Budget-Wise – Summer Fun for Kids

Not everyone can afford to send their kids to weeks of camp. For people on a tight budget, it can be a challenge to keep kids occupied during the long summer months.

Here are some great ideas to help this be one of the best ever summers for your kids. Be sure to match the activities by age and suitability:

• Let them play outside. Monitor to make sure they are safe, but let kids discover their own fun.


• For rainy days, have inexpensive ‘art’ and ‘craft’ supplies ready. Many inexpensive items in the home (like elbow macaroni) can be transformed into works of art by your junior Picassos. Be sure to accommodate the age of the child, safety, and suitability of the project.


• Take them for picnics.


• Help them plan a back yard party for their summer friends. Keep the costs down by serving kid-favourite hot dogs, ice cream, popsicles, etc. Have them and their friends make the decorations themselves. Plan simple games.


• Teach them about gardening as you have them help you in the garden. If they are interested, and able – have them plant and tend their own little garden.


• Have them join your local library branch’s summer reading program. It is fun for children, and a great way to keep up their reading skills over the summer!


• If your Parents are willing and available; and it is appropriate for your kids – then staying a week or two at their Grandparent’s home, can be a rewarding and life affirming time. However, if distances make it too expensive – have the children make gifts for their grandparents during their craft times.


• Share the joy – if you and one or more of your friends have children of like ages at home during the summer months – why not each take a Friday (or any day you can all agree to) and take turns hosting your own mini-day camp. If there are four of you – that means that you will have three Fridays in the month to take care of all those little chores that are easier do to when the house is empty.


• Be sure to check out the City of Toronto’s website for free events in your area. Visit the https://wx.toronto.ca/festevents.nsf/Search?openform and do a search – you will be amazed at the dozens of free family-friendly festivals and events on during the summer months.


• Be prepared – have a list of fun activates (or chores) that the kids can do when they utter those magic summer words “I’m boooored!”

Have a wonderful, budget-wise Summer!