Keeping kids entertained and active during the summer can be challenging. While they enjoy having more free time, most kids get bored easily when things aren’t structured or have a specific end goal. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and affordable activities for families to do together that won’t cost you a small fortune or take up too much of your precious summer time. We all know how challenging it is to keep our kids entertained during the long days and even longer evenings. There are so many things we want them to do…but not just yet. They are still young and need to play, explore and have fun! The great thing is that there are ways you can spend quality time with your children this summer that won’t cost you a fortune.
Go On A Scavenger Hunt Together
A scavenger hunt can be fun to engage your child and encourage them to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. Although they are usually done as games with groups of kids, they can also be done with families. The great thing about scavenger hunts is that they can be modified to suit any age group. You can make it as easy or complex as you’d like. Most scavenger hunts are designed with the idea of exploring different areas, and they usually have the team find certain items or take pictures of something specific. to explore other areas. If you don’t want to do an out-and-back scavenger hunt, you can also devise a route to drive and make it a car scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts are a great way to engage your kids and help them discover new things about their surroundings. And even though it might be warm outside, it’s nice to be inside exploring with your kids. It’s a fun way to spend the day together.
Have A Family Fitness Class Together
During the summer, most children's summer camps offer a variety of activities, including sports and fitness. If you have a sports camp nearby, you might find that part of the camp is fitness classes. If so, that can be a great way to have a family fitness class together. While many families have members who are very into fitness, some may not be. If you fall into the latter category, having a family fitness class together can be fun and engaging to get your whole family moving and enjoying some fitness together. If you have a YMCA, recreation center, or another fitness center nearby, fitness classes for the entire family are likely to be offered. Be sure to inquire about costs and times before booking a class so you can be prepared. If your fitness facility doesn't provide family fitness classes, you can always try to devise a fitness routine that your family can do together in the backyard or at home.
Go Out For Breakfast Or Lunch As A Family
Not only is it healthy and inexpensive, but it can be a great way to get out of the house and do something special as a family. Choose a restaurant that your kids love or that is special to them. You can also choose to eat at a different restaurant every day during the summer. You can also try visiting a local bakery or ice cream shop that is kid-friendly. While dining out can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to save money on your meals. Consider eating a meal that only requires one dish to clean up, like pancakes or scrambled eggs. Or split an entree with other members of your family. You can also consider going out for breakfast or lunch during off-peak hours when prices are lower.
Organize An Outdoor Play Date Or Sports Activity
If you live in a warm climate, an outdoor play date or sports activity can be a great way to spend time with your kids. There are plenty of outdoor recreation activities that you can participate in as a family. If you’d like something that doesn’t involve a lot of running around or is too active, you can always opt for something like fishing or gardening. If you have kids interested in sports, you can always organize a sports activity with their friends and other kids in your neighborhood. You can also try to schedule your outdoor play date or sports activity on a weekday when parks are less crowded and more suitable for families with younger kids. If you have children interested in sports, you can organize a sports camp or league with other families in your area. Some towns also have sports leagues available for kids of all ages. You can also look online for local sports leagues you and your kids can join.
Visit Your Local Library Or Museum
Many libraries offer programs and activities for families. This is a great way to spend a day with your children while fostering a love of reading and exploring the culture. Some museums also offer free family days, which you can attend for free. This is a great way to explore your local community and learn something new about the world around you. You can also go to your local library or museum on a weekend when it is typically quieter, and you won’t have to deal with crowds like you would on a school day. Libraries often provide fun and educational activities for the whole family. You can also check out books to enjoy at home with your children. Museums often have special programming for kids, and many are free. Visiting your local library or museum can be a great way to spend a day with your family and get some educational value.
Lets Talk:
- Keep a list of things you would like to do as a family. This will help you plan activities for your children and ensure that nothing gets forgotten.
- Schedule time to connect with your children while they are on summer vacation. They may be home with you a lot during this time making it essential.
- Be sure to schedule downtime for your children, too. At the same time,e summer vacation is a great time to spend lots of time together, and giving kids breaks from everything is important, too.
- Be sure to spend time with your spouse during the summer. Summer is a great time to reconnect and schedule time together.