Schools Out- 5 Budget Friendly Things To Do With Kids

Summer is finally here, and with it comes endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with your family. Whether you're looking to soak up some sun, explore the natural world, or simply spend quality time together, there's no better season to create lasting memories. Even better, you don't have to break the bank to have fun! In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of low-cost and budget-friendly activities that you can enjoy with your kids. From nature walks to DIY crafts, get ready to make the most out of this sunny season without straining your wallet.

Painted Rocks

During walks, enjoy searching for painted rocks, this is great for the littles. For older kiddos painting them and leaving them around is just as much fun!

Here is what you need to create painted rocks:

• Rocks
• Paint
• Paint brushes
• Jar of water (to rinse brushes)
• A place to paint

 

Step 1: Choose your rock, and what you would like to paint! 

Step 2: Paint away like the artist that you are.

Step 3: Let them dry for at least 1 hour.

Step 4: Go on a family walk and leave them for others to find. 

Quick Tip: For less mess use acrylic paint markers instead! This is easy to clean up and requires no water or paint brushes.

 

Make Birdseed Ornaments

Introduce kids to nature with rewarding environmental activities. Craft a homemade bird feeder from a toilet paper roll for a fun bird-watching experience!

 

Here is what you need to make homemade birdseed ornaments:

• Toilet paper tubes
• Yarn
• Peanut butter
• Scissors
• Birdseed
• Plate (for the birdseed)

 

Step 1: Add yarn through the toilet paper roll and make a tight knot so it can hang from a tree.

Step 2: Smother peanut butter on the toilet paper tube really well.

Step 3: Pour the birdseed on the plate and roll it in the bird seed to coat the peanut butter.

Step 4: Find the perfect spot for your homemade bird seed ornament.

Step 5: Watch and learn about the birds that come in for a snack.

 

Nature Sensory Bin

Boost sensory play for all ages with a bin of yard treasures. Add plastic bugs for imaginative fun and storytelling. Engaging in sensory activities enhances creativity, relaxation, and cognitive development in kids of all ages.

 

Here is what you need to make a nature sensory bin:

• A bin or cardboard box
• Collect items from your yard (pinecones, leaves, rocks, grass, flowers, sand, dirt, etc.)
• Play animals or cars (optional)

 

Step 1: Go around the yard and collect nature items of your choice.

Step 2: Add them to the bin or box.

Step 3: Add small play animals or cars if you would like.

Step 4: Let their imagination run wild and let them learn about texture, shapes and more!

 

 

Build An Indoor Fort

Make your own fort for indoor engineering. Great to get kids imagination going and can be enjoyed by kids big and small! Parents too!

 

Here is what you need to make an indoor fort (for the rainy days):

• Couch cushions
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Your kids favorite items/toys
• Their favorite snack (optional)

 

Step 1: Help your kid(s) set up the fort. They may need adult help to get them to stay safely. 

Step 2: Add the pillows and blankets for comfort.

Step 3: Add their favorite things and snacks!

Step 4: Let their imagination run wild with the space they created.

 

Homemade Chalk Paint

Perfect fun for detailed pictures and it washes off the driveway or sidewalks. Great for all ages!

 

Here is what you need to make homemade chalk paint:

• 3 Cups Flour
• 3 Cups Water
• Food Coloring (colors of your choice)
• Paint brushes
• Muffin Pan
• Mixing Bowl & Spoon

 

Step 1: Mix flour and water together until combined. (Great for kiddos to help with).

Step 2: Separate into muffin pan and add 2-5 drops of food coloring in each one.

Step 3: Mix the color in.

Step 4: Let their imagination run wild and create beautiful artwork.

Quick Tip: For a hassle-free and speedy cleaning solution, use Truly Free Everyday Cleaner. It's safe for most surfaces and serves as a versatile cleaner for quick clean-ups, allowing you to spend more quality time with your family after enjoying fun activities!

 

Summer offers a unique chance to bond with your family and create cherished memories, all without spending a fortune. The fun activities for kids I've highlighted are not only budget-friendly but also designed to keep everyone entertained and engaged. So go ahead, pick a few low cost activities from the list, and start making the most of these warm, sunny days. Here's to a summer filled with laughter, adventure, and priceless family moments!