In a world that almost everything is via computer, kids are slowly forgetting the outdoors, and having good, clean fun. I no longer see kids outside riding bikes, skateboarding, roller skating, or walking for recreation.
Gone are those days of tag, stick boat races after the rainstorm, mud pies, and coloring books. So are the days of schools opening up during the summer, and having programs for the community children free of charge. Computers and gaming has become our new family members.
Well, it's time to have that "computer family member" to take a back seat! Let's get started with some ideas that are low cost or no cost, that can be implemented easily.
I have included links at the bottom of each listed entry that will take you to another website that gives you more information regarding listed item.
1. GO OUTSIDE.
Have you explored your great outdoors? All your local community parks? What about your Regional ones? State? It doesn't have to stop there. Don't forget about the local lakes, beaches, rivers, and other waterways, and mountains. Getting outside, and exploring the world around you makes us appreciate nature more, and can open up new ideas and thoughts about how we may go about preserving it.
2. GO TO THE LIBRARY.
I am jealous! The libraries I grew up with did not offer all the resources and classes of today's libraries. From free movies, language lessons, art and crafts, stem classes, and more, libraries have definitely earned a spot on the list! Plan ahead and see what treats your local library has scheduled throughout the summer for the kids, and yourself! There is a link below that gives you information on all U.S pulic libraries, broken down by state. Hope it helps :)
MOST LIBRARIES OFFER FREE PROGRAMS FOR THE WHOLE
COMMUNITY.
Summer is a great time to visit your local museums. It's also a great time to maybe plan that day/weekend trip to a museum in your neighboring county or city. Many museums have events throughout the year. Some even offer summer camps. They tend to get pricey for that camp option, however. If you find you enjoy a particular museum, consider buying a family membership..which will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Yes! That's right...go bowling! This is still a cheap, fun, and sometimes a free option for kids in the summer time. Cheap and sometimes FREE in the summer for kids...Hands down....bowling...is just fun!!! Period.
MANY CITIES OFFER DISCOUNTED OR FREE BOWLING FOR KIDS DURING THE SUMMER.
GO BACK TO SCHOOL. Do you live near a university or community college? Make sure to check out their "Community Programs" or "Events" page. Believe it or not....they tend to offer free classes or events to the public. I have also seen classes that are specifically geared towards children available too. You can also find wonderful events like ballet,plays and musical recitals for a great price or FREE through the schools. The universities also have art exhibits/mini museums, often free to enter. Check them out.
GET UP AND DANCE..THE FREE OPTION Listen, listen, listen...no excuses. Music makes the body move. So, why not learn a new dance move? YouTube is the greatest platform so far to show dance moves, routines, and choreography step by step. Dance steps going too fast...slow down the video...it's an option on YouTube, I often forget about myself. Parents, make sure to review the songs/videos first, as of course, being the internet...not everything is meant for our kids to see or hear.
GET UP AND DANCE..THE $PAID OPTION. Make sure to check your local dance studios for their summer specials. Summer is an opportunity for these schools to offer classes at a much cheaper rate, and as a way to see if your child enjoys dance..but without a long term commitment/contract. There are times they also offer camps with daily/weekly rates.
This store has so many options to entertain kiddos with over the summer. Many of their fun filled in person classes are no longer available as of April 2021, but that doesn't mean Michaels is leaving us out on a limb! They now offer some wonderful ZOOM classes and premium paid classes you can check it out rightHERE.Look for "online classes" up in right corner of site.
Ages 3-11 classes are listed under "Kids Club Online". For 13 and up, classes are listed as "National Online Class".
Not comfortable doing ZOOM? No worries. Michaels website also has a great amount of projects organized by categories of Wood, food, apparel, painting projects, and much more.
LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE. What a great time to start learning a new language. This can now be done with Youtube, Duolingo, and other sites. You can also use Google Translate to explore many of the world's languages.
DO ART CHALLENGES. Oh man. Sounds so easy...that is until you start! This is something that the whole family can join in on, which will make it more entertaining and exciting. You can do your own, or go online and find a TON of options. Most of us already have pencils,paper, and crayons/markers/etc. You can have the challenge be daily or weekly...it's up to you :)
LEARN TO PLAY A RECORDER / KEYBOARD I was so excited when I had an opportunity to learn this in school, the downside is I had to "wait to be in a certain grade" in order to do it. Why not extend this opportunity to your kiddos in the summer? Beginning recorders are relatively cheap(I paid a total of $12 for my 3 kids). Check your thrift stores for keyboards; the 2nd one we found at the thrift store was BRAND NEW...for $10! There's free lessons on Youtube, and easy to read printable music sheets online. At the end of summer, they can put together a "concert".
GO BOWLING Cheap and sometimes FREE in the summer for kids...Hands down....bowling...is just fun!!! Period.
GO TO THE MOVIES Movie theaters tend to run summer movie specials for kids. Also libraries, parks, museums, and recreation centers tend to have free movies available throughout summer.
TAKE SOME PICS What a way to remember summer than with a few photographs. Maybe put together a summer memory book or collage and give it to that family member that lives far away. Learn to manipulate images, and re-color with some of the open-source software or web apps. You get good enough, you may be able to use these skills later....for pay!!!
VOLUNTEER You can check your local libraries, elderly homes, and pet shelters. Maybe you know of some neighbors that could use some assistance with their yard or pets. One place that tends to be VERY family friendly are the parks. Make sure to inquire about age restrictions if dealing with businesses.
LAKESHORE LEARNING Update** As of May 2021, I am not sure if Lakeshore Learning still offers the weekend Kids crafting. It has since been removed off the website, so maybe at a later date it will return. Not to fret! Lakeshore has an IMMENSE amount of printables and crafting ideas for kids of all ages. The crafts section can be accessed here: Lakeshore Learning Crafts
This is a great place that gives both regular and home educators access to some great, great supplies. If you have one of these in your area, make sure to visit, especially on weekends. They hold free, craft events. Depending where you live, this will occur either on Saturdays or Sundays, but not both. I would say crafts are geared towards 3-8 year old group. Also, make sure to check under their "resources" page on their website....LOTS of freebies to utilize!!!
START WITH YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD OR BACKYARD. How much do you really know about the plant,insect,animal life within your neighborhood? Your own backyard? Well, this summer, that is going to change! Take some pictures of plants, birds,trees, and insects around your area. Can you find out more information about them? There's so many ways to expand on this...I do not know if summer will be long enough!