The warm haze of summer is fast approaching and with it, the echoing calls of children quizzing about daily activities. Kids often assume that their school break automatically signifies our holidays too. But alas, that’s not the reality and, despite the sunshine, I am still determined not to deplete my budget just for the sake of keeping the youngsters entertained. However, I’ve discovered some fantastic strategies to enjoy the summer with children and not spend a fortune.
SUMMER READING
As an author, I am a passionate advocate for reading and strive to instill this love for books in my children as well. Even if we aren’t able to travel the world due to time or financial constraints, we can at least explore the expansive horizon of a captivating book.
We often support authors – I am an author myself after all – but there are times when a visit to the library becomes our best choice. Given that we all possess library cards and the closest library to us is colossal, we find ourselves frequenting it quite often.
Our local library house boasts an exceptional array of books which ensures we never lack options. What’s more, they even transfer books from other libraries if a particular title we require isn’t on their shelves.
Uncertain about which books will keep your children engaged? Fear not, the library is filled with experienced librarians who are excellent at making book recommendations. Most of them also run a Summer Reading Program where your children can participate. These programs, offered at no cost, aim to motivate the kids to read more during the summer and often include a range of special events tailored to each age group. We grab every opportunity to partake in these events since reading not only aids in escaping the scorching summer heat by staying indoors but also entails zero expenses.
We make it a habit to visit the library at least once a week to return and borrow books. Some of our children are particularly insatiable readers, meaning we need to replenish their book supply more frequently at times. Despite this, I’m genuinely pleased that they’ve found an engaging, educational, and cost-effective activity.
EXPLORE YOUR CITY
Rediscovering the charms of your own city is a pursuit many of us hardly undertake. It’s interesting to note that plenty of locals we met in Washington DC during our spring break had never taken part in the typical tourist activities, despite these attractions being available at no cost right at their doorstep.
Why do we spend heaps of money to travel and explore other places, while disregarding the hidden treasures in our very own city? It simply doesn’t make sense. So, I thoroughly enjoy wandering through our city with the kids to discover its concealed gems.
Start simple: grab your keys along with your children and step out your front door. If you live in an area not ideal for walking, try strolling around your local neighborhood first. You might come across several intriguing landmarks you were utterly oblivious about before – such as a free library box, a hidden pond bustling with tadpoles, a treehouse, or even a bamboo thicket laced with a secret walking path, and of course, playgrounds.
For more adventures, you can drive to lesser-known parts of town. The distance is irrelevant; the objective is to explore uncharted territories right in your city. This not only enriches your knowledge of the city but also enables you to embark on an exciting venture at minimum expense.
NATURE WALKS
I adore the great outdoors and encourage my children to appreciate the rich abundance that nature offers. One advantage of being outside is that it tires children out faster than indoor activities.
We are fortunate to live in a city with one of the largest Greenway systems in the U.S., which provides an excellent setting for nature walks. Depending on the city you live in, you could find varying amounts of trails and green spaces ripe for exploration.
When we embark on nature walks, our aim is to spot and learn about as many plants and animals as possible. I engage the children in conversations about their observations and sometimes, the kids even surprise me with facts or information I wasn’t aware of. The best part of these outdoor excursions is that we all learn something new without having to spend a dime!
Apart from ensuring that I have my phone handy for identifying any interesting finds, I occasionally bring an identification book from the library. This allows everyone to participate actively in recognizing the species we come across.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
Regardless of how well-fed your children are before leaving the house, they will inevitably express hunger or thirst during an outdoor adventure – a joyous part of parenting indeed! As such, I always pack snacks, water bottles, tissues and sometimes even an identification book.
Amazon offers an array of backpacks and water bottles, and I frequently order from there due to the convenience of home delivery. Right before our trips, I ensure my backpack is filled with these essentials. This not only ensures an enjoyable day but also helps me save money. After all, we don’t need to break the bank to enjoy and create lasting summer memories.
Have you discovered any fantastic strategies to enjoy summer with kids without stretching your budget? Let us know!
