Amusing the children during long summer holidays can definitely stretch the finances. So we asked Mykidstime parents to share their tips for amusing children without spending a fortune. Here are 22 ideas from parents for things to do in summer with kids that don’t cost money:
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Our Mykidstime fans have some great ideas, from hidden treasure and sidewalk art to fort-building and making the most of local amenities!
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#1. “Go to the local library. They have so many things going on in the summer: art classes, educational demonstrations, music, etc.” Lisa Marie B.
#2. “Chalk on the paths outside. Painting (inside and outside), picnics, walks, scavenger hunts.” Siobhan O’N.
#3. “Draw a map of your area and mark X for hidden treasures. Use your imagination – pretend dinosaurs, lava and walking across pretend caverns on tightropes. Whatever your kids are into. One thing: don’t forget to bring the chocolate coins. Myself and my girls had a great time. Even though we got a few funny looks from people. Who cares, my kids had a ball being silly.” Michelle C.
#4. “Blanket Forts either inside or outside…building them is great fun and suddenly every toy/food/thing is instantly and enthusiastically rediscovered when it can be taken into the fort!” Claire K.
#5. “We make ooblek” Gonny T.
#6. “Bring them to the river and the woods let them swim, run and climb. Pack a picnic and get outdoors, there’s loads of beautiful places on all our doorsteps.” Kitty C.
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#7. “Have your own sports day. Start by making medals and then have races and games. Finish with awarding medals and a ice cream. They love it!” Carol C.
#8. “Play outside, go to a park, go fishing with worms you dig up, play games/cards, go play in a river…endless possibilities!” Laura E.
#9. “Picnic at the beach. Discover rock pools, play in the sand, collect seashells – and all free!” Emma W.
#10. “Draw, colour, puzzles, arts & crafts, cook with them, make up poems or stories, read.” Jaynee McC.
#11. “Sit down and play with them, bring out the voices and imagination!” Stephanie B.
#12. “Get a huge cardboard box to paint, colour and play in – hours of fun!” Amanda E.
#13. “Hang an old white sheet on the clothesline. Give the kids spray bottles of poster paint and let them get creative.” Flossy B.
#14. “Water fight – we had one yesterday and the kids loved it!” Robyn W.
#15. “Spend some time talking to them.” Nichola J.
#16. “Local parks and play dates with friends.” Claire T.
#17. “Water. In any form OTHER than the shower!” Diana T.
#18. “Free playgrounds and a picnic” Hazel S.
#19. “Treasure maps with prizes” Melissa E.
#20. “Go for a long walk then watch a film together.” Louise R.
#21. “Climb a hill or mountain and bring a picnic.” Fiona M.
#22. “Make a tent either indoors or outside.” Jill C.
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