School is out for summer, which means it’s time for parents everywhere to find solutions for keeping their kids entertained. For parents who aren’t fans of screen time, this can sometimes mean spending a lot of money for camps or paid attractions like zoos and theme parks.
The good news is, you don’t have to do a number on your checking account to keep your kids occupied. Here are four ideas to help you keep your children busy and off their iPads without running up a huge credit card bill.
Summer is prime time for free outdoor events, and many of these are geared toward children and families.
Your local library is a great place to start looking for no-cost activities, as many libraries offer story hours, craft events, visits from firefighters with fire trucks, and a host of other fun activities at no cost to parents. Check the event calendar at the library to find a complete list of weekly and special events in your area.
If you have a state park or nature center in your area, many of these places also offer free programs for kids as well, such as guided hikes or other events where your children can learn about nature. These activities can be an especially great way to get outside and learn something new.
If you have kids who are playground age, doing a tour of all of the local playgrounds can be a great way to spend some time. There are often more playgrounds in an area than you know about and you can make a complete list of them and aim to make a visit to each over the course of summer. To make it more fun, rate each playground as you visit to find your favorites or invite a friend to meet you there for a picnic lunch.
