Summer vacations, water parks, movies and such can add up financially and might not be in the budget during the current climate of economic uncertainty. But families can cut back on summer expenses without cutting back on the summer fun.
Families can recreate exciting versions of all these traditional summer pastimes at home at virtually no cost to themselves. And this new and different twist on the usual summer activities may just be more fun and exciting than the normal summer routine.
Create a Wet Obstacle Course
Don't spend a fortune at the local water park. Construct a fabulous wet and wild obstacle course right in the backyard. Round up a couple of plastic or inflatable kiddie pools, a slip 'n slide, swim rings and water noodles to create the course.
Arrange the obstacles as desired, using the swim rings like a tire obstacle, the pools to swim through, and the water noodles participants have to run over, all culminating in a trip down the slip 'n slide. To make the obstacle course even more fun, set it up on the grass and turn on the sprinklers. No crowds, no lines and no outrageous entrance fees – this backyard water park is sure to be a big hit among kids.
Watch a Movie in the Pool
Better than a drive-in or overpriced and crowded movie theater, watching a movie in the pool is the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening, and virtually cost-free. Drag out the extension cords and bring the television and DVD player poolside. Then blow up the rafts and pool tubes and float in the water while watching a movie. Why not watch High School Musical 2, Runaway Vacation with Robin Williams or The Sandlot? If the audience consists of teenagers and older, National Lampoon's Vacation is a great summer-themed flick.
Have a Water Fight
Collect an arsenal of water balloons and water guns or even the garden hose, and let the battle begin. And don't forget to wear swimsuits.
Build a Sandcastle
Save the gas money, and bring the beach to the backyard with a few bags of playground sand, sand pails and molds, and shovels. Dump the sand on the driveway or patio and add water to create moldable sand just like sand on the beach. Create sandcastles or just play, and snap lots of photos for the family scrapbook. If the kids like the thrill of competition, host a sandcastle-building contest.
Finances don't have to stop kids from having fun this summer. Recreating everybody's favorite summer pastimes right in the backyard is practically free, and is sure to make it a summer to remember.
For even more economical ideas on how to cool down this summer, read Summer Fun for Kids.
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