What are you going to do this summer? Are you going to take a big vacation or are you going to take some short trips, or a stay-cation?
Kids and parents are counting the days before school gets out, perhaps for different reasons. Kids are looking forward to being a little freer and not having to get up early or worry about homework, and taking a vacation to see family and friends. Parents are also looking forward to a more relaxed schedule, but they are sometimes wondering what can I do to keep my kids busy this summer.
Well, whatever you choose here are some ways to cut down on the cost of your vacations:
- Go to a local pool
- Take a picnic lunch and go to the park or the beach
- Make a plate of brownies and take them to a neighbor shut-in or someone who needs encouragement
- Go on a nature hike and identify as many native plants as possible
- Play hide and go seek
- Go on a bike ride
- Get as many people as you can and play Ultimate Frisbee
- Have a bonfire and make smores and share stories
- Play in the sprinkler
- Find some old wood and make a bird house and watch the birds occupy it
- Have a book club with your family
I asked my kids, who are 17, 14, and 11 what their favorite things to do when the money is short and here's what they said:
The 17-year old said she likes to take a walk in a watershed or at a park near our home
The 14-year old said she likes to go to a 2$ movie theater that we have in town
The 11-year old said she likes to have a pool party
http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2011/05/80-inexpensive-or-free-summer-activities-for-kids/
And if you have teenagers in your house here are some cool ideas...
http://parentingteens.about.com/od/teenculture/a/funteenstodo.htm
It's one thing to seek for ways to do fun things for cheap but another way to make your money last longer is to increase your income. There are several ways to do this; here are a few:
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rich-Quick-if-You%27re-a-Kid
Another way to increase that gap between income and expenses is to spend time over the summer and earn some extra income. Here is a way for educators to get some extra income:
http://teaching.monster.com/finance/articles/8587-10-ways-to-make-extra-summer-income-for-educators?page=11
10 ways to make extra money this summer
http://www.splashlife.com/article/10-ways-make-extra-money-summer
If you look for less-expensive fulfilling activities a couple of things will happen. You'll have more money in your pocketbook and for your future, and the kids will appreciate the "smaller" activities and be able to find fun and excitement in them. Comment on our blog and let us know if you have other activities that work well for your family.
Thanks, and Have a Great Summer!!!
Greg and Jody
www.befrugallivewealthy.blogspot.com
