Affordable Summer Family Planning

Make this summer a memorable one.  Here are some ideas on how to plan your summer for your family, while making it fun and affordable.  Everything from field trips to lunch dates will make this summer one you will remember for a lifetime.   Do you have any other ideas about things to do in San Diego with your family?  Comment on Facebook and some of your summer vacation tips!

Read below to learn about 18 great tips from San Diego Family Magazine!

Many parents agree that the keys to keeping children happy in the summer include getting them active and outdoors, and sparking their imaginations in new ways outside of a classroom. Here are some great ideas to help get you started on lasting summer fun:

Field trips. Put a new spin on the school version by planning “mystery field trips.” Amy Strauss comes up with one adventure each week, but doesn’t tell her kids where they’re going.

“Beginning the morning of the trip, start to give your kids clues. See if they can guess where you are taking them,” Strauss says. “We’ve been to a recycling center, the state capitol, a candy factory, the downtown riverfront for a picnic and a walking tour.”

The summer months bring an ideal time to explore your community and region without going too far from home. “Many companies and factories offer free tours,” Strauss says.  “Children are so fascinated by how things are made.”

Pool parties. Having a baby pool party in your backyard is often as exciting as going to the city or club pool to keep cool.

Invite friends to bring their baby pools too. Fill each pool with different types of toys, from traditional floating toys to cooking tools, for kids to play with.

Theater acts. Many children enjoy creating plays and dances. Make costumes and tickets and invite an audience to watch it in your backyard. Complete the scene with popcorn.

Lunch dates. Meet dad, mom, a family member or friend for lunch.

“This is exciting for kids to have that special visit,” Strauss says. “It’s also a good way to get out of the house.”

Paint. Paintbrushes and sponges can be wonderful summertime toys.

“Find some paintbrushes—any size—and fill a bowl with water. Have the kids ‘paint’ the garage and the sidewalks too,” says mother Jill Exler. “Play catch with a wet sponge. This isn’t as messy or as scary for little kids as a water balloon.”

Garden. It’s an activity that parents and kids can feel proud about doing.

“Gardening with your kids is a great lesson on the natural world,” says mom Rachael Herrscher. “Kids get to see continuing results from their efforts, and learn responsibility and patience for their garden. They also can enjoy the benefits at the end of the season.”

Sprinklers. Children love sprinklers.

“For a twist on a traditional activity, simply attach the sprinkler to a tree branch or the top of a swing set,” says Silvana Clark, author of “301 Bright Ideas for Busy Kids.” Playing in the water takes on a new perspective when the water sprinkles “down.”

Color walk. Get some exercise and learn along the way too. Give your young child a scrap of colored paper.

“As you take a short walk, see how many items they can find that are of the same color as their paper,” Clark says. “Change the papers after a while to another color.”
With older children, hand them a triangle or square piece of paper. They can compare their square paper with a square window and other objects. Again, switch around the shapes.

Nature walk. Another idea for a hike is to walk on a grassy or dirt-covered area. Before going, lightly wrap a piece of duct tape—sticky side out—around your child’s ankle.

“Take a walk, and then come home and gently cut off the tape,” Clark says. “It’s fun to examine all the little twigs, pieces of dirt and other natural wonders attached to the sticky tape.”

You can do the same with duct tape to make a nature wrist bracelet. Have your children stick treasures they find on the walk to their bracelet.


Indoor games

Beauty school. Set up an area for the “school.” Offer to give manicures or pedicures, says Jen Singer, author of “14 hours ’til Bedtime.” Style their hair. If your child is old enough, allow them to take a turn to paint your nails. You can relax too!

Office. Another well-received game is “office.” Invite your child to set up a play area with an unconnected phone, a computer keyboard, pens, paper, old stamps and other office supplies.

Play-Doh. Don’t forget about the Play-Doh, which can keep many children occupied for a long time. Have your child pretend he’s a “dino” archeologist. Let him make imprints of plastic dinosaurs’ feet in Play-Doh.

Clean-up. Sort out the toy box together. It’s like getting new toys, which of course, will entertain your child for a couple of hours, at least.

Indoor picnic. Spread out a blanket on the living room or kitchen floor. Pack lunches or snacks in a basket and pretend to eat together in the great outdoors, along a stream if your imaginations take you there.

Get crafty. Having your kids do arts and crafts helps them easily get through a rainy day.

“Keep a large plastic container in the pantry or basement full of ‘recyclables’ that the kids can use to create such things as a robot, an invention or a city just for cars, trucks or dolls,” Strauss says. “I spread out vinyl tablecloths, give them some tape and scissors, and let them go to town.”


Maximize summertime

Make the most of your fast-flying summer months with the following tips:

Kick the snooze button habit.  Roll out of bed early for a little “me time” every morning before your kids wake up. A walk through the neighborhood or a nearby park is an energizing way to start the day.

Make a list. Ensure your family doesn’t miss out on any of their favorite activities by making a “must do” list. Get the whole family involved with planning your summer activities. Hang the list where it will remind everyone of the fun in store.

Stick to your budget. Summertime can be pricey, so take advantage of the “free” activities in your area. Libraries and universities often have story hours or special programs for all ages. Hit your local bike trails, community gardens, river walk trails and city parks for an unforgettable summer. 

For more summer vacation planning go to San Diego Family.