Comments on: 8 Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy this Summer Without Going Broke

By: used tires

used tires — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:05:41 +0000

Wow, as I am in college I don’t really notice the school vacations, but I guess the kids are lucky this year in that they have a longer vacation… too bad the weather isn’t all that nice up here in the northeast. With the economy the way it is, its hard to find ways to keep your kids happy and busy in the summer… to add to your list, the park is always an option. Its free and it can be quite fun for kids, with swings and such.

Till then,

Jean

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:11:32 +0000

# 9. Summer Science projects for kids-here is the link to a list of a variety of websites that provide educational information and fun science projects for kids that will keep them busy during the summer holidays. Take a look. http://cbt20.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/summer-science-project-for-kids/

By: Charlie@PaylessForFood.com

Charlie@PaylessForFood.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:33:13 +0000

Great tips.

If you can’t afford to go away on vacation consider pitching a tent in the backyard and having your own camping night. The kids will love it, especially if the parents aren’t allowed to sleep over, as it seems like a real adventure even though its right in the back yard.

By: Yuva

Yuva — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:25:02 +0000

Great plan, but unfortunately kids are glued towards computer games and television and seldom they are interested in visiting relatives.

By: mattyfu

mattyfu — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:51:51 +0000

I live in Edmonton and all summer long there are festivals and always see lots of families out enjoying the sun and free entertainment.

I also think if you can get your kids interested in cooking then a trip to the farmers market combined with a fresh new ingredient can make for a fun cheap day.

By: Ms Save Money

Ms Save Money — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:12:50 +0000

Great Ideas – I don’t have any kids, but I can definitely use some time at the library – read and relax this summer.

By: craig

craig — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:56:26 +0000

There are a lot of free activities for kids to do, especially boys. Playing ball, belonging to clubs and free community events all are worthwhile.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:42:57 +0000

Disc golfing? Sounds interesting. I’ve never heard of it. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks for the suggestion!

Love the idea of a stay-cation too!

By: Rusty

Rusty — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:55:39 +0000

Good call on the geocaching! Also try disc golfing! It’s free at most places ie. city parks.

By: FrugalTrader

FrugalTrader — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:45:15 +0000

I really like the idea of renting a local hotel room and treating it like a vacation. How convenient.... St. John's just received their first SPG hotel. :)

By: Dharma

Dharma — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:05:37 +0000

Instead of taking an expensive getaway as a couple, my hubs and I send our kids to camp for a week through the summer. It is roughly 1/2 the cost of a Carribean vacation. They get the experiences of a lifetime and we get our week away alone.

We also do work for one week up north on a family cottage to offset the cost of rental. Staycations rule.

By: DavidV

DavidV — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:29:22 +0000

Toronto libraries have started to give out passes to places. But it seems to work that every week a branch has x to give out. So if you get there on Wednesday, they are likely gone.

By: cannon_fodder

cannon_fodder — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:23:46 +0000

Our kids are old enough to be independent and self-reliant (i.e. they have cellphones and computers), but when they were smaller they were just as happy going to a local hotel that had a swimming pool than flying somewhere to a resort.

Especially in these tough times, a hotel stay can be had for less than $100 and it only costs a few bucks to drive there. Factor in a dinner (pizza and pop sitting on the bed while watching TV was a real treat) and breakfast and you have a very cheap outing compared to flying off somewhere.

You could take a few mini-breaks throughout the summer for far less than the cost of flying let alone the resort costs.

Another idea won’t apply to many places in Canada because they’ve almost disappeared – but any adult in their 40’s knows how great drive-ins were.

Getting dressed in your pyjamas and playing outside on the swings at dusk? Yes!

Hunkering down in a sleeping bag while watching a movie on a BIG screen?
Yes!

Eating popcorn and hot dogs and drinking pop swearing that you were going to stay up all night to watch the 3 movies? Well, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad.

The drive-in near us (and we live in the Greater Toronto Area) has Thursday evenings where it only costs $15 per vehicle regardless of the number of people. They advertise that their concession prices are 20% cheaper than traditional movie theatres but I know that many people bring in their own food (whether its because of cost or just concern over food allergies or hygiene).

Just remember to start flashing your headlights when the movie hasn’t started and it is still dark – that’s the way to show the projector room you want the movies to begin.