Well, summer is in full swing and while there’s certainly no shortage of things to do, it’s mighty easy to spend more money than you’d like to (ahem… ice-cream trucks, summer attractions and blockbusters… more ice-cream trucks). You and your family can still have a great summer without completely breaking the bank, however, and we’re here to help you get started. Here are 10 easy ways to have a ton of budget-friendly family fun this summer:
Things to do
1. Host a pool party. Load up a cooler with a bevy of cold drinks, cut up some fruit and bake some cookies. That, along with some tunes and a bottle of SPF, is practically all you’ll need to throw a fun pool party with your kids this summer. Water-wise, you can pick up a cheap inflatable or plastic pool and fill it up with the hose – no fancy swimming pool needed (adult supervision required). Lay some towels and blankets out for the kids, and have a couple of skipping ropes and beach balls on hand for something to do. It’s the perfect way to spend a hot day outdoors, and your kids and their friends will have a blast.
2. Garage sale search. It’s the peak of garage sale season, and while there’s certainly a ton of stuff out there that you don’t need, often you can find a gem or two. So on the next weekend day where your family is stuck for ideas, go on a search for the coolest garage sale item. Head to multiple sales, but give each family member a small budget (up to $10, as low as $1) for the whole day. Each person gets to buy one item (will they spend the money at the first garage sale, or wait until later on in the day?) and then reveal their purchases when they get home.
3. Spooky city tours. Do you have a family full of daredevils? Keep them on their toes and take them out for a spooky summer night. Calgary Ghost Tours offers an inexpensive ($15 for adults, $10 for kids six to 12), unique experience by taking curious folks on Ghost Tours of downtown Calgary, Inglewood, Kensington, the Beltline and even Banff. Hear some haunting stories, take in some spooky history lessons and get your imaginations going. For tour dates and details, visit www.calgaryghosttours.com.
4. Summer book club. Don’t let your kids’ minds get too much rest over summer! Keep their creativity and imaginations fresh and stimulated by starting a kids’ book club. Organize the club with a few of their friends (and even their parents, if you’re interested), and pick out some fun, light reading… these couple of months are supposed to be a break, after all. Opt for a summer, friendship or adventure theme, and organize weekly get-togethers (outdoors, preferably) where everyone can chat, kids can play and parents can have a little break, themselves.
5. Summer list. Kids love making lists – favorite colors, foods, movies, you name it. So why not encourage them to make a list of things that they want to do over the summer? Make sure they’re reasonable things (no “go to the moon” or “win an Academy Award” or “turn into a zebra”), and then have them choose one item per week to focus on. It’ll encourage goal-setting (and following through), and help them make this summer one to truly remember.
Events
6. Calgary Stampede savings. The “Greatest Show on Earth” takes place from July 5 to 14 this year, and it promises to be a good one. Start out the festivities by taking in the Stampede Parade on the morning of the 5th, which will be lead by the one and only Commander Chris Hadfield. Keep your visits to the Stampede grounds as inexpensive as possible by packing your own snacks and drinks, purchasing ride wristbands or coupons ahead of time and making use of deals from participating partners. Buy $50 in Stampede Bucks for $39.99 at COSTCO (available until July 5th); two admissions for $25 at Mac’s and get two Coca-Cola 591ml drinks for free (available from July 4 to 14); get one free children’s admission with a participating 12-pack of Coca-Cola products; and save over 25 per cent on advance midway cards at Safeway. For more information and details, visit www.calgarystampede.com.
7. Kensington Sun & Salsa Festival. This tasty occasion falls on July 21 this year, and it’s a must-visit for adults and kids alike. Spend the day in the sun (just don’t forget your SPF!) checking out street performers, dancers, arts and crafts, and more in the heart of Kensington. Make sure you stop by the stands outside of local businesses to try out their samples of salsa, and keep it interesting by asking your children to pick a favorite. This festival is free, as always, and bags of tortilla chips for sampling salsa are available for just a couple of dollars. For more information, go to www.visitkensington.com.
8. Inglewood Sunfest. Head to Inglewood on August 3 for some sunshine, street performances, art, locally-made goods and even a pie-eating contest. Many Inglewood businesses will have special deals on for the festival, and there will be plenty to see and do for the whole family. To beat the risk of bored little ones, head to the Kidzone for face painting, balloon artists and more. For further information on Sunfest, head to www.inglewoodsunfest.com.
9. Canmore Folk Music Festival. You don’t actually have to attend the festival and spend the money on passes to take in the fun of the Canmore Folk Music Festival, on August 3 to 5! Head to the gorgeous mountain town on the Friday night of the 3rd for a free downtown street dance and kids area (with crafts, a climbing wall, a bouncy castle and more), or on Saturday afternoon for a free children’s concert. Get more information on the schedule and locations at www.canmorefolkfestival.com.
10. Marda Loop Marda Gras. It’s like Mardi Gras without the trip to New Orleans, so it’s a little – no, a lot! – easier on your wallet. Head to Marda Loop on Sunday, August 11 between 10am and 5pm for a free, Mardi Gras inspired street festival jam packed with Southern food, music and performances. The best part: it’s completely kid-friendly, so be sure to take the whole family along for a day of fun. For more details, head to www.mardaloop.org.
Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit www.stephaniearsenault.ca.
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