Summer Time Fun for Less

I look forward to the kids being on summer break all year long.  We just have so much fun!  In the past couple of years, I've realized that there are a ton of really fun and very affordable (if not free) things to do!  If you are a local friend and have any questions about any of these places, please e-mail me!  I'll be more than happy to fill you in on all of the details.  I know that some of you live miles and miles away.  If you're not already aware of these kinds of activities in your area, maybe this will give you some ideas of things to look into.  I can't tell you how many times I've Googled fun activities.  Also, pay attention to what your friends are posting on Facebook.  You never know, it maybe something that you would like to do too!

First things first, my sister-in-law, known on this blog as Aunt Kary, loves to read!  You can check out her book blog by clicking here.  (If you check out her blog, leave her a comment and tell her that Tracy sent ya!)  A few summers ago, she told me about the awesome summer reading program at the library.  All you have to do is sign your kiddos up, make 4 trips to the library, and your kids need to read 20 books or have 20 books read to them.  When they hit the 20 mark, they win a big coupon book full of prizes.  Our library gives away free passes to the zoo, the aquarium, the air and space museum and much, much more.  They also give away a lot of food prizes.  Last summer, we used the free aquarium passes to meet up with some friends.

Aquarium Fun - Summer 2012

Keeping your kids reading during the summer and winning awesome prizes aren't the only great parts of the summer reading program.  Our library hosts all kinds of fun festivals and concerts throughout the summer.  Last year, our favorite event was the Asian-American Festival.  We can't wait to go back this summer!  The Lion Dance is beautiful and something that we would likely never get to see outside of this festival.


Lion Dance - Summer 2012

Evan, Payton, Karsyn, Daddy, and Addi - Summer 2012

When looking for activities, I also look in the local kids magazines.  My favorite local kids magazine has a daily list of all of the fun activities in our area.  Last summer, Aunt Ashley and I took the kiddos to a free Kid's Fest.  The kids had a lot fun!  The Parks Department had a free climbing wall.  Evan, Payton, and Jessi loved climbing this!!!

Evan & Payton

I know I've mentioned this before, but Kid's Bowl Free is another great way to keep your kids busy over the summer.  All you have to do is sign up and you'll have free bowling coupons sent directly to your inbox.  Your kids can bowl up to two free games a day! All you have to cover are your snacks and shoes. We love this program.  Click here to check it out!

We love to bowl!!!  Payton, Addi, and Jessi. Feb. 2013

Next on the list, check out your local lakes!  We took the kids to the lake for the first time last summer and they loved it!  We met my friend Kim there and had a blast! (Sorry, I couldn't pick just one picture.)

Addi

I know in this picture it looks like Evan is really far away from us, but he isn't!  Yes, the helicopter mom in me felt it necessary to disclaim this. =)

Jesse & Evan

Kim, Emily, Me, & Karsyn

 

Payton, Daddy, & Addi

It's also a whole lot of fun to visit the water park.  Now, here's where Google or Facebook come in handy.  There is a big (and expensive) water park in T-Town, that's about a 30 minute drive for us.  Back when we were a family of 4, we took Evan and Payton, and I was a little overwhelmed.  There were so many people there!  A friend of mine on Facebook mentioned going to a water park that was a little over 45 minutes away.  It's a lot smaller, which made Jason and I more comfortable there with 4 small children, than we were with just 2 at the big water park.  Another great advantage is that the admission for our entire family of 6 costs just $3 more than one adult ticket at the big water park.  It was worth checking out and now we look forward to a trip every summer!

Addi & Payton - Summer 2012

We love to play in the water, so we go to the Splash Pad at least once a week during the summer.

Addi & Payton - Summer 2012

I also found out through Facebook about a pick your own berry farm.  I usually get a split reaction from people about this sounding fun! What do you think?  We love going!  We also may have gotten Nana and Pops hooked on berry picking.  The farm that we go to has a deal that if you pick 3 pounds, you can keep one for free, if you give them two. We love this deal!  We had fresh berries to munch on all of last summer! Strawberry season is soon upon us and we can't wait to get to picking!

Karsyn thought her job was quality control.  She loved to sample blackberries!  At one point, I saw her little dimpled hand go into the bucket and then noticed she had blackberry remnants all over her face. ha!

Evan & Payton

My kids also love to go to Vacation Bible School.  We live in the Bible Belt, so we could send them all summer long if we wanted to - ha!  Our church has VBS for a week every June.

Payton, Addi, Karsyn, and Evan all ready to go to Sky VBS!

At least once during the summer, we take a trip to Chuck E. Cheese.  You can usually find great coupons online,  if you plan to eat there.  On days that you just want to get out of the house, but don't want to spend a lot, you can go just to play games.  Most games are only a quarter each.  I suggest doing this early in the day and during the week, when there aren't huge crowds.

Evan shooting hoops - Summer 2012

Another suggestion, is instead of going out, invite some friends over to play in the water.  If you have a nice pool, that's great.  We plan to set up our redneck pool this summer. =)  Last summer, we just put up a small inflatable pool, but we still had a lot of fun with our friends!!!

Fun with Friends - Summer 2012

Also, check with your local movie theater.  Many of them have a free summer kids movie festivals.  I really hope these suggestions help you in your pursuit to an awesome summer!  I'd love to hear some of yours!