Affordable Family Fun

Summer family fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune
Kid's Magazine Bloomington-Normal  - Summer 2010
Jyl Waller

Summertime! Busy, sun-filled, fun-filled days and nights. As a parent, it is often our job
to find fun and affordable entertainment for our family. At A Shining Star Learning Center
in Normal, we encourage families to spend time together. And, it can be done without
breaking the bank!

The following are some tips for fun, family activities that cost little to no money:

Take a walk together. Spend time just talking. Ask open-ended questions of your
children and let them share their ideas and opinions. You might be surprised by what
you learn. You can also identify things along your walk or play “I Spy” as you roam.

Play a card game. On those rainy days or nights when you can’t be outside, try
teaching your kids card games. I have fond memories of learning to play Solitaire and
checkers from my Grandpa. Your kids may have never seen these popular Internet
games played “the old-fashioned way.” For younger children, consider “Go Fish!” or a
matching game.

Visit the library. Not only can you check out books for free, but our local libraries offer
CDs of music and DVDs of movies your family may enjoy—for no charge! In addition,
both libraries have story times and summer reading programs where your children can
earn fun prizes for participating.

Watch a ball game. Even if you’re not playing, you and your family can watch youth
baseball and softball games without spending a dime. Watch someone you know, or
simply stop by Champion Fields in northwest Normal or the PONY baseball complex in
southeast Bloomington to catch a game nearly any night of the week.

Build a blanket fort. My kids frequently made these on those days when heat or rain
kept them indoors. Simply gather several blankets, chairs, and other furniture to make
a fort. Kids always enjoy new places to hide. Then they can play cards, read, or tell
ghost stories within the confines of their newest abode.

Bake cookies or bread. Most kids love to help, so why not work together to bake
cookies or bread on one of those cooler rainy days. Or, if you’re an air-conditioning
hold-out, consider no-bake cookies! You most likely have the necessary ingredients on
hand so why not team up to make some yummy treats together! Enjoy some and take
the rest to a neighbor as a summertime surprise!

Take a swim. Take an afternoon and enjoy one of the many public pools available in
the Twin Cities. Or, be a tad more adventurous and take a swim at Glasener Beach in
Comlara Park at Lake Evergreen near Hudson. Not only is there a beach and
swimming area, but you can relax in a float tube or splash in the water play area.
Learn more at http://www.mcleancountyil.gov/Parks/Swimming.htm.

Enjoy the sprinkler. On one of those unbearably warm days when the heat has
zapped the energy out of you and your children, turn on your sprinkler! A cool water
spray will quickly perk everyone up and is guaranteed to bring out other children in
your neighborhood!

Get moving and groovin’! It’s always entertaining to watch someone juggle, hula
hoop, or dance. Take the time to help your children (and yourself!) master one of these
fun skills! And, if you have trouble figuring it out, research online for tips!

Take digital photographs. Let your children take digital photographs of any and all
interesting subjects. Digital cameras have allowed us to experiment without the cost,
so enjoy. Who knows? You may end up with some personal images for artwork, cards,
screensavers, and more!

Blow bubbles. If you’re outdoors, mix ¼ cup liquid dish soap with 3 ¾ cups water to
make your own bubble soap. Try different items you find at home to create bubbles
of all shapes and sizes! Smaller children also like to chase the floating soap circles. For
families with older kids, host a bubble blowing contest. Purchase bubble gum and let
the kids see who can blow the biggest bubble. The winner gets bragging rights and a
pack of gum as their prize!

Host a neighborhood film festival. Gather two or three favorite movies (remember
the library has free ones to check out!), make some popcorn, and settle in for an
afternoon of movie gluttony!

Play board games. Another rainy day (or night activity) could exclude the television
and Internet and include traditional board games. Dust off those board games from
your basement shelving unit or closet and sit down to a family challenge!

Have a picnic. Watch your local forecast for the best day to have a picnic. Keep it
simple with homemade lunches, but bring along a Frisbee, football, or soccer ball for
activities. You might also enjoy sitting under a big tree reading a book to your
children. The change of environment will cause their imaginations to soar!

View full article in The Kid's Magazine of Bloomington-Normal (PDF).