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You are here: Home / Family Life / Family Time / Cheap Summer Activities for Children

Cheap Summer Activities for Children

May 18, 2012 By Dianna Kennedy · PRINTABLES TIP: Always go toward the end of a post to find the printable. · Disclosure: This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. {I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.}

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The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy. 

Your schoolwork is all done — now it’s time for some play! Looking for ideas for frugal family fun this summer? Here are ten ideas to get you started.

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Author's twin boys, examining a horseshoe crab

 

1. Just add Water

In the hot summer days of Kentucky, my children are happiest when they are wet. We plan to join a local pool, since we won’t be going on a beach vacation this year.

In our area, there are also a few small waterparks and the new fad is ‘splashgrounds’ — playgrounds with sprinklers and other water play.

 

Author's children, exploring a stump at a local park

 

2. Take them to the Park

I’m blessed to live in a region that has a huge, extensive park system. Do your research now, and plan out some visits to the parks in your neighborhood. One of my favorites is super shaded – perfect for beating the summer heat.

 

3. Grab a Book 

When it’s just too darn hot to hit the great outdoors, check out your local library or bookstores. Many will have summer programs for children, including storytimes, crafts and more. Looking for some summertime book ideas? Don’t miss my ocean and beachy themed post.
bug catcher box

4. Head for a Hike 

Take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the morning or evening to go on a hike. Collecting bugs is one of my children’s favorite activities.

 

5. Crafts

When it’s just too darn hot outside, making crafts can keep your children busy and happy.

 

6. Backyard Campout

Want a stay-cation? Gather your sleeping bag, pillows and tent, and head for your back yard. It’s a fun change of scenery, but not so far away from home that small children will be scared.

7. Take Your Kids to the Ballgame

Enjoy America’s favorite past time – baseball! MLB games may be pricey, but check your local minor league team, or college teams. Most have specials where kids run the bases and more.

8. Sand Play

My kids love playing in sand almost as much as they love the water. Our sand box gets a work out spring, summer and fall! Tip: save yogurt containers for cheap sand toys.

 

9. Bowling – indoors or out!

My children have been to a few birthday parties at bowling allies, and LOVED it! Check your local bowling alley for summer specials.

Don’t have a bowling alley nearby? Try some bowling at home – set up in your kitchen, or even in the driveway.

10. A Trip to the Movies

Drive in movies are few and far between, but if you’re lucky enough to have one in your area, this would be a fun treat for your children.

Many movie theaters have summer movie specials for young children, with morning matinees around $2 per person. Our zoo has a monthly movie under the stars night, where families can bring blankets, coolers and enjoy a big screen show outdoors.

Do you have a favorite frugal summer activity that I’ve missed? Be sure and leave your ideas in the comment box! We’d love to hear from you!

 

Head over to  The Kennedy Adventures! to see if Dianna has hatched Baby 5.0! She’s the host of Saints and Scripture Sundays –everyone welcome to join in! You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, as well as writing for Catholic Mothers Online. 

This post contains affiliate links.

 

This post is linked to: Tot School, Sharing Time, Sunday Showcase, Sunday Showcase Party, Sundae Scoop Party, Homemaking Mondays, Making the World Cuter, Link and Learn,Hip Homeschool Hop, Magic Marker Mondays, Craftastic Monday, What’s in the Gunny Sack?, Polish the Stars, Better Mom Mondays, Motivate Me Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Made by You Monday, One Project at a Time, Top Ten Tuesdays, Lil Luna Tip Party, Sugar and Spice, Tip Me Tuesdays, Take a Look Tuesdays, Talent Tuesdays, Ta-da Tuesdays, Tuesday Time Out, Show and Tell #1, Show and Tell, Creative Share, Primp Your Stuff, Crafty Soiree, Works for Me Wednesday, The Mommy Club, Weekly Wrap-up at WUHS, House of Hepworths, Strut Your Stuff, For the Kids Friday, Home and Family Friday, Preschool Corner , Show Me Extraordinary, Pity Party, Do Something Crafty, Creative Genius Party, Frugal Friday, Friday Flair, Weekend Wrap Up, Get Schooled Saturday, and Kid’s Co-op.

 

 

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Filed Under: Family Time, Summer

About Dianna Kennedy

Dianna Kennedy is the mother of six, writing at The Kennedy Adventures. She's a relaxed classical homeschooler, and loves to share practical tips for today's Catholic parent.
Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Previous Post: « How to Work from Home and Homeschool
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Comments

  1. Kathy says

    May 21, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    Bowling…that’s what we should do this summer. What do you think? Think my 3 year old could handle it? Maybe we’ll request the bumpers put in. Ha! Great ideas. I’d love to have you link up on Titus 2 Tuesday tomorrow on Cornerstone Confessions. Thanks again for the valuable info.

    Kathy

    Reply
    • Dianna Kennedy says

      May 23, 2012 at 2:42 am

      I stopped in and linked up! 3 year olds can certainly do bowling — check with your local lanes — they will have bumpers, and smaller balls for the little ones. My children are 17, 6, and 4 yr old twins — they all love bowling!

      Reply
      • Kathy says

        May 24, 2012 at 9:53 pm

        We’ll do. Thanks for linking up to Titus 2 Tuesday on Cornerstone Confessions.

        Kathy

        Reply
  2. jenn says

    May 21, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    PLEASE check out the KIDS BOWL FREE program. This is the website:
    http://www.kidsbowlfree.com. They offer registered children 2 FREE games of bowling EVERY day for the entire summer in select bowling alleys in each state…This will be our 3rd summer of F-U-N!!! PLEASE spread the word!!!! IT IS FREE!!!!!

    Reply
    • Dianna Kennedy says

      May 23, 2012 at 2:45 am

      I’ve signed up in the past, then never gotten around to going. The only thing I don’t like is getting my inbox overloaded with the coupon emails. Argh! I have 4 children, and they send an email for each one.

      Reply
  3. Kaysi @ Keeping It Simple says

    May 21, 2012 at 10:36 pm

    Those are some great ideas!!! My kids love to be wet too 🙂

    Reply
    • Dianna Kennedy says

      May 23, 2012 at 2:46 am

      that’s cheap and easy for us!

      Reply
  4. Mackenzie says

    May 26, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Great ideas for summer! 🙂 I would love to invite you to share this with my readers at Saturday Show & Tell on Cheerios and Lattes!
    Have a Great Weekend,
    Mackenzie
    http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/saturday-show-tell-12-summer-series-preview/

    Reply
  5. Childlife says

    May 27, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    Lots of great ideas and crafts — I always leave here inspired! Thanks for linking up with Magic Marker Monday 🙂

    ~Michelle @ 5MFSN

    Reply

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Angie, mom to three very fun kids, is the founder of Real Life at Home.  With degrees in elementary education (B.A.) and special education (M.S.Ed.), as well as being a former homeschooler, she is passionate about supporting both parents and teachers by providing printables, crafts, and activities to help children learn and grow. Read More…

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