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Cool Summer Fun for the Family
(by - By Melissa Frasier (aka "The Busy Mom") - July 06, 2010)
Summer can be long and hot in Oroville! It seems like we go from rain to 100 degree heat in a matter of a few weeks. The kids just got out of school a couple of weeks ago and will be headed back before you know it. But if your kids are like mine, they are already bored and looking for things to do.
As a busy mom, unfortunately I dont get the summer off like the kids do. I still have to work and try to fit in some activities that will keep them busy but not wear me out. Plus it can get pretty expensive to try and provide non-stop entertainment.
I was looking at some local day camps that sounded interesting, but once I saw the price and then multiplied that amount by two kids, it was not even a doable option. So my brain started working overtime to try and figure out some fun, FREE or low cost ideas that will fill those long, summer days.
Some free ideas:
Visit the local parks—my familys favorite is Riverbend! If you havent taken the kids there yet, now is the perfect time. The cool water feature is working and the kids love to get wet. It is like a giant sprinkler system that cools you off, yet doesnt leave wet grass on your feet. I have to admit, I enjoy standing in the spray as much as the kids do. This park is also nice because you can bring bikes or scooters and let the kids ride around safely. There are trails to walk down, rocks to climb, and of course the rivers edge which is perfect for skipping stones or getting your feet wet.
Vacation Bible School—most churches in the area offer a summer program that is free to the community or comes with a very low fee. It is usually every night for a week, and if you time it right, you could have a months worth of VBS to attend depending on the scheduled weeks. The kids love it. Fun crafts, games, snacks and bible stories. Check with the local churches for schedules. Some churches also offer free midweek programs throughout the summer in the evening time.
Dont forget the Library—Sign up for the Summer Reading Program. This is free, and my kids love to read. They have to read a certain amount of books based on their ages. Usually there is something in it for the kids at the end (like a free book), if they turn in a completed reading log. Plus it keeps those minds from becoming too mushy from watching too much TV! There are also other free events at the library over the summer if you grab a calendar while you are there.
Watch the Community Calendars—be sure to grab the Digger or your communitys local paper to see what free events are being offered for the summer. The Lake Oroville Visitors Center has some great free programs this summer as well as other local places. Utilize them to their fullest!
Teach them a new skill—This free idea will cost you some time, but can be fun and a life changing event. We have decided to teach my oldest son some basic cooking skills this summer. It may mean a messy kitchen, lots of patience and many questions, but I am hoping by the end of the summer, he will be a little more self sufficient in the kitchen.
Tame the clutter! Summer is the perfect time to tackle those messy rooms. If you had a whirlwind school year like I did, there are probably piles of school papers and outgrown clothes to go through. Let the kids do it. Decide what items you want them to keep, what items they need to toss in the trash, and what items they need to donate. They will probably grumble, but it is a perfect time to get things in order before another school year starts.
Family Game Night—dust off those games in your closet. Let the kids challenge each other (and get out some of that sibling rivalry) or the adults to a fun game of Monopoly or Scrabble. They are using their brains again without even knowing it!
How about some low cost ideas?
Movie Time—Movies can be expensive for a family. But how about Tightwad Tuesday at Feather River Cinemas? You have to wait to see those new releases, but the price is right when you are taking four people to a movie. Plus what is better than sitting in air conditioning for a couple of hours in a dark movie theater? Or visit Blockbuster and make it a movie night at home. You can let the kids stay up later than usual and stuff your face with movie candy or popcorn. I like to get the movie candy at the Dollar Store or Walgreens and stock up!
Ice Cream! Go out and get an old fashioned ice cream cone. We like to buy child-sized cones for the entire family (including us). Child-sized cones are much cheaper and you still get enough ice cream to fill your belly without all the extra calories.
Remember slurpees or icees? When was the last time you had one? This can be a cool treat for everyone. Stop by any local gas station and you can probably find a slurpee machine. Mix all the flavors together and be careful not to drink it too fast! Take your slurpees with you as you take a walk at one of the local parks.
Hopefully my ideas will help get the wheels turning on how your family can have some free fun this summer. Of course there are endless possibilities! Let the kids pick some things out that they would like to do this summer as well, so the pressure is not all on you as a parent to be creative. Before you know it, school will be here again and schedules will be crammed full of things to do. Whatever you do this summer, take some time to just relax and hang out. Kids grow up fast and will have plenty of responsibilities in their future. Let the kids be kids, and make it a summer for them to remember.
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