Frugal Tips for Summer Activities

Summer vacation is a great time for families to go out and do things together. Visiting amusement parks, dining out, and staying in hotels can end up costing a lot of money. Travel expenses can quickly add up, too. Here are some frugal tips that will help your family enjoy summer vacation without having to go into a lot of debt. Pack some snacks. Make use of your child’s lunchbox this summer. It is the perfect container for easy to eat snacks that your family can bring along on car trips. Instead of stopping the car at the nearest fast … 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

Dive Into Summer Fun

Contending with rising temperatures doesn’t have to be a summer bummer.  With a little planning you can have fun beating the heat without busting your budget. Splash into the season with a pool party to remember; only instead of draining your wallet on expensive invitations and activities, consider these affordable options: DIY FISH INVITATIONS Download a fish template from the Internet or free-hand one on construction paper and cut out the center of it.  When you are done, you should have a fish-shaped frame and a smaller paper fish.  Place the frame on the sticky side of clear contact paper. … Continue reading

Spring Into Summer for Free

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; a time when most families hit the road in search of sun and fun.  Whether you are heading to the Jersey Shore, making tracks to Florida’s coastal communities or cruising to California, you can experience sun, sand, and surf without sacrificing your entire summer travel budget. The trick is to take advantage of the free activities and amenities offered at your vacation destination. For example, if you are planning to travel to San Diego this summer, there are a slew of family-friendly options that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy, including: … 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

End of Summer Budget Savers

Labor Day is fast approaching. For many families the holiday weekend is the last chance for them to soak up summer fun before the new school year begins. However, when you are working on a tight budget, it can be challenging to commit to a high-priced weekend getaway. Fortunately, there are a number of affordable end of the summer travel options available across the country for clans to consider, including: Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to stretch their end of the summer dollar by taking advantage of the Labor Day Overland AdvenTour sale. The deal includes 40% off … Continue reading

Avoid a Summer Bummer

When you’re a kid, nothing ruins summer vacation faster than being sick. I speak from experience. When I was 10 years old I got chicken pox five days after school let out for summer break. Talk about a summer bummer. Then again, taking care of a sick kid during summer vacation is no picnic for a parent either. When you’re on summer break, staying up late, traveling to new and exciting places, and enjoying life minus a regular routine, it’s easy to forgo healthy eating habits, slack on regular hand washing and avoid other good habits. This, of course, can … Continue reading

Sail Into Summer

Summer cruises are extremely popular with travelers looking to spend part of the season on the high seas. In addition to providing an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of their land-based lives, summer sailings offer families a cost-effective vacation option, as they can bundle all of their expenses into one low price. The key to saving on a cruise is to time your departure just right. For example, you are more likely to score deep discounts if you wait until the end of summer to sail. Many families hit the high seas as soon as school gets out, … 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

The Shift To Summer Schedules Is Coming

Many home – based professional parents are able to work the hours that they do because their children go to school. However, school is not a year – round activity. When summer comes, home – based professional parents must decide what they would like to do with their work schedule. Sometimes, it is possible for a parent to scale back their work during the summer months so that they can spend a lot of time with their children. There’s also the option of hiring a babysitter or a parent’s helper to take care of the kids for a few hours … Continue reading