Ah Summer! 
The time when kids are at home and parents have to find ways to keep them busy while still allowing them to enjoy their time off from school. As a parent of two boys, I know how challenging that can be.
Depending on where you live, the pandemic may have had your kids at home on lockdown for most of the year. For many of us, the lockdown continues as employers try to decide when and how to reopen and who to bring back into the office.
With that said, kids are still kids and need stuff to do. It could be tempting to let them spend even more time on technology and social media, which does have its part, but it generally keeps them inside and inactive. And it’s SUMMER! Time to get out and experience things stimulating both mind and body. Time to get them to think freely and dream about more than killing aliens or learning the latest Tik Tok moves.
So here are, you guessed it, FIVE free or inexpensive, active options for Summer time fun for your kids.
Parks
This is an oldie but goodie. It is FREE, and there are a variety of things for kids to do. Favorites like swings, and play equipment are staples to enjoy. You can bring a ball or Frisbee to toss around. They can just run around to burn off energy and stress, or find a tree to sit and read under, listen to music or a book, or have one-on-one time with you talking or in silence. Shoot…enjoy a picnic or ice cream, if you like. Create memories with your kids. The main purpose is for them to be active and move.
Museums
Yet another oldie that is free or at least, low cost. Museums have so much diversity. They cover history, art, technology, science, cultures, sports, and
many other subjects. Google search your area to see what is available. It may actually surprise you. Plus don’t just go to the larger museums. Check out smaller ones as well. Another plus, is many museums have kids’ summer programs. The goal is to expose for your child to possibilities. Allow them to see something new, to get their minds thinking outside the norm. Not a lot in your area? Find museums that offer virtual tours.
Libraries
Hey, do not sleep on your neighborhood library. Many of them have great summer programs for kids. There are, of course, reading programs and story
time for kids, but some also offer free or low cost classes as well. Librariesoffer everything from gardening, to animal shows, to computer training. Libraries are free to visit, but may require a card to check out books.
College
Wait? What? Yes college. Many colleges, 4-year and 2-year, offer mini-camps for kids. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) are big, but so are art related camps. They also vary in length from one day or weeks. It is usually a complete submersion in the topic for your child and they will meet other kids with similar interest. Of course, these camps are not free, and can get quite 
pricey depending on the length and subject matter. However, this could be a special way to reward for your child for good behavior, grades or just because. Remember, kids went through the pandemic too.
Finally….YOUR OWN BACKYARD
…Or patio, or living room, or whatever space you can find at home. This is the ultimate free or low cost fun because you are already there…LOL. Select an area of your home and fill this space with age-appropriate things like activity books, puzzles, board games, crayons, paper, glue, pool noodles (they make great swords…LOL) blocks, boxes…just STUFF. If you are on a budget, shop your house for items first and/or visit dollars stores for inexpensive activity
books and supplies. Once the area is set, challenge your child each day or week to a new activity. A couple of ideas are to have them build something from a box of random things you pulled from around the house. Or complete a puzzle, without the picture. Or have them imagine a different use for a common item or make up a story about it, then have them tell you their idea over dinner or before bed. I mean, how does the hero save the day with a potato masher? LOL. The purpose is to spark their ingenuity, imagination and keep them engaged.
Fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Kids have great imaginations, so help them use it. You may be surprised by what your kid comes up with.
Those are my five tips. Do you have any free or inexpensive kid-friendly summer ideas to share? If so, email them to me, or message me on Facebook. I would love to feature some of the tips I receive in a future blog.
Until Next Time…
Thanks and Be Blessed
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