If you are like us this summer, you are on an extreme budget, which means that vacation is not going to happen. Well vacation isn't going to happen away from home. But even with the money belt tightened this year we are determined to not sit in front of the TV with no plans while our summer whittles away. Here are some ideas we have come up with to ensure that our summer is still a blast.
1. Explore your own backyard. And I don't mean literally your own back yard but the many things around you. We are taking advantage of state parks around us that we have never been to but are less than 2 hours away for day trips. There are lots of lakes and great outdoor activities for us to enjoy and our kids love it. It is easy to find the natural places to explore around you, just go online and do a little research.
2. Tour the world in your own home. Allow each family member to pick a country they would like to visit. Each week take one of these countries and research it. Go to the library and find great picture books, find a cookbook, find a movie that is set in that country. Have a night "out" in that country. Decorate the table in the country theme, dress if appropriate, and try that country's cuisine. What a fun educational experience for the whole family.
3. Enlist the other neighborhood families for some fun activities. Get together for craft day once a week. Each family can take turns hosting the event. Have the kids get together for some fun water activities and games.
Staying home for the summer doesn't have to be the same 'ol same 'ol. With a little creativity you can spice it up and have some memorable family times. I dare you, give it a try.
Do you have ideas? Comment ideas you may have or share something you have already done with your family.
