Summer break is here and it is time for this frugal family to cool off. But, if you’re like us with more than one child it can be expensive. There are ways we have found to still stay cool, have fun, and spend nothing. In addition to the kids’ having fun, moms’ can cool off too in the water. We love to visit the pool, water parks and other water places that are open in the summer. If they charge a fee then that activity gets archived.
My goal this summer is to spend a little and get a lot of fun. Here are a few ways to beat the summer heat.
Frugal Family Splash Pads
My sons’ are older now, but not too old for a splash pad. I’m not too old for a splash pad. To have the most fun as a frugal family, we go to free splash pads around out city. Where we live the humidity is very high and the best place to cool off during summer break is near the water. Luckily enough we have no problem finding splash pads everywhere.
First, keep a bag or box in the car with spare clothes and swim suits. I have found it very helpful to keep these items for spontaneous fun. Summer break is all about going with the flow. Our last adventure landed us at a park with a splash pad, biking area, huge playground and much more.
If your up to it, pack a picnic on the go with an extra large blanket. The other part of summer is enjoying some relaxation time.
Summer Break Creek Stomping Fun
Another fun way a frugal family will enjoy summer break is creek stomping. This activity doesn’t include swimsuits. Old shorts and shirts work fine because they will get muddy anyway. Amazingly enough kids’ will play in water for hours and find all kinds of cool rocks. Nature never disappoints.
Creek stomping is fun because it involves water, rocks and dirt or sand. What kids doesn’t enjoy that? Check around your state parks and see which ones’ allow creek stomping. I do go to safe places that are marked for this activity. Always check with park staff to make sure that a creek is safe.
So much fun comes with creek stomping like building dams, rock skipping, and searching for crawdads. The best part is any type of shoe can be worn whether it is sandals, rain boots or old tennis shoes.
Local Pools
I have to say that summer break for me holds many pool memories. My friends and I were always at the pool growing up. So, of course I want the same fun memories with my kids. Not only are pools fun, but they allow for an opportunity to practice swimming. We do keep our costs down by utilizing a membership, our membership goes year around and allows us to have discounts for sports programs and other activities.
Depending on the city, town, or suburban housing edition some have passes that are available for the season, and owners, or residents will get a discount or free pass. free kids activities for summer in your town and see what it open for the summer.
Backyard Summer Break Fun
There are many ways for a frugal family to have fun in your own backyard. To save money and get the most use of time outside choose 2 or 3 products to purchase. Backyard summer break fun comes in many forms, and for us this year it is splash bombs from Wal Mart, the garden hose, and a large slip and slide we had from 3 years ago. In addition to purchasing a few affordable items, I try to retain as much as possible for the next year to build on what we have. also, if we get 5 years out of a water slip and slide I consider my money well spent.
The splash bombs were a hit because they are a mix between a water balloon and a splash ball for the pool. I like them because they are completely reusable.
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