Summer break can be one of the most expensive times of the year if you aren’t careful. Keeping the kids busy during this time can be pretty touch and might also end up forcing you to go over your budget to keep everyone happy. From extra snacking to weekly field trips, there are a few techniques to help relieve you of some of the pressure summer break causes. With these hints you and your children should coast through summer break without going overboard on the family budget. You’ll love the new ways of keeping the kids busy and won’t have to worry about the kids succumbing to summer time boredom. Before you know it, school will be back in session and your summer savings will leave you feeling great about your summer time choices.
1. School Summer Program
Most communities will offer a free summer program for all children during a few weeks of summer. These programs are usually hosted by a high school, college or university so call around to find out where you can sign your child up for activities. Typically, the activities are free so if you do find a program that isn’t you may want to look at other schools before paying the fee. Once your child is enrolled you can sign them up for a number of courses that will keep them active during the hot weather. Most schools will offer physical activities such as swimming lessons, team sports and golfing. Some school will even offer classes designed to keep the brain going. Usually, there is a child friendly science, theater or art class which kids tend to love. However, you may want to see if there is a between grades course. This will help your child retain the information from their previous grade while moving ahead in the upcoming grade. It doesn’t matter what courses you choose for your child as they will have fun and won’t have time to feel bored.
2. Library
If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids imagination working this summer then there’s no better place than your local library. Kids can sign up for the summer library program at absolutely no cost and will be able to earn prizes as they read books. Each child in the program is given a number of books based on their age. As they progress towards their goal they earn prizes which will encourage kids enough to read more often. Thus, you’ll be able to help your child grow over the summer, stay entertained for longer and it doesn’t cost you anything! The library also holds a large range of activities throughout the summer. There are usually craft hours, story time and even movie afternoons that will have kids engaged in their local library until school returns in the autumn.
3. Cooking Lessons
Teaching your kids to cook isn’t just a great way to keep them entertained, but it is also a valuable lesson they can use throughout their lives. Make sure to base your cooking lessons on the child’s age though as safety is always the most important thing. Younger children can easily be in charge of making finger sandwiches, rice crispy treats, Jello-os, puddings and other foods that don’t necessarily need to be cooked. Of course, as they get older and more reliable in the kitchen you may be able to teach basic baking and cooking skills. This can take up a few hours of the week and will provide kids something to snack on so you don’t have to buy as many snack foods when you go grocery shopping. The best thing is that kids will have to engage their brains to cook, especially the older children who will have to use measurements to cook. This will help prepare them for school when it begins again and will keep previous lessons fresh in their mind.
4. Education Software
Although your children might roll their eyes at educational software during summer break, you’ll know its for the best. You can find a wide variety of software to suit each child’s need. From preparation for the next grade to booster to help master a skill your child struggled with during school, you’ll be able to get your family ahead of the curve before school rolls around again. You may even be able to teach the family a new skill such as a foreign language during the school break. Educational software comes in a wide range of prices, so it might take some shopping around to find the best match for your. However, your local library may also have some software on loan for you to enjoy. You might also look for used software online, or freeware that will ensure you save as much money as possible. Your kids will stay out of trouble with daily lessons and won’t forget the things they learned during the previous year which will help make the transition to the next grade smoother.
5. Field Trips
There should be a lot of low price ideas for you and the kids to do this summer. You may want to look around online to see what establishments in the area offer discount days. Typically, museums and zoos will all offer at least one discounted day per month, but many will also offer a free day per week. This is a great time to get the kids out of the house and explore some fun cultural ideas. If you do tend to visit these types of things a lot you might want to consider getting a seasonal pass. Usually, for zoos this will only cost the same amount of money you’d pay to get your entire family in on a non-discounted day. You tend to get free admission with the membership as well as discounts on food and other merchandise. A lot of museums will offer the same programs and will give you access to classes that will suit different age groups. You may also consider trips to the movies on child discount days, or other special events that might temporarily be in the area.
6. Pool Pass
There’s no denying that summer can be ridiculously hot sometimes. Usually on these less than desirable days the kids don’t want to do anything but stay in the air conditioning and play video games. This can be a huge drain on your electric bill and will cause them to be lazy. Instead of staying in, you can all cool down at the local pool. Most community pools will offer a seasonal pass at a price so low you may be surprised. This will allow each of you to go to the pool whenever the heat strikes or everyday if you like. This is a great way for the kids to stay fit over summer and will encourage them to make new friends and try new things. A lot of pools will even offer swim lessons so your child can learn the basics while the rest of the family stays cool.
7. Play Dates
Most kids will start to miss their friends after the first week of school being out. Summer is the best time to get together with your child’s friend’s parents to set up some play dates. You don’t have to go all out to entertain the kids usually as most of the time the children are just happy to see one another. Let them play outside, watch movies or enjoy playing with toys inside. You won’t even have to go crazy over purchasing snacks as a few icy treats like frozen coolaid or Popsicles will go along way. You can take turns hosting the play dates so that each parent gets a small break during the summer. You may even be able to schedule a couple of day nights if you coordinate your play dates well. The kids will be happy for hours about seeing their friends and you’ll get a chance to know the kids your children love so much. It’ll even make it easier for kids to get back in the swing of the school year when the next session begins.
8. Day Camp
Sleep away summer camp might be a bit too much for your budget this year, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking out some of the local day camps. These camps usually only run half of the day, but will keep your child active and having fun for a few weeks out of the summer. There’s lot of different camps available, so it might take a little time and a lot of discussion to find the perfect one for each child. These camps are usually cheaper to enroll in and some will even offer scholarships if you apply for them. Your kids will have a blast though while making new friends and learning different things each day. A lot of the camps will even base themselves around a certain skill camp, such as a theater or sports camp, which may appeal to your child’s natural skills. Once your child begins the day camp you’ll be able to enjoy them grow over the summer while saving a little money.
9. Lemonade/Snack Stand
Nothing says classic summer like a lemonade stand. Your kids will love making a little extra money as they help cool the neighborhood down with their tasty beverage. You may want to start the summer out having the kids work on a booth. This will teach them some basic building and decorating skills and will keep them entertained. Once the booth is made try to create an easy and tasty recipe using real lemons. This shouldn’t be too expensive as lemons are in season during this time. You may even make a few different flavors of the beverage. Snacks are always another great idea to add to the mix, and will help kids learn some cooking techniques. Try to have the kids open the booth one to two times a week for a couple of hours. They may feel their confidence boost as they use their hard work to earn some money.
10. Go to the Park
Taking the kids to the park can be one of the cheapest activities around. You’ll love spending time with the kids as they get some exercise and fresh air outside. You should always try to locate a park near the home as this will allow you to walk there and back so you can save some gas money. Of course, after some time the kids may tire of going to the same park over and over. You might want to do a little research and branch off to other parks. You may even consider making play dates at parks near the children’s friend’s home. This will allow them to play with other while experiencing different play places. If they continue to get bored then try adding a game to their play time. For instance you can hide items and have them seek them or create a scavenger hunt.
Summer break can be very long and expensive if the kids don’t stay entertained. With these simple tips you will have your kids busy from sun up to sun down without having to pay too much for their happiness. With everyone entertained and on budget you should be able to throw in a little extra summer fun with a vacation or surprise trip that will make all the saving worth it. Your kids will definitely be sad summer is over when the new school year rolls around.
