It’s summertime and living is easy – until you have to keep your kids busy all day long on a budget. Never fear… because we’ve got some ideas that will keep the little ones happy and entertained without breaking the bank. From free activities to affordable outings, we’ve got you covered. So read on for some fun ways to keep the kiddos occupied this summer!
1. Have a backyard camping adventure – Set up a tent, make some s’mores, tell stories around the campfire. Nothing screams summer like camping!
2. Go on a nature hike and see who can find the most interesting rocks, leaves, or flowers. You can find trails near you by checking out websites like AllTrails.com. And if you bring along a picnic lunch, you can make a day of it!
3. Another outdoor activity that’s both healthy and affordable is biking. You can either head to your local park or bike trail, or even just ride around your neighborhood. If you have younger kids, you can also look into getting a bike trailer or child seat to attach to your bike.
4. Make homemade pizzas, ice cream sundaes, or other treats together. It’s a fun activity and you get to eat the results!
5. Visit your local library – Most libraries offer free summer reading programs for kids of all ages, and 5. Visit your local library – Most libraries offer free summer reading programs for kids of all ages, and some even have special events or story times. This is a great way to encourage your kids to read, and it’s totally free! Ventura County Libraries | Los Angeles County Libraries
6. Have a water fight – Fill up some water balloons or squirt guns and let the fun begin! Be sure to set some ground rules beforehand (like no spraying in the face or safe zones) to avoid any tears.
7. Play explorer for a day – Buckle up your fanny pack, break out that bucket hat, and visit some of the nearby attractions that you’ve never checked out. What you find in your own backyard may surprise you.
8. Have a scavenger hunt – Create a list of items for the kids to find, either around the house or neighborhood. The first one to find everything on the list wins a prize!
9. Put on a play or talent show – Pop some popcorn and let the kids use their imaginations and put on a performance for family and friends.
10. Hold a backyard Olympics – Set up some fun (and safe) games like three-legged races, an egg and spoon race, or a water balloon toss. Keep the competition friendly and make sure everyone wins a medal !
11. Have a picnic lunch in the park – pack up some sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks and enjoy a sunny afternoon outdoors. If you want some extra fun bring a baseball, football, frisbee or some games to play before your meal! Want to bring your Dog with you to a pet friendly dog park? Check these places out.
12. Attend free concerts or movies in the park – many cities offer these as summertime entertainment options. A quick Google search will help you find out what’s happening near you.
So there you have it! From backyard camping adventures to homemade pizzas, there are endless possibilities for you to easily keep the kids happy and occupied all summer long without spending a lot of money. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures so you can look back on these fond memories for years to come! So get out there, get creative and enjoy making some memories together with these inexpensive activities to do with kids this summer!
