The dog days of summer are officially here. You’ve probably spent all summer long trying to find creative ways to entertain your kids without breaking your budget or boring them. But when the temperature starts to rise, finding ways to keep your kids busy can be tricky especially if it’s too hot to be outside. Here are some affordable kid activities to fight summertime boredom without dipping into any funds you’ve set aside for debt management.
American Consumer Credit Counseling hopes you and your kids have a great summer!
Head to the library. Enjoy everything the library has to offer, but most importantly the air conditioning. During the summer, many libraries offer free workshops, book clubs, and entertainment for kids. While the kids are busy with their activities take the time to read a book, surf the internet uninterrupted, or browse the library’s movie and music collections. They may even have a workshop or exhibit that might interest you. Free events are great ways to have fun if you’re paying off credit card debt.
See a movie. The movies can be an expensive outing especially with the kids. However, there are tons of ways to save on trips to the movie theater. For example, Regal Entertainment is running a promotion called the Summer Movie Express. During the Summer Movie Express, admission is only $1 to select family fun movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A matinee is also a great way to save on a trip to the movies. Make sure you eat a full lunch beforehand so you can avoid the high prices of popcorn and snacks.
Make some cool snacks. It’s probably too hot to turn on the oven and make your normal kid-approved snacks. Instead opt for summertime favorites like frozen ice pops and ice cream. Your kids will be excited to help whether it’s peeling fruit or simply stirring ingredients together and you will have a delicious snack to feed them after. Some other kid-friendly snack ideas that don’t use the oven and can be fun to prepare include parfaits and popcorn.
Get creative. During the summer stores like Michael’s and A.C. Moore always have affordable crafting ideas for kids. You can usually find free craft ideas and instructions hanging in the aisles next to supplies. Check the clearance section, dollar stores, and the dollar section at Target for supplies. There also some great recipes for making your play dough at home. Another creative idea is to have your child write a story or book and then illustrate it.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
