Soon the kids will be out of school, your house will be overrun with kiddos at all hours of the day and the temperature is about to skyrocket. This means one thing: you’re going to need activities outside of the house that don’t involve scorching your kids in the heat of the summer sun. Fortunately there are plenty of options that are not only fun but affordable and smart too. And no, you don’t have to spend every day babysitting your kids and everyone else’s at the local library, although it’s an option if it comes down to it…
Hit the Water
One of the easiest, most entertaining, most affordable ways to kill a hot summer day outside of the confines of the home is to find the nearest source of water. Whether that’s a beach, a lake, a city pool or a park kiddie pool, it really doesn’t matter. Spray the kids generously with sunscreen and let them have at it! Plus, you can maybe even work on your tan.
Educational Options
While the library is always there, so are multiple other places that we generally don’t take the time to venture out to. But guess what, your kids can learn something, and the cooling is free! Nothing like a cooled down kiddie museum to spend a few hours in. And, if you’re worried your kids are going to be ridiculously bored, there’s a good chance you haven’t checked out one of these museums lately. They’ve come a long way and are fascinating and entertaining multiple age ranges (maybe even you!).
Dollar Movies!
Almost nothing beats hitting up the local dollar theater on a super hot summer day. Finish off the afternoon with Popsicles in the park and your kids will fall madly in love with you. In fact, you could even take their friends along. It’s one of the easiest ways to watch multiple kids and give your children a break from just each other.
Teach your Kids some Money-Makin’ Strategies
The lemonade stand on the street? Not just to occupy your kids’ time for a few hours. You can introduce your children to the thrill of making their own dollars and cents with something that’s fun at the same time. Encourage them to be creative and test out different “marketing schemes.” What sold better? Blueberry lemonade or raspberry lemonade? Does a bigger sign get more people? What about a batch of brownies? Cookies?
Garage sales are also a great opportunity to cut down the clutter and encourage your children to learn the process of buying and selling on a very basic level.
Volunteer Some Time
Getting frustrated with the lack of sharing and general compassion in your home? Sign your kids up for a volunteer program. There are many opportunities out there, whether it’s writing letters to soldiers or making blankets for ill children.
Author Jocelyn Anne is passionate about eco-friendly living and is currently writing about cooling homes safely with portable air conditioners.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
