Low-Cost Summer Activities for Children

• Sort and count the coins that have been collected. The children can put the coins into paper rolls and take them to the bank.
• Locate items to sell at a yard sale or give away. Determine their value and write the price on stickers. If planning to give items to charity, write the down the value of each item on a sheet of paper for tax purposes
• Prepare a lemonade stand or bake sale with simple receipts designed for children.
  In the Fall, change the menu to warm cider (not too hot!) and homemade pumpkin or spice muffins.
• Let the children help with planning a simple dinner party and be in charge of table decorations.
  Children can make creative with placemats, napkin rings, and centerpiece using craft items and things around the house.
• Create a treasure hunt using a theme, poem, story of the child's life, or fill-in-the-blank.
  Make the clues simple enough for the child to be able to find them without much difficulty. About 8-12 clues is usually enough. A prize can be given with each clue or just at the end.

  If the children are old enough, try having them make the clues for the adults to find.
• Dress up in fancy clothes and have a tea party.
• Build a fort together using bed sheets, pillows, chairs, and large cardboard boxes.
• Look online for simple cooking receipts for children.
• Make and decorate cupcakes using various small candy pieces.
• Read a book online.
  If the child is tired of reading and re-reading the same books at home, try finding a book online and read it together at the computer.
• Let the child prepare a picnic lunch, then find a park or special place in the yard to have a picnic.
• Give each other a manicure, pedicure, or facial.
• Look online for a simple art project using items you already have around the house.
• Go for a drive to find a new park or library you've never been to.