Thanks to guest poster, Kathryn Katz, for these great tips on how to have a fun summer without breaking the bank!
No money, no worries you can still have fun with your family this summer. A limited amount of cash should not prevent you from spending quality time with your loved ones – be creative, there are a multitude of things to do that won’t force you to pull out your wallet. Unfortunately 68% of parents polled recently disagree and said money was the biggest obstacle to spending time with their children and partners. These ideas should change their minds and make them feel better.
Okay, let’s start off enjoying the great summer weather by visiting a local park. You can pack a picnic lunch, bring board games, a Frisbee, a pack of cards and enjoy the day. It’s simple and it costs nothing to soak up the sun or cool off in the shade. Just make sure to pack your suntan lotion and water for your outdoor trip.
If you’d rather stay inside for the day, visit the local library. They often hold free events such as reading activities and sometimes show movies. Or you can pick up some books and do the reading at home. Contact your local library and pick up their summer schedule of events.
Why not break out your creative side? Make crafts out of things that you already have in the house, or dream of a favorite place, like the beach or mountains and then you and your children could make wonderful drawings – get inspired!
If you’re in the mood for a movie then you’re in luck. Regal Entertainment Group is offering select movies for kids and showing them for free. That’s right, every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am. Plus, AMC Theaters is offering summer movies on Tuesdays at 10 am for only $1.
When you’re not enjoying a movie how about joining a reading club? Barnes and Noble is offering free books just for reading. You can also get a free gift by joining the folks at Pottery Barn. They hold a story time event every Tuesday. Check the local stores for details and start reading.
Another resourceful method of finding free local events and programs is to scour the pages of your local newspapers, neighborhood news magazines and County website. You’d be surprised to see how many free or cheap things there are to enjoy – from outdoor plays acted in the park to festivals, concerts, art shows, recreational events, nature trails, fishing and more.
So don’t be down this summer because you’re a bit short on cash. Gather your family and have some fun. You don’t need the money; you just need a little imagination and each other.
About the Author
Kathryn Katz is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor who works for Consolidated Credit Counseling Services in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Their non-profit agency helps families through financial crisis using credit counseling, debt consolidation and financial education.
Sherry
Great tips! Ds and I just spent some time at the park yesterday and had a lot of fun. We had a picnic lunch, walked around, took pictures, and fed the ducks/geese. 😀