Cheap and easy summer activities

These days, running through the yard sprinkler is no longer a cheap cost effective summer activity. Sure, you can lay on your back and watch the clouds go by, but if your six year old is like mine, that holds his attention for two minutes.

There are loads of creative things you can do on the cheap. You just have to dig a bit and plan a little.

Home Depot’s Kids Workshops. They are not available at every Home Depot, so check your local store’s website, but when they are offered, it’s usually the first Saturday of the month starting in the morning. These workshops offer basic carpentry skills and safety tips as the kids make something fun and creative. It’s an awesome, hands-on activity that everyone enjoys.

Kids bowl free. Registered kids can bowl free at a number of participating bowling alleys nationwide. You may need to rent the shoes and the parents will need to pay, but usually kids under 15 will play for free.

Museums. Most museums have a free day at least once a month, many offer a free day once a week. Many museums let kids go for free. During the summer look for special family weekends with activity tables and learning kiosks. There are often times tours geared just for young minds and eyes.

Summer concerts. Most large cities have music in the park provided by local pop bands, jazz groups, or orchestras. Check your local paper and plan in advance. Often times you can bring a picnic, some appropriate beverages and just relax in beautiful outdoor setting.

Public libraries. Libraries turn it out for summer. Our local, small town library brings in puppeteers, local actors, and magicians for the summer. There are also reading clubs for kids of all ages. Mark your calendar for weekly readings and activities.

Look for dollar movies. Check your local theaters for ones offering $1 admittance to G and PG rated movies during the summer.