Five easy ways to keep kids entertained on a budget
“I’m bored!” For busy parents, these words can feel like nails on a chalkboard. Keeping youngsters entertained when they aren’t spending eight hours a day at school can be difficult, and expensive. Fear not, we’ve gathered a few cheap and easy summer activities that will keep your children entertained, without breaking your budget all summer long.
Sign Them Up for Community Sports
Local community centers often offer low-cost sports teams during the spring, summer, and fall. Not only is the registration fee low enough for most families to afford, but your child will learn plenty about teamwork, leadership skills, and they will stay physically active during those long summer days. Many baseball and softball teams, from traveling teams to t-ball, begin sign-ups in the spring and will carry through with practice and games throughout the summer. Check your local municipality for sign-up deadlines and the fees associated with the sport. To keep summer activities within budget, do check thrift shops and second-hand stores for used cleats, gloves, and other equipment.
Check out the Zoos and Museums
Many zoos and museums have free admission days, meaning you’ll be able to enter the area without paying an admission fee (occasionally a donation will be asked, but it is voluntary). Most zoos and museums, especially those catering to kids, will offer free admission once a week or once a month. Scout these days out online and plan the rest of your week or month around the activity. You may want to spend some time leading up to a visit to the zoo discussing animals and conservation or mapping out your trip using an online map of the location with your kids. Not only will it keep them entertained leading up to the event, but it will help to build excitement.
Plant a Garden
You can keep your children entertained, and grow some of your own food, by planting a garden. Let the kids help by picking out their favorite crop, and by watering and attending to the plants as they grow. For the best results, begin your plantings inside during the spring and transfer them into your garden after the last frost. Not only will you keep your youngster entertained all summer, but you’ll be teaching them about healthy eating and saving on your food bill, as well.
Sidewalk Chalk
When the kids can’t head out to sports or have friends over for a playdate, pull out the sidewalk chalk and let them go to town. Sidewalk chalk can be purchased online or in craft stores for between $1 and $5, depending on the size of the package you purchase. You can use sidewalk chalk to create large game boards on a patio, or to craft car race tracks for the kids to enjoy. You can also allow the youngsters to craft their own large-scale art project. The wonderful thing about sidewalk chalk is you can keep your kids entertained, and it simply washes away with a heavy rainfall or a once-over with the garden house.
Summertime should be a season to reconnect, enjoy the beautiful weather and bond as a family, but that doesn’t mean you should go off budget in the pursuit of fun. These cheap and fun summer activities are sure to keep your kids smiling all summer long.