Search Results for: blog affordable outdoor summer fun for kids

Fun Ways to Survive the Heat Wave

Sizzling temperatures, streaming sweat and screaming kids. Fun times. A mid-summer heat wave is blanketing the nation this week.  According to meteorologists, more than 50 million people will be affected by dangerously high temperatures which could last all the way through Saturday. Hitting the beach or heading to a local pool is a great way to beat the heat, but for some kids the splishing and splashing may get old after a few days.  With excessive heat warnings posted in dozens of cities, some parents may opt to remain indoors with their children.  If you choose to stay cool in the … Continue reading →

High-Flying Fun

If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to keep your kids busy this summer, grab a kite and head outdoors.  Kite-flying is a breeze when you’ve got the entire family working together to bring your colorful flying machine to life.  Getting a kite to take flight also lends itself to a slew of educational opportunities.  Kids can get hands-on lessons in math, science, history and geography all while having fun.  What’s more, there’s something to be said about the sense of pride a child feels when she gets a kite to dance across the summer sky. Fortunately, … Continue reading →

An Affordable Treasury of Fun

There’s no easier way for kids to explore new and exciting worlds than cuddling up with a favorite book.  Adventures await on each page and there’s no telling where your child’s imagination can take her once she peels back the front cover. And that’s just with one book.  Imagine the fun kids can have when they are gifted with a treasury of stories. If you are looking for an affordable way to keep your kids entertained this summer, consider investing in a box set of books.  My daughter adores her Little Critter Bedtime Stories set.  The colorful collection is a … Continue reading →

Cheaper Summer Camps

Stifling temperatures plus bored kids are not a good combination. Sending them to summer camp may be one option to keep them entertained and learning over the summer, but summer camp can certainly get expensive. If you are on a budget, you can look for cheaper options. Day Camps If you do some research, chances are that you will find a number of affordable day camps for your kids. Everything from ice skating to soccer to theater. Check local businesses (dance studios will sponsor dance camps, gyms may have rock climbing camps, etc), local townships and boroughs (residents usually get … Continue reading →

Beach Fun on a Budget

April is almost over.  Time is marching on.  Soon, your spring flowers will be a distant memory as the dog days of summer hit and all you care about is watering yourself rather than your blossoms. Summer fun means picnics, barbeques and visits to the beach, but those good times can add up quickly if you aren’t careful.  To avoid busting your budget on trips featuring the sun, sand and surf, consider these money-saving ideas: DIY Beach Towel Large decorative beach towels don’t come cheap.  If you have a large family, buying a new towel for each member can put … Continue reading →

Simple and Affordable Seasonal Fun

Summer 2012 officially ends on Friday. However, that doesn’t mean the end of outdoor family fun. Fall marks the start of apple and pumpkin-picking season. Whether you live in the north, south or mid-Atlantic, the nation is teeming with farms that allow visitors of all ages to pick their own produce. These u-pick farms offer fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. What’s more, you will be able to bond with your clan in the great outdoors, which is a priceless experience for most folks. In addition, if you have kids, visiting a farm is a great way to show … Continue reading →

Simple Ways to Make Back-to-School Fun

In my home, nothing sparks a chorus of groans louder than hearing the following three words: Back to school. Of course, returning to class doesn’t have to be wrought with tears, fears and jeers. With a little creativity you can turn the worst part of the year into one of the best. Here are some ideas on how to make it happen: Movie Night: This is a great way to motivate your child to study hard in school without constantly being nagged. A few days before the new school year gets underway, clean a large empty jar and place it … Continue reading →

Affordable Holiday Fun

For most American families, Labor Day weekend is the last hurrah of the summer. It’s a time set aside for picnics, parties and last-minute back-to-school shopping. Of course, the latter is no fun and the two former options can be pricey if you aren’t careful. So, what can you do to make the last long weekend of summer memorable if you don’t have money to burn? Here are some ideas: Dress-Up: This idea is perfect for young kids who enjoy imaginary play. Collect clothes from around the house that can double as uniforms. You can help your children celebrate the … Continue reading →

Potpourri of Cheap Summer Fun

Are you running out of affordable ways to keep your kids busy during the last days of summer vacation? August is quickly coming to an end, but for some families, money for summer fun ran out a long time ago. Now is the perfect time to use up any supplies you might have leftover from early summer projects or parties. For example, if you have any extra water balloons in your home fill them up and place them in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. When your kids start singing the “I’m bored” blues, cut away the balloon … Continue reading →

Summer Bonding

Who says you have to fork over thousands of dollars or travel hundreds of miles to strengthen the parent/child bond? During the summer months, many moms and dads feel obligated to spend an exorbitant amount of money on fancy vacations in an effort to build a better relationship with their children. However, child psychologists say the best gift you can give your child while he or she is out of school is good old fashion time. Instead of handing over a wad of cash to your kid and letting him run amuck at the mall while you get some chores … Continue reading →