Now that it’s summertime, you’re probably starting to get excited about having extended parenting time with your kids. However, it can feel daunting to find affordable summer activities, so I’ve compiled a list here that may help you narrow it down.
Home Depot and Lowe’s Kids Workshops
If you’ve got kids aged 5-12, you may want to check out these free workshops held once a month at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s stores. These are a fun, screen-free activity that get you out of the house, and you get to keep your creations from the workshop.
Visit Your Local Library
Libraries are awesome. I grew up in a small town in Alabama, and my local libraries had fun summer reading challenges and loads of events in the summer. When I was in college, I babysat for local families in the summer, and we were at the library multiple times a week. They had free movies, magic shows, crafting events, clubs, and so much more. Get out of the heat and enjoy a day at the library!
Pick Your Own Fruits and Veggies
I love fresh fruits and vegetables, and here in Georgia, we have a plethora of farms that allow visitors to pick their own fruits and vegetables. Talk about farm-to-table. A lot of the farms also offer fun activities for kids like petting zoos, giant slides, jump pillows, and more. Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray!
Splashpads, Spraygrounds, and Interactive Fountains
It is no secret that it gets very hot in Georgia in the summer. If you’re looking for a fun way to escape the heat, check out local water play areas. They are usually free or very low-cost, so this can be a great way for little ones who are not quite ready to swim to enjoy water play. Don’t forget sunscreen for these outings!
Water Play at Home
This makes me super nostalgic for summer as a kid. My brothers and I were masters at creating homemade slip-n-slides with giant tarps, a hose, and baby oil or dish soap. Kids are super creative, and a cheap sprinkler can also create hours of fun. I can only hope your lawn is not destroyed by all the fun!
Bowling, Movies, and Skating
During the summer, lots of bowling alleys, movie theatres, and skate centers offer discounted summer passes. These are a great option for older kids. Check out locations near you to find out what kind of offerings are available in your area.
You Got This, Don’t Stress
Don’t feel the need to plan something for every second of your parenting time. Kids need downtime, too. Focus on activities that you can enjoy with them, so that you can maximize your memory-making. Even trying new recipes, reading together, drawing/coloring, going on walks, fishing, and listening to music together can be meaningful. Enjoy your summers with them and let us know if you do any fun activities with your kids this summer. We love celebrating you and all of our families.