Everyone looks forward to the summer season – sunshine, warmer weather, and long, lazy days. But, keeping kids busy during the summer months can often be a challenge. Vacations and summer camps are expensive. Can you keep your family active and happy this summer without breaking the bank? You bet! Here’s how.
The first place to start is in your own
backyard. There are plenty of free summer activities to do with your kids in your own backyard. For starters, set up the sprinkler for the kids to run through on hot summer days. Don’t forget backyard camping, scavenger hunts, or gardening, which are all great outdoor activities to do with kids. Simply utilize materials and supplies you already have and enjoy these activities at no cost.
Your
kitchen is another great place to find free summer fun. Whether your family enjoys baking or cooking dinner together, the kitchen is a great place for summer activities and learning new skills, especially on rainy days. Other great activities for days you’re stuck indoors include: indoor camping; playing cards, board or online games; and watching classic summer movies.
Most
local libraries offer a variety of free summer activities to do with kids, too. Take advantage of summer book clubs, family movie nights, crafts, and more, all in the comfort of your air-conditioned library. There are often also reading challenges that your kids can sign up for too!
Within your
community, check out local parks for biking and hiking trails, free concerts, movies in the park, and firework displays. Some local parks even provide spray parks in the summer for some cool, free fun. In addition, many local museums offer free, kid-friendly art workshops during the summer months.
Don’t forget
local retailers who offer free workshops for kids as well. Check out Home Depot and Lowe’s for a variety of hands-on workshops specifically for kids. Bookstores provide free reading times, author visits, book signings, and other activities to take advantage of during the summer months. Even grocery stores, such as Wegmans, now offer story and craft hour for kids.
Volunteer activities are often family-friendly and can serve as a valuable learning experience. Walk dogs currently staying at a local animal shelter or visit with the elderly in a nursing home, for instance.
It’s easy to keep your kids busy engaging in activities that are both fun-filled and free this summer. So, check out your local resources, enlist the input of your family, and recognize the endless possibilities.
Save more!
While you’re saving money on activities, make sure to save on any prescriptions you pick up this summer as well. With the
FamilyWize Prescription Savings Card, which is free to all consumers, you will save an average of 43% on your prescriptions. Request a card or download the free app at
FamilyWize.org, or call 800-222-2818. FamilyWize also provides a free
Drug Lookup Tool, so you’ll always know the price you’ll pay before getting to the pharmacy counter. Try it today and start saving!
Enjoy your summer!