My kids are almost out of school for summer vacation. Summers don’t just seem short, they are short. The bad news is you have just 12 weeks to have as much fun as possible. The good news is, you can plan a balance of enough activities so that your kids have fun, you have fun, and in the process they don’t completely unlearn all the knowledge they worked hard all school year to acquire. Use these ideas as a springboard according to your budget.

1. Designate two or three days a week for an activity and write it on your family calendar. For example, every Tuesday could be Farmers Market Day. Your kids will know what to expect, because this adds structure to their weeks. This could help young children learn the days of the week.

2. See what’s happening at your nearest public library or book seller. Most have story times geared for all ages. Your library will most likely have a summer reading program for kids and adults. Some programs offer prizes ranging from gift cards valid at local shops or even books.

3. Celebrate the Summer Solstice. Since the first official day of summer happens to be the longest day of the year, and it offers extra hours of daylight, why not have a challenge to see how little electricity you can use? Eat outside or by use candlelight safely indoors. Take a walk. Catch fireflies.

4. Check to see if movie theaters in your area offer free or low-priced matinees. Tip: the concession stand is a huge money-maker for theaters, so if you are minding your money, time snacks before the movie so you can avoid reaching into your pocket.

5. Give extended family the opportunity to spend time with your kids, too. Do you have a family reunion planned? Or could your parents could take the kids while you log some self-care time or date night? Fond memories can be made. Besides, who knows if they will have a chance to be together in the future, so seize the moment.

6. VBS. Many churches have vacation bible school programs. Most are a few hours in the day or the evening lasting four or five days. These can also be a way to connect other families in your community with kids the same age as yours and for parents to do volunteer work.

7. See the stars! You should plan a night looking up at the sky. Either on a blanket in your nearest park or lawn, or at a planetarium’s family night.

8. Camp out. If you are already a hale and hearty camper with more outdoor equipment than an REI showroom, plan a couple of camping trips. Spending the night in a tent in your backyard or living room also counts, by the way.

9. Make arrangements for swimming. Even if you swim year-round, summer and outdoor swimming are the perfect pairings. Find the schedule for the nearest pool or swim parks and see if you might be able to save on admission costs with a season pass.

10. Have a photo safari. Arm your kiddo with a single-use camera, then head to a park or plaza. After they shoot away, have the film developed. When they return, have fun framing their favorite pictures or make a storytelling collage. Ordering double prints gives them the opportunity to enclose a few favorites in letters. If your child doesn’t write yet, no problem. Have her dictate while you transcribe. But the letter’s recipient will no doubt want your kiddo to be the one who signs it.

Happy Summer! What are some of your ideas for summer activities for children?

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