Summer has begun! I slept in until almost 9am this morning! My kids almost did too (since we had been up half the night with 1 of the 4 puking and waking up everyone else). It was great to sleep in but I had a really crazy dream. I don't think I will be wasting away any more of SUMMER by sleeping in---too many hours = too many opportunities for weird dreams and WASTED FUN!
So today we started our summer off with #1 on my list--a trip to the PET STORE! My girls LOVED seeing all of the pets {that I will never allow them to have} there were to offer. They calculated how much it would cost to buy a bird, a cage and bird food and then decided to open a lemonade stand to earn the money! They watched the hamsters wake up from their naps and stretch and ooohed and ahhhhed over the ferrets all curled up in a ball taking their snooze for the day. We watched the exotic fish, frogs and turtles play and swim in their aquariums. It was a fun afternoon of fun. Now we will see how that lemonade stand turns out.....
Here are some other fun ideas that you may or may not have on your list of summer to do's...they are all free or have minimal cost involved.
#1 Go to the Pet Store and see what fun animals you could own as a pet. Calculate the cost of what it would cost to take care of the pet and the responsibilities of pet ownership. Make a goal to earn money to buy a pet. Or enjoy the pet store's pet and never have to take care of one yourself! :)
#2 Have Ice Cream for Dinner! This a family tradition for our family on the first day of summer (after school gets out). We used to do it on the actual first day of summer the season before our kids were in school. Now we do it as a summer break celebration! We also do it at home--much cheaper and much more fun because the kids get to make their own! We have toppings like cut-up bananas, strawberries, cherries, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, etc. My girls look forward to this tradition EVERY SUMMER. It doesn't cost more than a regular dinner--so essentially it is free if you are budgeting the same amount as dinner. And most of the stuff I have on hand usually except the ice cream. Syrups last a long time or you can make yours homemade (our favorite). We offer cones or bowls--but usually the kids go for the bowls for this event so they can pile on the toppings. And we let them! It is one day a year that they can go hog wild!
#3 Go to a community park/splash park! I know some splash parks cost money but some don't. If you have never been to a splash park, look for one in your area. They are usually $3 or less per person and they are tons of fun! They are usually located at a regular park with a playground close by. My kids just run back and forth between the two and play for hours of endless fun! There may be one close to you that you don't know about! My sister found out yesterday there was one only 15 minutes away and she had no idea!
#4 Make a mural--this is something every mom should buy! A large roll of butcher paper (teacher supply store, restaurant supply store) or a large roll of newsprint from the local newspaper--you can usually buy a roll like this for around $30. THIS WILL LAST YOU FOREVER. The best part? It is good for a NUMBER of things beyond making a large mural. Use crayons, markers, paint, any medium you want--make sure there is PLENTY of room for all of your kids to draw. Hang it up somewhere in the house for the summer. One idea: draw the things you want to do during the summer--you will get lots of fun ideas and beautiful reminder of things to do when they say,"I'm, bored!" Other ways to use the leftovers? Birthday/Celebration banners, school projects, tablecloth, the ideas are endless!
#5 Water balloon Afternoon--buy a package of water balloons from Dollar Tree or your local dollar store (packs of 100 usually) and fill them all for an afternoon of fun! Have everyone wear their bathing suits and play freeze tag (freeze once you are hit with the balloon), volleyball with balloons and towels (this is good for a groups of at least 4 or more. You don't have to have a net. Just throw across a rope on the ground. 2 kids per towel--one on each end and "volley" the balloon back and forth catching with the towel) races holding water balloon between your legs or a partner between your backs while linking arms, or a good old fashioned water balloon fight!
#6 Have a Picnic--a REAL ONE. Pack a homemade lunch--not a fast food one--and take it to your favorite park or getaway spot. Take a frisbee or a ball and glove or something that your kids love to do. Spend the afternoon or evening just being together.
#7 Go to the Library--this is obviously not my original fantastic idea, but EVERY kid loves going to the library. Find books on subjects that interest your child. Even if it is a book they cannot read. READ IT TO THEM. Take a tour of the library. See if there are books on CD, DVDs, educational kits to check out. Have an active child who can't sit still or quiet in the library to read? Then make sure you go during story time or during another FREE family event. Most libraries are FULL of fun events all summer long!
#8 Go to a petting zoo--these are usually cheaper than the big zoos and can be just as fun! Some are even free!
#9 Find a u-pick fruit farm--find out what grows in your area and go pick some of your own food! You can usually find an organic farm somewhere with relatively good prices. The experience is worth millions! No farms for picking? Find a local farmer's market and spend the afternoon teaching your child all of the different fruits and vegetables and buy some to take home for dinner.
#10 Make your own freezer jam. This doesn't require much and is a good experience for children. Find the envelope for freezer jam in your grocer's canning section (even at Wal-Mart). This is cheap and YUMMY fun!
#11 Homemade slip-n-slide--this can be made with a number of different things. Have you ever seen the banners that go across the street advertising a city event? Call up the city and find out what they do with the old banners. Find a hill, wet it down and add a little bit of Dawn dish soap to make it extra slippery for some good clean fun! This can also be made out of heavy duty garbage bags! Just stake them down and go!
#12 Have older children? Go ice blocking! Find a grassy hill and buy a block of ice on a hot day and slide away! This can be dangerous. Be sure to supervise!
#13 Shaving Cream Wars! Buy a few cans of CHEAP shaving cream (think Dollar Tree or Wal-mart) and split into teams. Head to a park or a place with places to hide (trees, etc). The team covered in the LEAST amount of shaving cream wins!
#14 Make homemade ICE CREAM--don't have an ice cream maker? No need! Just google "ice cream in a bag"
#15 Frozen toy fun! Buy cheap dollar store plastic toys and put them inside of a balloon. Fill with water and freeze. Add food coloring if you want to the water. Give them to your kids on a hot day. Let them experiment on how to get them out! Or just watch them melt!
#16 Scavenger Hunt Give your kids a list of things to find. This can be a nature list at that park, or a list at home. You will surprised by what you end up with. Here are a few ideas: something you consider to be a treasure, something blue, something fuzzy, something smooth, etc.
#17 Have older kids? Bigger & Better Scavenger Hunt--Invite some friends over--this only works if you live in a neighborhood where you know and trust your neighbors! Split into teams, go to someone's house and ask them to give you something, ANYTHING (usually an item they don't care if you return). Then go to another house and ask if they have something bigger or better they can give you. Repeat until time is up and have everyone return back home with their item. You be the judge (or someone else you have elected) to determine the winner. Return items if necessary.
#18 Go for a walk--a family walk or a walk ONE on ONE with your child. In your neighborhood, on a walking trail, wherever. Just let your child know they are special. Talk to them. Talk about whatever is important to them. Whether it be the trees to a 2 year old or your teenager's friends.
#19 MOVIE NIGHT at home. Pick a movie you have or rent a $1 movie from Redbox. Lay out a blanket and enjoy HOMEMADE popcorn in brown paper bags. Don't have a popcorn maker? DON'T NEED ONE. Buy some popcorn kernels from your grocery store (and yes, Wal-Mart carries these for cheap). Heat up about a tablespoon of oil (my favorite is coconut oil--healthy and tastes good) in the bottom of a deep pot. Line the bottom of the pot (in one layer) of kernels on medium heat. Put the lid on and wait for the magic. KIDS love this! Add some sea salt and pour in a paper bag! Much cheaper and WAY HEALTHIER than the microwavable toxin-covered stuff.
#20 Put on a play--your kids (and maybe a few neighbors if you only have 1 or 2) will love this! Give them some ideas if they are having trouble coming up with their own. Have them write the play, come up with costumes (simple ones from their closet and dress-up box) and perform for you and the neighborhood kids and parents. This will keep you child busy for at least a day!
#21 Find your city's free attractions! Most cities have some type of free attractions whether it be parks, museums, movie night in the park, community college events, history tours, festivals, etc. Go to your city's website, call or visit the city hall for more information.
#22 GAME NIGHT pull out the board games and dust them off and play some games with your kids. Make some special treats and stay up late. Enjoy laughing and being together. If you don't have ANY board games, borrow some. Ask your mom, a friend, a neighbor. Still can't find any? Ok, I give up. You have permission to play the Wii.
#23 Make homemade juice pops, pudding pops or fudgesicles--buy a mold at Wal-Mart for a couple of bucks or make your own using plastic or paper cups and popsicle sticks (Dollar Tree). Pour in you favorite juice, pudding or my favorite--Coconut Milk Fudgsicles. Simple Recipe:
1/2 c canned coconut milk
1 ripe banana
pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Throw in the blender. Blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour into molds. Freeze. Makes 6 small fudgesicles. Dreamy.
#24 BBQ and Dessert Contest--this is our favorite thing to do! Invite your neighbors or friends. Have everyone bring a side dish and a dessert. You provide the main dish. Have a few designated judges or a box for people to write down the # of their favorite dessert (have all desserts with a number in front of them). Have a prize for the winner! (Even if it is just a ribbon!)
#25 Have a yard sale--so this may not be FUN, but tell your kids you will do something FUN with the money you earn! They will be more motivated to pony up some more toys and unwanted/unused items. You will thank me when your house is less cluttered and your kids are smiling as they are eating cotton candy on the ferris wheel, or whatever your family chooses to do. Keep your kids busy during the event by having them make a lemonade stand or their own table to be the cashier for their own stuff. OR
Have a neighborhood/church swap Bring all of your unwanted clothes or toys and have everyone swap out for something they DO WANT. Whatever is left over donate to a local charity or shelter. Kids love this. They can shop for something they want. Even if it is something you don't want them to have, remember it is FREE. If it annoys you, they get bored with it or it breaks, you can THROW IT AWAY. It was FREE.
#26 Start a Business Let your kids come up with a way to make money. Have them purchase beads to make jewelry, bake cookies, make lemonade, dog sitting, baby-sitting, etc. Whatever it is, help them figure out their expenses and income. Help them to be successful. Teach them the value of hard work and that it pays off.
#27 Go Thrifting/yard saling WITH KIDS--I know not always the most fun thing to do with kids, but they LOVE IT. Let them bring their $2 and buy WHATEVER THEY WANT. Helps them to learn the value of money and NOT wasting it.
#28 Go to the BEACH--this is hands down our FAVORITE free thing to do. Don't live on the coast? Find a lake, a stream, a reservoir, a river SOME BODY OF WATER that is clean and free to swim in. Don't forget to send out a message in a bottle!
#29 Attend a Free Class--Home Depot, Lowe's, craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby all offer Free Make and Take events for kids and adults. Other local stores or businesses may offer free how to classes, you just have to LOOK and ASK.
#30 Build a Fort or Castle--Great thing with this project is it can be done with or WITHOUT adult supervision depending on the ages of your kids. Go to a store that sells appliances or another big box store. Refrigerator boxes are the best! Let them be creative on their own if you have things to do, or play WITH them and join in on the fun. No boxes to be found? Use couches, chairs and blankets. Hours of fun! Or even let them sleep in it overnight if safe!
#31 Go Camping. This is a lot of work for parents and the kids have no idea, but it is a great memory and experience for children. Even if it is in your own backyard in a tent, on the trampoline or in an indoor fort. Be sure to make s'mores. You can do this even if you don't have a campfire--make a firepit, BBQ, your kitchen stove or microwave!
#32 Go fishing. Catch them and throw them back if you don't want to cook them. Just enjoy being out in nature together with your kids.
#33 Go for a family bike ride. Take the wagon, scooter, whatever they want to ride. Find a local bike path or trail. Just get some exercise in as a family.
#34 Scrapbook last school year's projects--let your kids choose the layout and make their own pages with a few pictures of special events. They may not be perfect, but THEY made them so they will be special. Put all of their favorite projects, assignments and papers and certificates you saved from the last school year into a binder for them to look at in the future.
#35 Finger Paint--you can do this with paint or pudding! Little ones like to participate but put their fingers in their mouth. We like to use chocolate pudding!
#36 Garden---let your kids have their own row or area of your garden. They will work if you let it be their responsibility and not a nagging chore to weed and take care of the garden when it is THEIR's to take care of.
#37 Bug Collection--let your kids catch many varieties of bugs. Put them in a mason jar of rubbing alcohol. It will kill and preserve them. Pin them to a homemade board (I used a big piece of styrofoam covered with fabric) and research their scientific name and label them.
#38 Have a responsible child? And a not so expensive digital camera? Let them play photographer for the day and see what pictures they come up with. You may be surprised at what you will find!
#39 Have a Tie Dye Day--buy a tie dye kit which is less than $10 and tie dye white shirts you already have (or buy cheap plain ones). Let your kids help. Use the shirts when you go to an amusement park or to a crowded fair or event so you can find everyone quickly.
#40 Sidewalk chalk--do your own driveway or someone else who would enjoy a nice message! Dollar Tree chalk or again Wal-mart has big packs for cheap! They usually last a while!
#41 VOLUNTEER--find a place that could use your WHOLE family. A special needs facility, a nursing home, a homeless shelter, a pet shelter, ANYWHERE that will allow your whole family to work together. Your family will THANK YOU.
#42 Rock painting--go to a river, a park, your yard, somewhere where you can find a good size rock to paint. Buy a pack of cheap paint brushes and lay down some newspaper and let your kids have fun.
#43 Basic craft skills--if you aren't skilled in this area, find someone who is willing to teach you for free! An elderly woman who needs company is the perfect find! Learn how to cross stitch, sew on a button, knit, crochet, etc. This is good for even BOYS to learn! Make a small baby quilt and donate it to hospital or shelter. Crochet a blanket or booties and DONATE them. Yarn is CHEAP! Kids will LOVE learning how to do these basic crafts. And something like learning to sew on a button is a basic skill everyone can learn!
#44 Make a collage--using all kinds of things! Let them be creative and make it as small or large as they want. This can keep kids busy for hours on end!
#45 Rainy Day? Instead of staying inside, GO PLAY outside in the rain! Let your kids jump in the puddles, play in the mud, have a good ol' time! When you are done, go inside, take a shower and do something fun inside like make your own hopscotch with masking tape on the floor!
#46 Make a music video--kids of all ages enjoy doing this!
#47 READ to your children. Even older children and teenagers like to be read to (they may say they don't want to. But just try it. If you try to miss a day, they will ask you about it!). Read a classic or a favorite book from when you were young. Read to them at bedtime or during the day on the couch. Join a summer reading book club. BONUS!!! Sometimes there are great incentives at banks and libraries for reading!
#48 Make friendship bracelets. Mail them to a friend or cousin. REAL SNAIL MAIL is always fun to get!
#49 "I want to be like you" Fashion Show and Beauty Parlor--if you have girls, you know how much they love to dress up. Give them a pile of acceptable clothes to dress up in from your closet. Do their hair and makeup (or let them do their own if you are brave enough!) and take pictures. Be sure to email them to Grandma! At the end of summer Go School Shopping (ok so this is not free) and have a FASHION SHOW! Have your kids model their new clothes, haircut, hairdos, etc. Invite Grandma or their best friend and parents over to join in on the fun! Make a runway and have someone be the announcer!
#50 Outdoor Theater--end your summer with an outdoor movie night! If you have a projector or know someone who does, all you need is a laptop and a projector and white sheet! Invite over the neighborhood friends and tell everyone to bring a sleeping bag or chair and enjoy the show! Bid summer a sweet farewell until next year!
So this is a list of all of the things we will be doing this summer! So nothing here is amazing I know. But most everything can be done with things you have at home or are easily accessible. Have an idea? Leave me a comment! I would love to have MORE fun FREE things to do with my kids!
Anna, this is a great list. I've been meaning to compile my own, but with your list I think I'll just pick things here and there and I'm set. Thanks!
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