This summer we have been working on a shoestring budget. Money has been tighter and other expenses are rising. Instead of worrying about what cannot be controlled, we decided to put together fun ideas. Likewise, these activities are not only fun, but they operate on a shoestring budget. Summer isn’t over yet, so schedule in some time for a few ways for kids to have fun.
Water Guns
Water guns are fun for any kid. The Dollar Tree, Walmart, or any store has affordable water guns. For my kids, we fill up a bucket and they spend hours spraying each other, the sidewalk, ground and targets. Another fun idea might be to shoot bubbles as someone else blows them.
In addition to a basic water gun fight is a ping pong ball game. That would be where you line up ping pong balls on a table and then each child sees how many ping pong balls they can shoot and move across the table. Winner gets the most.
Finally, freeze tag is always a fun game. The kids can freeze each other with water guns, and unfreeze each other with high fives. Some of the easiest games are the most fun.
Sprinklers
There are so many types of sprinklers to choose from these days. Some are kid themed and others are ones that hook up to a hose for a garden. Either way, kids just love water.
We have a sprinkler that waves around when water is going through it, we also have a garden hose sprinkler that goes back and forth. Both are fun and get kids plenty of playtime in the water outside.
Backyard Water Slides
Backyard water slides are an investment up front. The investment is well worth it because they are durable and last several years. We have had our backyard slides for almost two years. I waited to find a good sale, then we purchase our first water slide.
The second water slide we purchased is bigger than the old fashioned slip and slide. This one came with raft sliders to go further down the water slide. The raft sliders did help to protect from hitting the ground. The kids like both slides a lot.
Water Games on a Shoestring Budget
Water balloons are a favorite around here. At the many stores there is a product with multiple water balloons filled quickly. I choose to buy that one because it is easier than filling up one water balloon at a time. Water balloons are not of fun and stay within a shoestring budget boundary.
First, there is a water bucket relay where you fill a 3 large buckets of water, then fill with water. Next, buy 3 sand pails and drill 4 holes around the bottom. Third, have one medium sized bucket for each child. Have each child take turns with the sand pail filling it up by running to the large buckets of water. After filling the water pail they have to run back trying to get a full bucket back to the empty bucket. The winner gets their bucket full first. They will have a blast and get wet at the same time.
Another fun water play idea is for smaller kids, but water tables work wonderful for them. Small children also love to paint with water. Supervision is always required with water. Using a small bucket filled half full with water and a paint brush keeps them busy for awhile.
Well, this is a good list to start with. Feel free to leave a comment of which one is the favorite. For more fun ideas on ways to live the frugal lifestyle, homeschool or suburban homesteading and more please sign up for my newsletter.
Leave a Reply