Thrifty Summer Fun

In one week, we’ll be freeeeee and on summer break. I cannot wait. Long days of nowhere we have to go. The opportunities are endless. It can sometimes feel overwhelming to fill all of those days with new and interesting activities without feeling the need to go out and spend money. I thought I’d share some ways we keep things fun around here on those long hot days.

Let Them Get Messy

There is nothing my kids get bouncier over than mom handing them something that they can get all over their hands and won’t get in trouble for smearing everywhere.

Fingerpaints

Whipped cream fights (shaving cream is fun too!)

Play Outside

There is nothing simpler and free-er (in more ways than one) than opening the back door and just letting them play. Soccer, bike riding, swinging, digging in the dirt, playing with the hose, pulling weeds in the garden.

When we do leave the house, I like to go to parks, the beach, free water play areas – things that are really fun but don’t cost a dime.

The times we do spend our pennies, there is nothing better than a drippy ice cream cone with sprinkles on a hot summer day. I love the evidence it leaves behind.

When the heat and humidity gets to be too much, we retreat inside for coloring, book reading, fort building, indoor hopscotch, puppet shows and other creative but not overwhelming fun.

When all of that is said and done, there is nothing like a nap in the hammock.

See? Frugal living really is fun!

What are your plans for filling long summer days?