The grass is green and school is almost out, now what? Don’t wait any longer than you have to, it’s the perfect time to get a kick start on some fun summer activities and save a few dollars while you’re at it! Here are 10 budget-friendly family fun tips to get you started:
1. Baking day. Getting together with other parents and their children is a great way to get some adult time and not have to worry about finding childcare. A baking day, specifically, is fun for both parents and kids, as you can coach and help the children with the baking and then let them take control of the decorating while you sit back and enjoy a coffee. It’s an especially welcome activity if one of the children has any dietary restrictions (a gluten allergy, for example) as you can bake specialty treats for them to enjoy.
2. Buddy up and save. Some stores, like Costco, require customers to sign up for a membership before they can shop there. For some it’s worth it, but for others, the high price ($55 to $110 at Costco) of the membership won’t pay off. If you have a friend or family member who frequents stores like this, tag along next time they go shopping. It may be in both of your best interests to buy in bulk, split the merchandise (and the cost) and save more than a few dollars.
3. Make meals ahead of time. Busy schedules (Soccer practice! Piano lessons! Trying to get to the gym! Homework! Life!) can often make for less than convenient mealtimes. Sometimes it comes down to an either/or situation; as in either there’s enough time for meal prep or sitting down for dinner as a family - there is rarely time for both. So, next time there’s a good sale on a staple (like boneless, skinless chicken breasts), dedicate a free afternoon to cooking several meals. Package the meals in individual and family-sized portions, so they can be taken out in the future for last-minute lunches or dinners. A quick zap in the microwave or reheat in the oven makes for a simple, yet satisfying meal.
4. Babysitter exchange. Finding it hard to get a good babysitter? Sometimes it’s tough to find both someone who is experienced with kids, and whose rates you can afford. Naturally, other parents are in the same position, so why not take advantage of it? Talk to other parents you know that are having the same issues and organize a babysitting cooperative. You take care of a friend’s child occasionally in exchange for that friend caring for your child at another time, and your kids will be in trusted hands and everyone will save some money.
5. Lilac Festival. Sunday, May 27, 2012, is the 23rd Annual 4th Street Lilac Festival! It’s free, fun and packed with a seemingly endless amount of family-friendly goodness. Check out the live entertainment, food samples from local restaurants and unique vendors along 13 blocks on 4th Street SW between 17th Avenue and Elbow Drive. Find out more about the entertainment lineup and kickoff parade at www.4streetcalgary.com/lilacfestival.
6. Throw a backyard party. Why wait until school is out to start celebrating summer? Throwing a backyard party is a fun, inexpensive activity for your friends and family members of all ages! Have each family bring a few drinks along, as well as one large dish (picnic-style dishes work best - think salads, sandwiches, etc.). If you have a barbecue, suggest everyone bring their own meat to grill, or if you have a fire pit, propose s’more ingredients! Also, ask each person to bring along a dish, cutlery and cup (preferably plastic or other non-breakable material) to cut down on costs and garbage. If you provide the basics, like dinner rolls, condiments and some beverages, you’ll still be doing your part without spending a fortune on entertaining a crowd.
7. Lemonade stand. An oldie, but a goodie, having a lemonade stand is a favorite pastime of many generations; it will also teach your children a lesson in responsibility and handling money. Stick with the lemon concentrate if you want to save some money, but add a little extra water and slices of real lemon to cut down on sugar. If you’re up to it, make a few batches of homemade cookies or mini cupcakes with your children to add to the sale. Make sure your kids set up a nicely decorated table (equipped with a money jar/container, cups and napkins), and a large sign that displays both what they’re selling and the price(s).
8. Plant a garden. It’s the perfect time to get gardening, and it’s even more fun when it’s an activity shared by the whole family. Allow your children to choose a few packets of seeds (or pre-potted plants) and have them plant and tend them. Choosing edible flowers (such as nasturtiums, violets, lilacs and lavender) will not only be a beautiful addition to your garden, but a delicious addition to your dinner table. Planting your own herbs is equally as kitchen-friendly, but will save you a substantial amount on your grocery bill if you often cook with fresh herbs. Chives, dill, rosemary and mint are surprisingly easy to grow, and if you encourage your children to take care of the herbs, they may take more of an interest in eating the herbs and trying new food.
9. Make a checkerboard. Sure, it’s fun to play checkers, but it’s even more fun to play on a homemade board! First, take a wooden board that is cut square and is between one and two feet in width and height. Next, draw out the checker grid (8 X 8 squares), leaving a border around the outer edge of the board. Have your children choose two acrylic based paint colors for the grid, and paint the squares in an alternating pattern; decorate the border as desired. Finally, choose 24 pieces to play with (12 for each side; small stones and bottle caps work well), and paint half of the pieces one color, and the other half another. Make a marking on one side of each piece for when it is kinged. Be sure to get your children to write their names and date on the board so you can save it as a keepsake.
10. Learn about water. Ralph Klein Park is Calgary’s newest major park! Located at 12350, 84 Street SE, RKP boasts a man-made wetland and an Environmental Education and Ethics Centre. The park itself has natural vegetation that treats and manages storm water, and the education centre has interpretive signage, information, exercises and washrooms for visitors’ convenience. Admission is free, and there is plenty of space for picnicking or other day-use activities. Visit www.calgary.ca and search ‘Ralph Klein Park’ for more information.
Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit www.stephaniearsenault.ca.
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