Summer is just around the bend and while the kids are overjoyed at the thought of freedom, many parents are not nearly so thrilled. Soon, you may hear the two little words every parent dreads: “I’m booorrrrred!!!”

Some parents will sit their kids in front of the TV or video games for mind-numbing screen time. Other parents will dig deep into their wallets (or simply swipe the credit card) to send their kids to camps and amusement parks and all different kinds of activities.

But summer fun does not have to break the bank! In fact, with a little imagination and planning, you can have the most enjoyable and affordable summer ever!

Today, I want to give you a few ideas to get you started on the right track. But don’t stop here… your options truly are endless!

• Turn off the TV! Enjoy the beautiful weather instead. Go on a hike, visit the zoo, go camping in the backyard, or head out to a public pool. You’ll have more fun exploring and getting some fresh air than you would parked in front of the TV!
• Find inexpensive and/or free activities in your area. Attend sporting events or concerts. Find local festivals, celebrations or neighborhood parties. Host a potluck or a “Bring Your Own Meat” BBQ. Invite the neighborhood kids for a water balloon fight, create an obstacle course or stage your own Backyard Olympics.
• Give the kids a chance to learn entrepreneurial skills by setting up a lemonade stand or starting a dog walking business. They can even help the neighbors with yard work or housecleaning. This is a great way to teach your kids how to start and run a business, as well as how to manage their time and money.
• Spend quality time together as a family. Have a Family Game Night, cook dinners together or bake sweet treats with the kids. Spend time really listening to your kids and taking this time to learn more about what makes them tick. When they look back at their summer, these are the things they will remember.

Are you catching what I’m saying?? There are tons of ways to be fun and adventurous without spending tons of money! I would love to know what your summer plans are. How do you plan to make this a fun, memorable and affordable season? Please leave me your comments with your ideas below!

It would be a great idea to talk with your family about this, as well. Get their ideas. Find out what your kids would like to do during their break. (You may be surprised by what their idea of fun is!) Pass this message around to your friends, coworkers and people in your community, in addition to Liking and Sharing today’s post! There’s always room for more ideas for inexpensive adventures!

In great faith,

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