School’s been out for a couple of weeks and undoubtedly, you’ve probably heard the “I’m bored” groan from one of your kids. But let’s face it. No one has the money to go to an amusement park everyday. And even though you’d love to, you can’t even afford to rent a movie or go and get ice cream all summer long. Here are a few frugal summer fun ideas to make your kids think you’re awesome while you keep the bank account in check.
Build Your Own Sprinkler
A couple of summers ago, my husband constructed the base of the sprinkler pictured above for around $10. He used PVC Pipe (buy the longer pieces and cut them yourself to increase savings) and joints. The most important piece is the brass threaded attachment and corresponding plastic piece for your hose. He drilled holes in the pipe to create the flow of water. Each year, we’ve added a bit to our sprinkler system to amp up its awesome. Here’s a great tutorial to follow (although ours is not cemented together for easier storage in the winter months).
Read a Book Together
Each summer, we try to choose a book (or series) that we’ll read together throughout the summer. Whether we’re on the road to visit Nana or sitting down together for twenty minutes before bedtime, choosing a book to travel through during the summer months is a special experience. The only cost is the book and you could get that for free at the library! Don’t forget to log your hours to cash in on summer reading programs.
Grow Something
It’s not too late to plant tomatoes or herbs or zucchini. The process of watching something grow is good for everyone! Head to the local home improvement store or nursery to pick out a plant and put it in the ground or a simple pot. Each day, have your kiddo spend some time weeding or watering. They’ll be so excited when a harvest arrives.
Channel Your Inner Chalk Artist
You can pick up a pack of sidewalk chalk for around a dollar and it provides hours of fun. Don’t just throw the kids out to the sidewalk. Take a minute to sit down and draw with them. If your kids are older, find a patch of road or sidewalk where runners or bicyclist frequent and write encouraging words like “You can do it!” “Go!” “You’re awesome!” to encourage those on the move.
Create a Park Bucket List
Our city is filled with so many beautiful parks. Take a few minutes to jot down all of the parks you’d like to visit and make a bucket list to strategically hit throughout the summer months. Be sure to check them off the list as you go.
Free Community Events
From fireworks to parades, from outdoor concerts to movies, there’s much to be done this summer on the cheap or even for free. Head to the community calendars of libraries, community centers, parks and rec departments, churches, and even the local news station to fill your calendar full with plenty of affordable fun. And don’t forget VBS.
Make Your Own Ice Cream
There’s nothing like a cold sweet treat on a hot day. While you might not be able to spring for the local fro-yo favorite, you can still have a great time by making your own ice cream. If you don’t have a traditional ice cream maker, you can make your own in a bag. Fill a gallon Ziploc bag halfway with ice. To the ice, add 1/2 cup of salt (the coarser, the better). In a separate pint-sized Ziploc bag, combine 1 cup of half and half, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Tightly seal the pint-sized bag and place it inside of the gallon sized bag. Tightly seal the larger bag. Shake for approximately five minutes or until the mixture hardens. Remove the smaller bag and discard the gallon sized bag. Add your favorite candy, cookie, or fruit toppings and eat it straight from the bag.
What are you doing this summer to entertain the kids without breaking the bank? Leave me some ideas in the comments so I can combat the “I’m borerd!”s, too.
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Having done the ice cream in a bag for Brownies, I recommend getting the heavier freezer bags so nothing rips!