Summer Budget Tips for Keeping the Kids Entertained

Summer months are the perfect time for family fun while the children are out of school. It can get financially burdensome taking them to amusement parks, even more so if you're short on cash. If you're in a similar predicament as many Americans are, you shouldn't fret, since there are numerous money-saving fun things to do at home. These ideas are great for the little ones, ages 10 and under. Many of these suggestions are focused around learning activities together.

Using Household Items in Your Games

Everyday things from your home can be the props in the mock scenes you create. A fun game to play at home is to play hospital. Have the little ones gather a Teddy bear or other toy and then use things from around the home that can serve as make-believe doctor's tools. Most houses are bursting with oddly-shaped utensils that can be fashioned into medical instruments. You can also do another variation of this game by imagining that everyone is a news reporter. A baby doll or other toys can be used as part of the make-believe scenes that you and your child are reporting to the imaginary audience.

Bring the Fun Outdoors

A very inexpensive, yet really entertaining activity is to get out side for a ride on Schwinn bikes. If you have smaller children, you can include them in a trailer attachment where they can be safe in a secure area. For smaller trips, some kids might want to use their skates to get around. To make it even more interesting, take your time and call out different items for them to spot while you're out, like a treasure hunt. Things like lizards, airplanes, or dragonflies can all be great things for everyone to call out as they find them. This game also works beautifully on a stroll in the great outdoors and can be a learning tool about nature and their environment.

Enjoy a Pretend African Outdoor Experience

A game that is particularly entertaining is to imagine that you've traveled to Africa for a safari. Gather some large blankets and fasten the ends into chairs, the sofa, or any strong fixture in the room. Cover the blankets so that thechildren feel like they are covered by the thick leaves of the Amazon or in the thick brush where the wild animals can't see them. If you have a pair of binoculars, take them out to enhance the game. Have your kids gather all of the stuffed animals and animal figures they can find and set them up throughout the room, partly hidden so you can only see their heads, and then use the binoculars to discover them. Ask the children to call the names of the animals as they find them and then make the sound of that animal. They always have the most laughs with this game!

Extend the Fun into the Night

When evening comes, the fun doesn't have to end! Set up a tent in the backyard for the kids and bring out the binoculars so they can look up at the stars. If you have a place where you can safely make a fire or a small charcoal barbeque, you can make a wood fire for them. Have the kids gather some long sticks for roasting s'mores. If you have several free days this summer, go camping somewhere fun and extend your time outdoors! These suggestions will surely give you and your little ones some much-deserved entertainment, family time, and creativity.