Search Results for: blog fun ways to cool off

Wet and Wild Summer Fun

Splurging on a summer pass to the community pool may not be an affordable option for some families.  Fortunately, there are a number of ways to keep cool when the mercury soars without breaking the bank. The following simple projects prove that splashtastic fun can be had by kids of all ages with a simple garden hose and a few inexpensive household items: Water Balloon Piñata Materials: Package of water balloons String Garden hose Small plastic funnel Plastic baseball bat Directions: Fill up the water balloons using the funnel and hose.  Keep in mind that the more water you add … Continue reading →

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 →

Fourth of July Fun for Less

Celebrating America’s birthday doesn’t have to send you to the poorhouse.  By opting to party at your own home this holiday, you can save money and still have fun.  To cut down on food and beverage costs, consider having a potluck and asking each guest to bring along a favorite dish to pass. Edible American Eagles Ingredients: One package of Oreos 1/2 cup white chocolate One dozen large marshmallows One cup of finely shredded coconut 12 cashews Black icing Directions: Melt the white chocolate in a bowl in the microwave. Spread the shredded coconut in an even layer on wax … Continue reading →

Five Ways to Get Amusement Park Discounts

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Do you think that you have to pay hundreds of dollars to visit an amusement park? Well, sure, if you don’t know the secret to getting amusement park discounts. Combine the strategies that work best for you and save big when you have a fun family day at the park. Save the difference for souvenirs, lots and lots of souvenirs, another trip back again, or a trip somewhere else! End of Season Discounts The end of the summer or early fall may mean that you can score some great end of the season discounts at the amusement parks. As the … Continue reading →

Last Minute Summer Fun the Frugal Way

It seemed as though we woke up one day and realized that summer vacation was almost over. My husband finally got some time off, so we planned some vacation time. Of course, we tried to do it as frugally as we could. Here are some of the ways that we saved. We chose local attractions, within two hours drive. This way, we wouldn’t have to spend money on accommodations, which can be a significant cost when you a family of five. Most hotels will not accommodate families of more than four in a regular hotel room, which means you either … Continue reading →

Frozen Summer Fun

Just when I thought it was safe to turn off our air conditioner, Mother Nature turns up the heat once again. This summer, the temperatures have been so high in our neck of the woods experts have advised remaining indoors in order to avoid potential heat stroke. For parents, the dangerous heat has made playtime a bit more challenging. In our family’s case, it has actually sparked cabin fever—-something we typically deal with in the winter, but certainly not in mid-July. As a result of our forced exile to air conditioned structures, my 7-year-old and I have been getting creative … Continue reading →

Frugal and Fun Fourth

Celebrating the Fourth of July can be both fun and frugal. Forgo the expensive shows and events and focus on those activities that could be had cheaply. Take Advantage of Freebies Many local and chain businesses are giving away free items to celebrate our Independence Day. You can take advantage of this to score some great freebies, from sanwiches, to cake to ice cream. Keep our eyes and ears open for these opportunities. Here is one to get you started. On July 4, 2012, Starbucks is giving away coffee. Make a New Tradition You can choose to save money by … Continue reading →

Wet and Wild Summer Fun

The heat is on across the nation. Less than a week after the official start of summer and residents from coast-to-coast are baking in record high temperatures. If you have been desperately looking for a way to cool off, you aren’t alone. Millions of people have hit public pools, trekked to the beach or visited community splash pads. But, what happens if you don’t have access to the aforementioned resources? Fortunately, there are easy ways you can beat the heat without having to travel far or spend a lot of money. Two words: Water balloons. Don’t underestimate the power of … Continue reading →

Make Camping Cool

Camping is a great way to bond with family and friends, but not everyone loves roughing it in the great outdoors. Teenagers are especially reluctant to unplug from their daily digital lives in order to commune with nature on a family vacation. However, there are ways you can make camping fun for the entire clan. Being prepared for an extended stay outdoors is one way you can reduce apprehension and anxiety associated with camping. Before you even leave your driveway, check the weather forecast. If Mother Nature looks like she will be raining on your camping parade, you might consider … Continue reading →

Egg-nomenal Easter Fun

Do you remember Richie Rich? The world’s wealthiest kid was my brother’s favorite comic book character. I didn’t enjoy reading about him as much as my oldest sibling, but what I do remember was that on Easter all of the rich kid’s eggs were monogrammed with “RR” and dollar signs. While the rest of his pals got traditional dyed eggs on Easter, blondie got fancy golden “RR” eggs which I thought were totally cool. Fast forward a couple of decades and this year I am planning to place my daughter’s initials on Easter eggs to make them appear more personalized. … Continue reading →