How to: keep kids entertained in the summer — for less
By Aimee Heckel
The novelty of summer vacation is quickly wearing off. Chances are, you’re starting to hear the familiar whine coming from your kids’ foodholes: “I’m borrrreeed.”
Before they utter that torturous phrase again (because what wouldn’t any parent give to experience that ancient sensation of boredom again?), check out these ideas: four easy ways to keep your kids entertained this summer — for less.
1. Help your kids plant a “mobile garden,” according to Thriftyfun.com. Plant beans, tomato plants, sunflowers — let your kids pick — in an old wheelbarrow or wagon. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage.
Don’t have an old wheely-dealy lying around? Pick up a cheap red junior-sized wheelbarrow at Walmart for $32. Or embark on a repurposing project: attach wheels from your kid’s old bike to a wooden crate.
2. Make art out of nature, like these beautiful painted rocks from Geninne’s Art Blog (see photo). Let your kids pick out rocks of a certain shape, color or size.
Tip: Paint with a stencil, like this brass embossing bird and flower stencil from Newegg for $2.49.
Here is a helpful guide to painting rocks.
3. Do some crazy stuff with pool noodles. Cut them in half and they make perfect race car ramps. Check out this Pinterest board featuring tons of ways to revamp pool noodles. Make light sabres, fishing poles, arches, basketball hoops — the list goes on. Here is another blog, Debbiedoo’s, featuring 40 ways to reuse pool noodles.
Buy a stack of 20 pool noodles at Walmart for $60.97.
4. Set up a backyard camp, according to Bankrate.com. Summer camp can cost hundreds of dollars per week. Instead, join together with friends or neighbors to create your own camp.
Organize activities — hosted by a different family each day. Make sure you set the tone that it’s different than just another play date.
Set up an outdoor canopy or tent to provide shade and designate a space in your backyard for the activities. Dicks Sporting Goods has a variety of different kinds of canopies for reasonable prices. Check out the special discounts and coupons for Dicks Sporting Goods on ShopAtHome.com.
Other articles you might also like:
