Looking for more ways to save money by taking a staycation? We’ve put together a list of easy and low to no cost ways for you and your children to enjoy a stay-at-home vacation this summer.
There are a variety of resources available in your neighborhood ranging from local merchants to public parks to your bedroom and living room. Just think, all you have to spend when building a pillow fort is time with your kids.
The Run Down
- Did you know that kids can bowl for free? There is a website program to show you where and when.
- Visit your local park. Odds are there are plenty of activities there for free and just going for a walk costs nothing.
- Collect all of the pillows, grab some sheets, and build a pillow fort in the living room.
- Call your neighborhood fire station to see about taking the kids for a tour.
- Conduct simple science experiments in the kitchen using ingredients you have in the pantry and refrigerator.
- Need building blocks? Materials don’t come much cheaper (or renewable) than ice cubes from the freezer.
- Take the Kids Bowling. The Kids Bowl Free program allows kids to play two free games a day at participating bowling centers.
- Saturday in the Park… Go to your local park for a concert. Many cities have free summer concert series during the day or in the evening, when the weather is cooler.
- Take A Hike. Literally! Take a hike along nature trails or at a nearby forest.
- Think Inside the Box. Cardboard boxes. You can make a clubhouse, a secret base, a castle, a fort, all with nothing more than a big box and some art supplies.
- Build A Fort. If you don’t have a big box, build a fort with sheets and blankets instead.
- Field Trip. Call your neighborhood fire station to schedule a visit. Children can meet the fire fighters, sit in the fire engines, and and load them up with stickers, coloring books and more.
- Mad (Kitchen) Scientist> Conduct at-home science experiments in your kitchen, using ingredients as simple as baking soda, vinegar and food coloring. You can find child-friendly experiments at your local library or online.
- Be Like Bob the Builder. Do your kids always stare and “oooh” when you pass by a construction site? Think about taking them for a visit. You don’t have to be on site, for safety reasons, but you can watch the action from a safe distance to see the big machines in action.
- Get in Touch with Nature. City parks often have nature centers. These nature centers usually offer free programs for kids, teaching them about local plants and animals.
- Ice Castles. Take ice cubes right from the tray or freeze water in plastic containers of all sorts of shapes and sizes. This is a cheap and cool way for you and the kids to build castles and other structures outside.
