As a single Mom of 3, who loves to be out and about nearly every day ,I have my share of creative ideas for family fun.
Here's some of my favorite summer things to do.
Library museum lending passes. Many libraries are doing it and they have quite a few museums on the list. Reserve your pass and you're in free.You even can bring Grandma to some of them!
Also at the local library, I've got all 3 kids in the summer reading program, plus each one in about 3 or 4 programs. Free , educational and fun. Most libraries have GREAT programs year round that you should take advantage of.
Beaches. Well, I do live on an island and we have many to choose from. We head there a lot, either for a day or just an evening. Some are free, some are $5 to get in. Bring a picnic and the whole day is less than $20 = priceless!
Parks. Checking the local Long Island website gave me some great ideas of places I'd never been before, for parks, nature walks and even nature centers. Act like a tourist and request a local travel planner or google your state tourism website. You may be surprised at how many places you can go that you've never been before.
Sports- Many schools have tennis courts and on a coolish night, we head out and hit some balls ( not that we can hit them back to each other, but still fun and exercise to boot!)
Local towns- Living on Long Island, we have our share of gorgeous coastal towns which we love to explore. A whole day of "checking things out", from shops, to just walking, buying lunch, and people watching is really a great time for all.
Local bowling alleys often let kids bowl a game a day for free. Of course, they get you on the shoes.
Book stores- Gosh, we can spend half a day at Barnes and Noble. Great on rainy days or super hot ones since the AC is usually cranked and there are chairs to sit and read a bit.Even little cafes where Moms and Dads can get some "adult" food and enjoy some quiet browsing:-)
Local churches have VBS ( vacation bible schools) and many are free. More like a camp than a school. My kids are in 3 this summer...they are only 3 hours a day but it's a very entertaining time making new friends , playing group sports and learning some valuable life lessons about sharing and caring.My kids got slimed at theirs last year and it was the talk of the summer!
Road trips. I used to call myself the Queen of roadtrips. But the drive can get to me. Stick with 5 hours or less and you can find amazing places to discover from tubing, to museums, to quirky attractions, to theme parks. No, they are not cheap but many theme parks are offering a second day free or twilight admission free with next day purchase so you can extend the fun.
Aquariums can be costly but buying a family membership gets you in all year. I buy in midsummer and feel like I get 5 seasons -summer, fall, winter, spring and part of next summer.Often they have programs where you can get into other aquariums 90 miles or more from your house for free ( many museums do this too)so keep it in mind on trips.
Farmstands- Many have playgrounds for kids, even small animals to see or pet. A few I know also have games like ring toss, sand boxes, pony rides, etc... I grab some fresh fruit and bread to go home with and call it a country day!
Children's museums are such interesting, colorful, lively , fun places. I've been to at least 6 different ones now and the kids really don't outgrow them until 10 , or even 11.
Boardwalks- Can't think of a more summery family friendly thing to do, than meander along a long boardwalk and watch the sites, smell the foods, and just take it all in!
The train-the train! Or was that The plane! The plane! Either way- taking a train ride on the LIRR keeps my kids happy and it's not costly at all. We head into NYC for a day of Central Park, NBC store, Rockefeller Center,Times Square, Toys-r-us and lunch and I can do it all less than $60 or so.
Of course, balancing the days out with some good old fashioned days in the yard, or hanging with friends , is a definite must.
Happy summer! Make it a busy, safe and fun one that doesn't drain your wallet either ( back to school clothes and supplies anyone?)
Enjoy those summer sunsets!
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