Now, if you have recently checked into summertime camps for your kids, you probably were shocked to find out it might run you over $500 a week to have 2 children occupied from 9 to 3 each day. That can put a large dent in your personal budget spreadsheet. Crazy! So, on the other hand, you may want to get creative and entertain your children for free or almost free over the hot months. Let's see what is available.
Library and bookstore activities are always available. In addition to regular year-round storytimes, a lot of libraries and bookstores rev up their summertime offerings for kids to include craft classes, visits by authors, and book clubs '" all at a really low budget friendly cost, and sometimes absolutely free. Local libraries might even host cartoonists, clowns, magicians, and more.
You can do a babysitting co-op. Your friends with children are in the same place you are '" a long sunny season with no relief in sight. You can always team up and provide one another support. Enlist several of your associates with kids, and each family takes one day per week to host the kids for three or four hours. One day a week in exchange for three or four days of rest is a great bargain!
You can always do vacation Bible schools in the summer. Week-long day camps are a mainstay for many church kids programs. Usually the cost is very low as the programs are funded by the churches. The kids are treated to songs, outdoor activities, crafts, and more. If you do it right, you could sign up for a lot of different camps at different churches close by. Sometimes parents are enlisted for snacks, staffing, etc., so know of the requirements before you sign up.
Mother's little helper. If you have younger children, you might want another pair of hands to assist you entertain them while you get some work finished around your place. And if you have older children, you may just need someone to have an eye on them to keep the dining room from becoming a battle zone. Either way, a mother's helper might be your ticket. Usually a 'mother's helper' is younger than a babysitter hired to keep an eye on the kids during the time that you're out. A mother's helper also would typically charge less than the average high school sitter. This is perfect for at-home, part-time help.
Start your own part-time daycare. Turn your pain right to a gain, and watch other people's kids at your home for a fee. A lot of states don't force you to be licensed for casual babysitting of just a few kids, but check with your state and town to make certain you're fulfilling all prerequisites. Make certain you have a schedule that stays structured in order to provide dependable service. Giving a fun and safe place for several children to remain while their moms and dads are working might be a great alternative to your own family's summer activity plans.
Having sufficient activities for your kids this summer doesn't have to tear up your personal finance budgeting. You can keep the family happy and active all summer long with just a little bit of creativity. Have fun for very little money and create a summer full of fun!