5 Affordable Summer Activities For Parents And Kids

Summer is finally here, and the kids are home from school. Most families use this time for vacations; more than three million people around the world fly safely on commercial aircraft every day, many of them during the summer for family trips. However, family vacations can be expensive, and sometimes you have too much to do to set aside a week for a vacation. But whether your kids attend one of the 25% of private schools in the U.S. or not, relaxation during the summer months is a must. Instead of a full-blown vacation, here are a few activities that are budget-approved to keep the kids busy this summer.

Outdoor Adventures

Do your kids have an adventurous streak? Have they been pestering you to get outside more often? Take them out for a day out in nature. Start them on a hike, or take them out on the boat with you next time you go out fishing. In 2017, approximately 11.6 million U.S. kids between the ages of six and 17 years participated in fishing. And studies show that over 87 million U.S. adults participate in recreational boating, so even if you don’t have your own boat to take out on the lake, you likely know a friend who owns one. Or if your kids are more into games, try a fun house or bounce house.

Workshop Assistants

Kids are inherently curious, and they’re often curious about the things you take the most interest in. If you’ve recently picked up a new hobby, like woodworking or working on cars, pick a simple project to work on and let them help you out. Stick to simpler tools and equipment to get them started; sometimes the most simple tools to operate can be the most useful. For example, 84% of contractors say their most commonly used cordless power tool is the power drill. Getting your kids started with the basics will help get them interested in your hobbies while still keeping them safe.

Indoor Game Night

Not all summer days are going to be the sunniest or the best for getting outside. In these cases, why not hold a family game night? Break out a few classic board games and teach the kids how to play. The games you’ll be able to play will depend on how old your kids are, but whether you’re playing Monopoly or a simple game of Twister, everyone’s sure to have a good time, even if the sun isn’t shining. Just make sure you’re not eating too many sweets while you’re inside! Almost 74% of Americans have periodontal disease. You don’t want cavities reported at your child’s next dentist appointment.

Backyard Camping

Are the kids just a bit too young for a full-fledged camping trip? You can still give them a fun outdoor camping experience without having to make the trek out. Set up a tent in your backyard, get a bonfire going, and make some s’mores with home just a few feet away. Studies show 78% of campers like to do a little outdoor cooking while camping, so fire up the grill! This is great for a camping stand-in when you can’t quite take the time off work, but still want your kids to have fun outdoors.

DO Try This At Home

For kids that are always coming up with new ideas and can’t stop asking “why,” try setting up a simple science experiment in your kitchen or backyard. There are plenty of simple chemical reactions and experiments you can pull together with things you’re sure to have lying around the house, and it’s always great to watch the kids try to figure out how a packet of mints made a soda volcano.

You don’t need to go far from home for the kids to have a great time this summer. And if you do take a road trip, just make sure you have the appropriate type of tires on your car. Use these affordable ideas to ensure the whole family has fun together while the kids are home from school.