low-cost summer activities for students!

Summer is here again and it’s time to figure out what to do with kids. Perhaps you are on a strict budget and you aren’t able to do summer camp this year. Maybe you’ll be foregoing the family vacation. If you have to rely on a family member to watch the kids during the day while you work, this may not be your idea of a productive, activity-filled summer for your child. However, it may be the only option the budget will allow at this time. Just because the kids are at home all day does not mean they have to waste the day away in front of the TV or playing video games. As I begin to think about ways my son can make the most out of his days out of school, I thought I’d share a few ideas with you.

Depending on the age of your student, there are a number of ways kids can stay busy. Maybe you’d like to get their creative juices flowing. Does they enjoy drawing or writing? Why not challenge them to cultivate their interests by creating a portfolio of their artwork. Take them to an arts and crafts store and let them pick out all of the supplies they will need to create a masterpiece they’re sure to treasure for years to come. If they like to write, they can write their own book. Depending on the length of the book they choose to write, this project could span the course of the entire summer. Have them think of a plot, set up the characters and scene setting, and let them imagine away! Your local library also may offer some great summer activities that allow students to explore some of the creative gifts mentioned above.

Got future chefs in your household? What about challenging them to come up with their own culinary creations, and make their own recipe book. With a little imagination and planning, they may even shock themselves with what they come up with.

Younger and older students can benefit from becoming a part of a summer reading program. Most libraries offer them. These programs are designed to help make reading fun. While they are having fun, they are also building their vocabulary, spelling and comprehension skills; learning more about the world around them and becoming leaders.

My family enjoys board games. In addition to being a fun alternative to video or computer games, studies have shown that board games can help develop critical thinking skills. Games such as Chess, Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, Risk, Trivial Pursuit, and Boggle are a few all time favorites.

Teenagers can benefit hugely from volunteering this summer. Asking your local church, library, or senior living home is a great way for your teenager to give back to their community, and learn the value of giving at the same time. Perhaps your teen is ready to work. Helping them gain a part time job or internship will help them gain the skills and confidence they’ll need as they get ready to move into adulthood.

So as you can see, a productive, fun, inexpensive summer is within reach. Hopefully some of these ideas help to get the ideas flowing and get you and your child on your way to making this summer one to never forget.