Even though your kids are about to have more free time then they’ve had the entire year, planning a family outing doesn’t need to be expensive–or a hassle. “It’s important to take some time out to spend together as family to stay connected and to have fun,” says Farah Silver editor of MomFinds.com when it comes to summer vacations. But spending time with the entire fam doesn’t always have to cost hundreds.
Here are ten ideas under $50:
VOLUNTEERING
Aiding the local community as a family teaches your kids values while helping to build a strong bond. For ideas consult websites like Idealist.org; the site has a large database that can help you search by specific parameters like age, skills and dates in order to help make last-minute plans.
SCIENCE CENTERS
In a different way than museums do, science centers provide a hands-on environment to educate children. (Remember those fourth grade field trips?) Take advantage of the Association of Science Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program–after becoming a member of your local center, you can visit science museums in different locales for free.
WATER PARKS
Keeping your kids cool and out of trouble in the summer is tough but the country has dozens of water attractions and local newspapers have great deals for off-peak times. Jan Kostner, the deputy director of Illinois Bureau of Tourism, suggests checking state websites to find detailed info. (Illinois alone has seven water destinations.)
MOVIES
Watching movies can make for a budget-friendly evening when paired with subscribing to Kids Off the Couch an online newsletter that “pairs family-friendly movies with often inexpensive ideas for outings and activities to support the theme or further a child's understanding of the film,” explains Liz Gumbinner editor of CoolMomPicks.com.
