Affordable Summer Fun

Summer's on it's way and you don't have to over spend to entertain your family. Here are some of our favorite activities to do during the summer months.

Picnics are fun

You don't have to travel far to have a picnic. In fact, you don't have to travel any farther than your own backyard. The fun isn't only in the picnic alone, but in the planning of it.
 Family Fun Days / Nights

Families don't need to go on vacations or spend lots of money to enjoy some time together. All they need to do is plan some fun activities to share. At home or out for the day~

 Splashing Around

A water park in the backyard? Absolutely! If you already have a play set, all you have to do is set the sprinkler underneth it. You're limited only by your imagination!

Gardening

Gardens offer kids the perfect opportunity for learning about plant life. If you start early enough in the season, you can start the garden from seeds. If not you can buy a few plants just about anywhere. We tend to have a large family garden. This year we decided to give Little Man his very own area to take care of. He is really enjoying this.

Camping, even in your own backyard

Pick up and go camping at the lake or in your backyard. Yep, your backyard. You don't need to travel any farther to plan a camping trip. Once again part of the fun is in the planning, so take your time to find the right spot to pitch a tent and decide on activities the whole family can enjoy. (If you are not one to sleep in a tent over night, just camp for the evening.)  

Library Fun

The library often has free programs for children. But it's not just the programs that make libraries fun, It's the books and librarians. As I have stated here before we Love our library program. Each summer, the kids enjoy crafts, a magic, music or science show. Our favorite is the pet show.

 Scavenger Hunt You can encourage your children to explore nature with a nature scavenger hunt. This is simple as different shaped stones and leaves. Or you can hide objects of your own around the yard and give your children clues that will help them! If not a hunt, just enjoy a walk in nature. Our family loves picking wild flowers to brighten up our home.

Farmers Market

Meet your local farmers, enjoy fresh food and local entertainment. 

Put on a Play The simplest way to put on a play is to act out a familiar story ,using whatever you can find around the house for costumes. Have the kids instruct a class.You can also get online and search what the theater near you has to offer.  

Music

Pull out your instruments and have some fun. If you don't own any, make them. You can create music with just about anything that makes a sound. You can buy cheap kazoos or make your own by covering a comb with wax paper. Pots can serve as drums and lids can be cymbals. Empty jugs can be used too. Help your kids learn about music, while having fun.

Clean out the old Make space to live. I tell myself Less Stuff More Life. This activity can have several goals. You can get your house cleaned of clutter, give your kids something to do, and make a little money! You could also donate your goods to local organizations.

Chores can be fun! Have your little ones help you around the house, cooking, cleaning and laundry. They enjoy it more than you know.

Crafting/Creating

Paint rocks for your flowers pots or use them as paperweights.

Crafting/creating has a list of endless opportunities.

Here are a few sites filled with ideas.

http://familyfun.go.com/summer/summer-crafts/

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/summercrafts/a/summermn.htm

http://www.craftideas.info/html/cpi_summer.html

http://www.ehow.com/summer-crafts/

http://www.freekidscrafts.com/summer_crafts-t100.html

Other We also enjoy  natural parks, museums, nature centers, the book store,  the ice cream shop, pet store, Humane Society, canoing, Hiking, bike riding, collecting rocks, ballgames, play parks and even a trolley ride here or there.

Anything cost friendly and educational.