Game Nights/Movie Nights
Spoons, anyone? There are tons of board and other games that can be played with kids of any age. If you’re not into board games, pop some popcorn (the old fashioned air poppers really do make it better), turn down the lights and enjoy a movie theater atmosphere right in your living room.
Bonus: Many local theaters offer free movies for kids on summer mornings. Check out your local theaters for more information.
Bonfire Nights
It doesn’t cost much to install a fire pit in your back yard, and the one-time expense can account for years of enjoyment. This easy-to-build and inexpensive fire pit makes a great gathering place for families. Just add some bonfire-friendly foods such as s’mores and you’re set.
Beach Days
A bit of gas in the car, some sunscreen, some snacks and you’re all set for an inexpensive but fun day at a local beach. Be sure to bring some drinking water for staying hydrated and some friends for extra fun.
Day Trips
Check your state’s tourist site for some nearby towns or cities that have fun things to do, and plan a day trip with your kids. Smaller towns often have goodies such as candy shops or historical sites that make for an educational and fun day for kids and adults alike.
Summer Festivals
In our family, we just can’t get enough of summer festivals. Nearly all small towns and communities hold a summer festival of some sort. In Minnesota it’s Kolacky Days in Montgomery, Taco Daze in Scandia, and the Strawberry Fest in Cottage Grove, just to name a few.
Although these types of events can get expensive if you don’t make a plan, we keep costs low by bringing a picnic lunch and setting limits on costs for rides and/or festival foods. Many town festivals don’t charge an entry fee and have free entertaining attractions such as bands, car shows and variety shows.
Summer can be an expensive time for keeping kids entertained, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and planning, you can load up on summer fun for your kids without draining your pocketbook.
How about you all? What is your favorite cheap activity for your kids?
***Photo courtesy of https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2016/01/16/02/49/kid-1142785_960_720.jpg
