Summer Fun...on a Budget!

For school age children, summer seems like a wonderful time of sleeping in, playing video games, and seeing their friends. But boredom can set in quickly, so it is important to have a game plan! It can seem overwhelming to plan to whole summer at once, so College Nannies & Tutors suggests a two-step planning process. 

Start with a general overview and list. Let your imagination run -- what can you think of that would be fun? Let the kids participate in brain storming, sometimes you will be amazed at what they will think of. Compile this list and keep it somewhere that you can refer to it as the summer goes on. Maybe make a checklist that you post on the fridge or bulletin board. You and the children can check things off as you do them!

Once the "wish list" is put together, take each week one at a time. Pick a day each week -we recommend Thursday -- to think about the following week. Do you have camps, classes or commitments that week? Out of town guests coming? A weekend getaway planned? If so, don't overschedule the week. Leave time for packing, cooking, and visiting.

If the week is wide open, take a look at your wish list. Select one or two things and put them on the calendar. Of course, you always need a backup plan for outdoor activities. Children are much less likely to complain about the chores and reading of summer if they know that something fun is on the horizon! Remember to schedule in down time, even children need a little bit of time to recharge.

Here are some great ideas that you can use to fill your wish list:

1)  Find out what activities your local library is sponsoring this summer. Most have story time and other activities for a wide range of ages.

2)  Check local bowling alleys. Many provide free or deeply discounted games every weekday during summer. Stay away from the concession stand during this visit to keep costs down.

3)  Visit Stone Mountain and bring a picnic! Admission to the park is reasonable.  Many of the attractions have a price, but you can picnic on the lawn, watch the laser show, go to the playground, walk up the mountain and many other things without additional cost.

4)  Invite the neighborhood children to a game day! Have everyone bring their favorite card or board game and a finger food to share!

5)  Create your own neighborhood "swim" team. Visit the neighborhood pool with dive toys and a stop watch.  Invite friends and create teams. The "winners" get a special snack or prize!

6)  Start your own summer reading club. You can really get interest by acting out some of your favorite stories!

These are just a few low or no cost ideas -- be sure to share yours with us!  And remember, College Nannies & Tutors provides fantastic childcare for summer fun!  Our staff bring their own creative ideas whether it is for one day, one week, or the whole summer. Be sure to call us today at 770-237-8535 to reserve your RockStar Nanny!