Summer is finally almost here and the weather is already fabulous!!! It’s time to get outside and enjoy what your community has to offer. I love doing things that are free or low cost, so I wanted to share some ideas with you so you can enjoy family time and be economical!
- Enjoy a picnic. Grab a blanket, pack a lunch from home and go to a park, beside a pond/lake or your own backyard to enjoy the outdoors. Afterwards, lie on your back and use your imagination to play a game by calling out the first thing that comes to mind when you see the shapes of the clouds.
- Camp in your backyard, on the family farm, in a state park or in your living room. This could mean building a fort with chairs and blankets. You could roast hot dogs and marshmallows, sing songs or tell stories.
- Visit family… actually drive to their house. Who does this anymore? If they are really FAR away, write them a letter, send a postcard, picture or handmade drawing and wait for them to call in utter surprise!
- Visit a museum and historical site, check your local paper or go online to find free or low cost museums in your area.
- Visit festivals, craft exhibits and county/state fairs in your area. Walk around to see what they have to offer. You don’t have to buy anything, just get out and enjoy what’s going on in your community. Check out your city or county website, tourism website or look online for websites that list all the activities in your community.
- Go for a bike ride, a walk or run. If you have little ones take a wagon with you so they can enjoy the scenery. You could even treat yourself to ice cream on your way back… or water!
- Play games in the yard or at a nearby park. Baseball, basketball, football, tennis, badminton, croquet, golf, putt-putt, sidewalk chalk, catch, tag, hide and seek, or playing with bubbles are just some of the games that can be enjoyed.
- Go swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting or hiking. Feed the ducks at a lake/park.
- Play with the water hose (make your own slip and slide) or play in some sprinklers. Fly a kite, find interesting shaped rocks and paint them what you think they look like, play on a swing set or trampoline with the whole family.
- Plant a garden or visit a farmers market and take pictures of anything and everything.
- Play dress up. Let the kids dress themselves and take pictures. Print them and make an album for later.
- Play board games or card games, make crafts or bird houses. Color or paint a picture. Make some baked goods, homemade ice cream or play-doh. Teach your little ones about money when you have teachable moments.
- Do a movie night and use Redbox, Netflix or the internet. Make popcorn and have candy or baked goods made earlier.
I have offered a ton of ideas, most are free, but some may have a minimal cost. Be aware of any fees or charges before you make the plans and travel. Have fun and be safe this summer!
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