Ah, Summertime
Life
just seems to take on a slower pace during the summer. You've waited months for your
family's activity level to diminish so you can slow down, relax and have some quality
family time. You've committed to finding some low cost activities for the kids and you
also want to find activities the family can enjoy together. These low cost, low tech
summer activities for families and kids will make you wish the summer would never end.
Sidewalk
Chalk
One sure fire way to bring a smile to the faces of kids of all ages
is to buy some sidewalk chalk. A bucket of sidewalk chalk will keep kids busy for hours.
I've seen buckets of 20 or so sticks for sale at the Dollar Store near my house, which
definitely qualifies for the low cost activity category. Families can create just about
any type of artwork they want from abstract to free form. Another great plus besides the
low cost, is that sidewalk chalk doesn't stain clothes or harm grass and isn't toxic to
kids. Once an art project is finished, just hose off the sidewalk, wait for it to dry and
the kids can start a brand new project! If it's raining, a garage floor or covered
concrete patio work great as a chalk canvas.
Popsicle Eating Contest
There
are so many variations on a theme for this low tech, low cost family activity. The most
obvious contest is to see who can take the longest time to eat a popsicle. This is another
activity in which the entire family can participate. The "eating your popsicle the
slowest" contest takes not only patience, but the ability to withstand turning into a
sticky, streaked mess while the popsicle melts. This disclaimer may give the kids a
definite edge over the older members of the family. Not only is a popsicle eating contest
a low tech and low cost activity, it's the perfect lead-in to the next low cost activity
on the list: running through the sprinkler!
Run Through the Sprinkler
Running
through the sprinkler is about the best low tech, low cost summer activity for kids. I
never have figured out why this is so much fun. I can certainly remember relishing any
chance to don a bathing suit and run through the sprinkler when I was a kid, though. Talk
about a low cost activity the kids will enjoy! This one has to be way up on the "most
fun" list. The really great thing about this low cost activity is that the family
receives the benefit of well-watered lawn while kids are having fun. This is multitasking
at its most fun!
Have a Picnic in the yard |
(Parents
need to use control and discretion as to which on-line games are appropriate for their
children to play.) |
open
your heart now
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