Just A Mom Trying

Guide to budget friendly activities from toddlers to teens

I don’t know about you but, oooo child, it’s getting expensive out here! And these kids just keep wanting. “Can we go here? Can I have this?” Unless they have McDonald’s money, the answer is no. (I promise, my kids aren’t that bad though.)

I know most days you are barely holding it together and remembering to actually connect with the children sometimes gets forgotten. So every once in awhile join them in something fun. It gives you a great excuse to put your tasks on the back burner. You will make lasting memories, and will have a clear mind when you get back to the daily tasks.

I put together a list of free or fairly inexpensive ideas for the whole family to enjoy. Keep in mind that this list is for toddlers up to teens so choose what works for you and what is available where you live. I tried to sort these between outdoor and indoor, but some things can be either one.

Outdoor

• Nature scavenger hunt
• Chalk (can also make this into 4-square and hopscotch)
• Bubbles (have you seen the new bubble guns?)
• Sprinkler
• Water games
• Try out new parks
• Picnics (I have a tradition of having one the last day of school)
• Backyard camping
• Catch/Basketball/Soccer(or football depending where you live)
• Outdoor bowling (any items laying around can become pins)
• Local splash pads
• Duck ponds (remember bread isn’t good for our little friends)
• Zoo
• Family/Neighbor cookout (everyone brings something to contribute)

Indoor

• Library (ours has a great kids play area and cool things to check out like telescopes)
• Movie night (popcorn and movie style candy boxes)
• Family game night (board games, cards, or console games)
• Kids pick dinner (they plan, pick out the groceries at the store, and help cook)
• Fun challenges; individual or teams (example: who can make the best granola bar, physical challenges)
• Talent show
• Read a story together as a family
• Spa day (can be as inexpensive and creative as you wish)
• Floor is lava
• Obstacle course
• Forts
• Glow in the dark dance party
• Hide and seek
• Nerf war
• Sensory buckets (tote with sand or water and cheap ladles and spoons and little treasures to hunt)
• Candy salad (everyone picks a candy from Dollar Tree and put it in a big bowl. Can make a theme with it as well e.g.: Mario/Chocolate/Sour)
• Guess this (can be different flavors of something, a movie, songs)
• Make home-made ice-cream
• Ask your kids for ideas

I find the activities that are most enjoyable include actually connecting with your kiddos. Mine would be happy digging in the dirt as long as we are doing it together.

Remember to choose activities that allow you to relax, enjoy, and truly connect — and don’t forget to capture those precious memories! These are the memories you children will be telling stories about when they are grown.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

Do you have any ideas for inexpensive fun that I didn’t mention? Let me know.