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The warm season is fast approaching and before you know it, the kids will be out of school. Not wanting them to spend the entire summer in camp or in the house on the couch, finding fun things for them to get into is a common goal for most parents. However, when you’re on a tight budget, taking week-long vacations to theme parks or other hot summer attractions may not be affordable. Though you may not be able to head to Disney or Universal Studios this year, there are a lot of things you can do to spend quality time with the kids this summer. Check it out:
Use Your Backyard
Staying home during the summer doesn’t have to mean that they’re on the couch binge-watching their favorite cartoons and playing video games. If you have a backyard or outdoor space, you should take advantage of it. There are a lot of outdoor kitchen ideas you could invest in now, that would be ready for the summer. Such designs would allow room for your children to play around while you prepare nutritious meals for them to indulge in and lounge on the patio. Kids never get tired of grilled food and playing outside. Add a small portable swimming pool to the mix and you’ve got yourself a tropical island right in your yard.
Community Events
The summertime is typically when a lot of free and affordable events take place for families and community members. Check with your city to find out where the latest community events are being held. You can find everything from holiday celebrations like 4th of July Parades and firework shows to cultural festivals and art fairs. Many of these events are free admission and have affordable vendors. Pack some snacks beforehand and head out with the kids to see what fun there is to take advantage of.
You might also be able to find small businesses within the community that host free events or classes. Perhaps your neighborhood YMCA has affordable family swim lessons or you can take your kids to a nearby home improvement store and take advantage of their free courses for children.
Games and Crafts
Not every day will be sunny, nor will you always want to leave the home. On those days, you can still have fun with your kids in the house without spending a lot of money. Pull out the old board games or join your children in learning how to play their new video games. If your kids are into crafts, you can create great memories by completing projects together that interest them. You’ll be so proud to see something you’ve worked hard on together all summer long displayed in your home for everyone to see.
Staycations
Family vacations seem to be a staple for the summer. While you may not be able to travel far, there are a lot of hidden gems right in your home state or neighboring states that you could explore. Do a search to find some of the most affordable family-friendly destinations within a 25-50 mile radius from your home. Then, pack an overnight bag, fuel up the car, and hit the road. Whether you stay one night, a weekend, or an entire week, you and your family can have a blast trying new things just a few towns over. Check for online coupons and deals before leaving so you can save money while on vacation.
Your children really do grow up fast. Before you know it, their summer breaks will be filled with plans for college road trips and wild parties that, unfortunately, you’re not invited to. So, it is best to capture these moments while you can. Even if money is tight for you this year, there is a lot you can do at home, within your community, and just a few miles away from your hometown to enjoy the warm weather and create new memories with your children.
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This is a featured post by site supporter Anne Davis
Photo: Getty Images