6 Fun & Free Summer Activities for Children (or Adults?)
I don't have kids yet, but I'm pretty sure I'd be all over these if I did. There's nothing like some creative ways to entertain 'em all with no real impact on the budget!The first few can be found in ALL YOU Magazine's June edition (thx for the tips!), and the last couple listed were created by yours truly. And just to spice it up a bit, I decided to add a "romantic twist" at the end of each of these (in parentheses) for all who don't have kids, or those who'd like to participate once the kiddies are sleeping! That way everyone gets something out of it. I know this sounds/looks a bit creepy, but I swear I didn't mean it to be. Just read it for what it is and don't mix and match, okay? ;)
6 Fun & Free Activities for Children (and now Adults):
- Create an underwater spy game in the kiddie pool. Cut a circle from the bottom of an empty plastic milk carton. Stretch two sheets of plastic wrap across the opening and around the sides to create a makeshift spy lens. Throw some cool objects in the pool and place the lens in the water so kids can see them clearly. (Adult option: throw pieces of clothing into the real pool, and then fetch them out together....late at night...with your significant other)
- Host your own summer Olympics. Complete in egg tosses, tug-o-war, three-legged relays and sack races. (Adult option: play some Olympics yourself - best love poem, best massage, best , um....listener?)
- Organize an archaeological dig. Use pieces of cardboard to represent fossils, then bury them in mulch, loose dirt or a sandbox. Set kids on the trail. (Adult option: Leave post-it notes around your drawers or purses/wallets and write some romantic messages down for each other to find)
- Build a backyard fort by covering the patio table with sheets. Decide what the fort is: a preschool, restaurant and so on. Add props such as crayons or pretend pots and pans. (Adult option: Make a fort in your living room! Grab sleeping bags, a tent, and enjoy some quality time together. You might even be able to make s'mores if your stove permits)
- Go on a treasure hunt! Bury a few goodies around the back yard or around the community, and create an old school pirate map marking the treasure & surroundings. (Adult option: Instead of a treasure map, create a scavenger hunt and design it around the special places you share - place of first kiss, date, etc)
- Go on a hike with a promise of a slurpee at the end! I know this might sound odd, but I swear it works :) We'd do ANYTHING for a slurpee growing up, and plus the walking/hiking got us to appreciate the outdoors some more. (Adult option: Do the same exact same thing, except swap out the slurpee with something else "worth your while". During mid trail even!)
Labels: bargains, one of my lists, saving
posted by J. Money at
7:12 AM
8 Comments:
We also like to head over to any local playground with the kids. Stuff that we can enjoy for little to no cost with or without kids during the summer also include:
- Berry picking toward the end of summer (goes well with hikes).
- Fishing (a license in my state is $20 for adults and is a summer of fun).
- Heading to one of the many free beach / picnic areas around.
yeah, berry picking is pretty fun too - good call. although i'd be sure to research where you do this as some places like to charge up the wazooo for your finds. we hit up a strawberry farm 2 weeks ago and it was crazy expensive (along w/ their lunch food) so we ended up walking around and petting the goats which was all free. we also brought our own lunches and got scolded by the owner of the farm...at least I think he was the owner, who else would get so riled up about that? but for the most part, yes berry picking is a cheap way to have fun this summer ;)
You are so funny! I love the ideas in parenthesis. Your blog always makes me laugh. :)
I've never gone berry picking -- do you or the missus bake? Think of the desserts you could make! Me, I'm more of an apple picker. Also a nice, cheap way to spend your day.
Most states have museums you can get into for free or relatively cheap. For the kids, it's a great learning experience and something new. For the adults, it can spark some new role play ideas. Hey, just keeping with the theme you've got here J...
Can't believe you forgot the Slip N' Slide! That was way fun as a kid! And, for the adult version, use less water and more chocolate syrup. I'll leave that one for you to figure out!
Hmm, I'm sure I could come up with more given a little time, but the list is growing nevertheless. Excellent ideas!
Nothing beats just being active outside, playing ball, going for a walk, or even sitting and relaxing just listening to some good music. All the benefits of the summer.
J. Money - good point on the cost of berry picking. I am lucky enough to live in a rural areas with lots of woods. Last year we hit the town forest (yeah, the town has a 96 acre forest) and my family has another 60 or so acres that has lots of berry bushes. So we get our hiking and berry picking in for free!
I am almost positive that the earning of Icees are how I got good grades from kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Hikes are absolutely awesome, and so are tree-climbing adventures. I'm too old for them [physically] now, but I'd totally still do it. Then again, I guess I really can't claim the distinction of being an adult yet. ;)
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