It’s finally summer! That means time for staying up all night, watching movies, enjoying the outdoors, and eating all the frozen treats to stay cool. Rising temperatures and delayed sunsets make this a favorite time of year for many. However, it can also be stressful for parents who have children that are now out of school and need something to do.
This time of year can bring up concerns about childcare(especially for working parents), food, and having enough activities to fill up all of the summer free time. Additionally, with rising costs and inflation money can become a concern as summer months tend to have a lot of extra costs for families on a budget.
Here are some tips for anyone who is looking to save a little money, but still have fun this summer!
Find Free Food
Everybody loves free food, but one big concern for parents can be getting their kids fed over the summer. Buying extra food for kids who are no longer being fed at school can very quickly put a strain on any food budget. However, for families who need assistance, there are many resources to make getting kids’ meals a little bit easier. You can always check with your school and other local organization to make sure your kids are fed.
Take Advantage of Community Resources
Most towns offer a variety of summer resources, festivals, and events at little to no cost. These events are a great way to connect with your community and are often a lot of fun. Don’t forget to check out local radio stations, newspapers, and library postings to see what’s going on that might interest your kids.
Find Flexible Childcare Options
Many childcare programs recognize the need for summer childcare flexibility and may be willing to work out modified hours so that you are only charged for what you need. Apps like Childwatch can help parents and childcare providers monitor and track attendance for modified payment plan. This ensures that everyone’s needs are being met, whether that means extending hours or reducing hours for the summer months.
Be Spontaneous
Don’t be afraid to change up your routine a little bit for some unexpected fun. Sometimes doing things out of the ordinary can be a great adventure. Why not try having lunch at the park, walking to a place you might normally drive to, reading outside, and/or going to an outdoor farmer’s market instead of your usual supermarket? The possibilities are limitless!
Look for Discount Entertainment
Businesses know that school’s out and are eager to serve you. It’s a good idea to be on the lookout for summer events, discounts, and deals that can be taken advantage of during the summer months. For example, many cities have programs for dollar movies or free bowling for kids.
Take Advantage of the weather and go outdoors
Getting kids outside is a great way to get out of the house and have fun without spending too much money. Let your kids go swimming, go hiking, play with sidewalk chalk, or go to the playground to blow bubbles and they’ll have a great time.
Summer is fun, but sometimes it can be hard to imagine having fun and making the most of the time without spending too much money. Hopefully, these tips will make summer just a little bit more affordable and stress-free.