Introduction
Now that the school year has concluded and the fun days of summer lie ahead, many parents are confronted with a very sobering reality. Summer is a very expensive time of year.
There are unique camp adventures for children and family vacations to coveted destination spots. Frequent visits to amusement parks and waterparks top the list of activities, too. Special gatherings like cookouts, graduation parties, and endless summer weddings are among the activities moms and dads either coordinate or corral their children to attend.
Summer is also a time to plan for the school year. School clothing and supplies have to be purchased for school-aged children and those enrolled in college promptly. For families who pay tuition for their students, the budgeting process must begin during this time.
Working parents are forced to find alternative child care options for their youngsters. Sitters must be hired. Children must be enrolled in safe activity programs while parents engage in their daily occupational responsibilities.
Parents who are financially stressed find this time of the year very demanding. These moms and dads realize that there’s just so much to do with so little money.
Financial relief can be found for the parents who need it the most during the summer months. Continue reading for details.
Money Saving Ideas For Families
There are lots of ways to save money while enjoying all the fun summer brings. Consider using the tips that follow.
- Instead of making frequent trips to fancy yet very expensive ice cream shops, invest in an inexpensive ice cream maker and create your own delicious flavors at home. Give your children a chance to add unique ingredients to an ice cream recipe while having fun making it. Your children may even enjoy making their flavor-filled creation using an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream freezer.
- Purchasing cool popsicles at the grocery store can also be costly. To cut down on the price tag, you should join your children in making their cool treats. Popsicle kits are very inexpensive. With a little creativity, you can also make your own. All that is needed is fruit juice. A few chunks of fresh fruit added to each one before freezing will create a delicious surprise in each one that your children will love.
- Instead of paying the high cost of visiting museums and history centers, take family walks in the park and throughout the local community to simply explore and discuss unique discoveries.
- While they are lots of fun, the entry fee of water parks is outrageous for families. You can create your water park with different features in your backyard. Sprinklers can be attached to a few water hoses and a plastic tarp can be spread on the lawn to create a slide. Water balloons, bubbles, music, and neighborhood friends will contribute to the family fun.
- It’s always huge fun packing up the family in the car to enjoy an evening at the drive-in theater. The cost plus the price of refreshments will shake up the family budget. A little creativity can cut down on the expense. You and your children can decorate large boxes that resemble individuals cars. These boxcars can be parked in front of a television placed in the backyard as it is transformed into an at-home drive-in theater. Bags of popcorn, drinks, and other snacks can be placed in each car along with pillows and blankets so that the children can relax at the family drive-in. You can relax in your favorite lawn chair and cozy blankets, too, as a family movie is shown.
- With the help of the entire family, living rooms and basements can be turned into trendy vacation destinations. Props can be made, pictures of the dream vacation spot can be hung, and snacks from the vacation region can be enjoyed as games are played.
- Instead of purchasing expensive books at your favorite book store, make frequent visits to the library instead. Plan family reading time and quiet reading time activities.
- Use the food available at your home and fill a picnic basket. Find a spot in a beautiful park to spread a blanket and enjoy your meal with your family. This old-fashioned picnic can take the place of taking the family to a restaurant to eat out.
- Transform a bedroom into a hotel room. Have a huge family pajama party.
- Take advantage of some of the free meal programs that schools and other community organizations provided for children. Don’t be too proud to pick up healthy breakfasts and lunches for your children. This will save you money.
- Going to the theater with the entire family is very expensive. So, spend time with your children creating your production. Whether it’s a puppet show, musical, or play, create family memories as you all have fun. Write the script together, organize props, and make the scenery. Invite family members and close friends to your presentation.
- Create a gourmet meal together. Set the table, light candles, dim the lights, encourage the family to get dressed up in their finest attire, and play soft music. This takes the place of going to a fancy restaurant for dinner.
- Instead of spending a huge chunk of money on camping gear, create your own camping space in your yard. Use blankets to make your tents and use the grill to make smores if you don’t have a fire pit. Tell stories and sing songs as you enjoy this special time with your children.
- Plan a Christmas in July family event. Decorate the house and encourage each member of the family to make unique gifts out of household materials to exchange.
The Final Thoughts
It doesn’t cost a lot of extra money to share special family moments during the summer months. Time and creativity are all that you need as you and your children have lots of fun.
Thank you for your interest gathering money saving ideas for your family. Do you have other tips to share that readers can use?
Here is my golden ticket that helps me accomplish my mission.
Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired Teacher and School Administrator. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and her YouTube Channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1DPhBeA29UlybU9jzDkdQ
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Previously Published on medium
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