BONUS! How do I keep my kids entertained this summer?
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Dear Grace,
School’s out for the summer and I need some help figuring out how to entertain my kids all summer. Day camp was too expensive, but I’m worried that I’m too late to find a good alternative. When I asked some other moms from my son’s class, they looked shocked that I hadn’t made plans for him already. What are some budget-friendly ways I can keep them busy instead of parking them in front of the TV for 3 months?
– Screen Queen in Scranton
Dear Screen Queen,
Last summer, I answered one mom trying to make a summer plan for her kids that kept them from becoming total screen-zombies while they are out of school. You all had such great advice, that I’m passing the mic and sharing some of your top tips for keeping kids occupied on a budget:
Plan for time outside.
Whether you stick to local parks, go camping in your backyard, or explore your state’s national park, there is so much outdoor time to enjoy! Remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy for it to feel like an incredible adventure to your kids.
“Maybe try visiting State parks and different places you don’t normally get to. Ask your kids to take photos to capture all the cool places you visit and you’ll have a beautiful album at the end of the summer.”
Find FREE activities near you.
Some movie theaters offer a weekly free kids’ movie and community centers might offer free family concerts—check out what is available in your area! You might need to check Facebook, your local YMCA, or just do a quick google search to come up with a complete list, but there is plenty out there!
“Once a month on a Saturday, Home Depot has a FREE project for kids that they teach and let them take home. They learn to put things together, paint, etc., and never repeat a project. It is usually at least an hour long and your kids will love getting to take home their finished project!”
Never underestimate a sprinkler.
Water play is a favorite and a classic summer activity—just make sure you reapply sunscreen and keep plenty of water nearby. Hydrating fruits like watermelon are also a great way to keep the kids hydrated when they’re tired of drinking water.
“I’m a Gigi and have had my grandbabies for last few years my grandson 4 almost 5 has every summer for as long as been big enough played in the water, I love the sun I use a nozzle that puts our a mist, fill his pool and add a plastic slide ,water slide pool, I clean my patio watery flowers , squirting him whole time he loves it, mist doesn’t use much water (usually $10 a monthly more than normal) and it’s a great way to make memories.”
Volunteer!
Older kids might enjoy feeling like they have something more grown up to do, which is where volunteering could come in handy. Your local animal shelter or library are always good places to start!
“I signed my kids up as volunteers to read to elderly people in nursing homes and hospital patients. My son got involved with taking photos of newborns in the hospital. If they’re more outdoors-y, you could find local farms where they can volunteer and learn about caring for the animals.”
Spend time with grandparents.
Plenty of our audience are grandparents who treasure the extra time with their grandbabies each summer. Take the time to let them participate in your routine—helping you garden, learning to bake or sew, and just sharing some of life’s small moments together.
“As a grandma, kids absolutely love gardening as well as frog hunting! I kept an aquarium full of various different frogs and my grandchildren and the neighborhood children absolutely loved catching and feeding the frogs. Anything that gets them outside and gets their fingers in the dirt will make them feel amazing.”
Two words: play dates!
Making sure your kids stay social over the summer and giving yourself a break every now and then is important. Talk to other parents and plan for a standing play date—maybe each week you rotate houses so you can help each other out while giving the kids time to catch up.
“If you need even more outside time, talk to their friend’s parents and plan to take turns bringing the kids to the local park to play.”
Hope these tips help you plan a fun, low-cost summer with your kids that keeps their screen time at a healthy level.
HAGS (Have a great summer!),
Grace and the Readers
