Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
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School’s out and it won’t take long before the kids are whining that they are bo-orrred… Fix some of that boredom with fun activities – without spending a lot. Here are 25 of our recommendations:
(1) Read a book: Kids can earn (or win) prizes and money through businesses and libraries offering reading programs. TD Bank, Barnes & Noble, and Scholastic are a few offering programs this year.
(2) See a movie: Kids are free or just $1, and adults are a modest charge. Many theaters also offer concession deals. Some participating chains are Loeks, Goodrich, Cobb, Regal, and Cinemark.
(3) Kids Skate Free: Participation, ages, hours, and skate rental fees vary.
(4) Kids Bowl Free: Participation, ages, hours, and shoe rental fees vary. Many alleys also offer deals for older siblings, parents, grandparents, and guardians to participate at low prices.
(5) Go camping: Even if only for one night – and even if only in your backyard.
(6) Nature centers: You could be surprised at how close by they are. Click here for Michigan info.
(7) Hold a yard sale: Let kids keep the money from toys, books, or games they agree to part with.
(8) Lemonade stand: Because people are usually generous with kids, they are likely to make more money if they simply do it by “donation” – rather than set prices.
(9) Pack a picnic: A picnic can be just about anywhere; it’s about what you bring, not where you go.
(10) Try geocaching: Geocaching is modern-day “treasure hunting”. You won’t find any true treasures, but the hunt is the fun of it. All you need is any portable device with GPS. Check out Geocaching.com for hunts and helps.
(11) See the animals: Visit the zoo on the free or cheap days.
(12) Visit a farm: Some local farms invite visitors to see their animals and how the farm works. Some are even happy to allow kids to help with things like feeding some animals or gathering eggs.
(13) Go historic: There are museums all over that are inexpensive – and some are even by donation only. Check locally and get to that one you always say you’re going to visit, but never have time.
(14) Work the garden: Even if you’ve not planted anything yet, it’s not too late for some plants.
(15) Gather crops: You might not want to plant everything at home – or you might not even be able to. Instead, join a crop co-op or visit a working farm. Gather produce and learn where food comes from, while expanding your food knowledge and culinary experiences.
(16) Take a class: Find something that is in your budget, and something the kids will both enjoy and benefit from. It could be anything from swim lessons to cooking lessons to riding lessons.
(17) Go to a day camp: Day camps are less expensive and can be anything from similar to a regular camp experience with crafts, games, and nature hikes – to Christian based vacation Bible “school”. Contact local community centers and churches to find out what is offered in your area.
(18) Plan to attend fairs, festivals, and concerts: It seems that all summer long there are numerous activities going on in local communities. With a little planning, you can enjoy parades, craft fairs, fireworks, pie-eating contests, and more – at little to no cost.
(19) Take a dip: Swim at the beach, an inexpensive community pool, or a friend’s house.
(20) Hit the trails: Hike a nature path or explore a bike route.
(21) Visit lighthouses: Set a course to travel along the shore and see various lighthouses.
(22) See a fish hatchery: Some hatcheries have great educational programs that are free.
(23) Go on a scavenger hunt: You can make this as simple or as complicated as you want. Some online blogs and websites even have lists and ideas to get you going in mere minutes.
(24) Set a fitness goal: There are numerous apps, online videos, and programs to get in some exercise and set some healthy fitness goals. You can even offer additional incentives for goals reached and time clocked doing healthy activities.
(25) Build or create something: Check Pinterest and online blogs for ideas for crafts, easy creative projects and more. Visit Home Depot and/or Lowe’s for their free kids’ project days – or even the free adult learning classes.
