With the economy in a struggle and gas prices on the rise worries for the summer are starting to take it's toll. This summer we may all have to make some sacrifices in order to save money but there is so much out there that we can do that is very inexpensive or may not even cost us a dime. With kids, this is a must.
As mother's we always want the best for our children. In the summer months we want them to have fun since they are out of school. A lot of activities out there require driving long distances or cost an arm and a leg just to have fun. It doesn't have to be this way.
On severely hot or rainy days here are some fun ideas that won't break the bank. Look for Movie Matinee's. The prices for tickets are very cheap. If you need too, bring along your own snacks from home. Another alternative to this is have a movie day at home. Make popcorn or some sort of fun snack. Have the kids get in their jammies, this is an enjoyable time especially when the weather isn't very nice.
Some other indoor activities could be playing board games or hide and seek etc. Maybe your kids want to paint and you do not have any in the house. You could make your own out of food coloring. This would be a watercolor activity. If you do not have any paintbrushes, Q-Tips work great! Be sure to have the children wear smocks or old clothing since food coloring stains.
Have a shaving cream table party. Pour shaving cream all over a table you dont mind getting messy and let the kids go to town. Adding food coloring to it makes it fun too. Have the children get out some small toys to play with in the shaving cream as well. (HINT: Shaving cream gets out food coloring stains.)
Cooking with kids is fun too. Have them come up with their own ideas of what they may want to make. This gets them thinking and brings out creativity, even if it ends up not tasting too well.
On hot, normal summer days have your own beach party in the backyard. If you do not have a pool, hook up the sprinklers and have the children pretend it's their own sprayscape.
Have a bike day. Take the kids for a fun bike ride providing they have helmets and padding. This is good for exercise too. Take the bikes to the park for a day. Maybe pack a picnic lunch, this can be a fun time for everyone.
Chalk the Walk! This is where kids draw on the sidewalk with multicolored chalk. This is so much fun. The dollar store usually sells chalk. Be sure it's the jumbo chalk, it makes it easier to grasp.
There are many ideas you can do, it's just a matter of getting creative. There are many websites, such as Family Fun , out there that can help you and give you ideas without really spending any money!
Mom Topics 
With the economy in a struggle and gas prices on the rise worries for the summer are starting to take it's toll. This summer we may all have to make some sacrifices in order to save money but there is so much out there that we can do that is very inexpensive or may not even cost us a dime. With kids, this is a must.
