Entertaining kids during the entire summer can be a daunting task, but with a little creativity and planning, it can also be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. The key is to have a mix of activities that cater to different age groups, interests, and budgets. By incorporating a variety of free, low-cost, and occasional splurge activities, you can keep kids engaged and entertained all summer long.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)
For young kids, focus on simple, hands-on activities that encourage exploration and creativity. Some inexpensive ideas include:

• Make homemade playdough and let them sculpt
• Set up a backyard obstacle course using household items
• Go on nature walks and collect leaves, rocks, or flowers
• Have a picnic in the park or backyard
• Finger paint with pudding or regular finger paint
• Make DIY musical instruments like maracas or drums

For slightly more expensive options:

• Visit a local petting zoo or farm to see animals up close
• Enroll them in a summer art or music class
• Take them to a children’s museum or aquarium

Elementary School Kids (Ages 6-10)
School-age kids often enjoy more structured activities that keep them physically and mentally engaged. Inexpensive ideas include:

• Host a neighborhood bike parade or scavenger hunt
• Set up a backyard camping experience with a tent and s’mores
• Visit the library for reading challenges and book-related activities
• Cook or bake something with them, see some examples here: https://smartparentingblog.com/cooking-with-kids/
• Organize a neighborhood sports tournament like kickball or basketball
• Have a movie marathon with popcorn and homemade treats

For more expensive options:

• Sign them up for a summer sports camp or STEM program
• Take them to an amusement park or water park for a day
• Enroll them in a week-long day camp for structured activities

Tweens and Teens (Ages 11-17)
Older kids often appreciate more independent and tech-savvy activities. Inexpensive ideas include:

• Host a game night with board games, video games, and snacks
• Organize a photography scavenger hunt around the neighborhood
• Have a DIY spa day with face masks, nail polish, and hair treatments
• Start a family book club and discuss the books over ice cream
• Volunteer together at a local charity or community organization

For more expensive options:

• Take them to see a concert, play, or other live performance
• Plan a day trip to a nearby city for sightseeing and exploring
• Enroll them in a summer coding, robotics, or art workshop

The key is to mix a variety of free, low-cost, and occasional splurge activities to keep kids engaged and entertained all summer long. By involving them in the planning process, you can ensure everyone has a memorable and budget-friendly summer.

We hope it helps,

The Smart Parenting Blog team