Sure, I'd love to take my kids to Disney World or to some awesome beach location this summer. However, finances just won't allow that this year. (Sorry, kids!!)
So, instead of a big vacation, I made a deal with Carson and Molly...they will get a surprise every day this summer. Sometimes the surprises will be big (like dinner at a restaurant or seeing a movie at the theater), sometimes they will be small (like going to a playground or heading to the neighborhood pool after dinner). The surprises will always be fun and will mostly be cheap or free.
Friday, after a week of VBS, the Littles and I headed to Target for their daily surprise. They were allowed to pick any toy in the clearance section that was less than $5. They were so excited...honestly, it seemed that searching for the perfect toy was more fun than the actual toys were!
They made their choices: Molly got a small Kai-Lan playset for $3.98 and Carson got a bunch of military action figures (complete with guns) for $4.98. They hugged those toys all the way to the cash register, then kept repeating over and over how they were so happy they could cry! (Where did they get THAT?!)
We got home and they wanted to play out in the yard. There is NOTHING that makes me happier than the vision...
...of my Littles playing nicely in their own backyard with those toys. Best $8.96 plus tax I've ever spent!BTW, any ideas for cheap (or free) summer surprises would be greatly appreciated!!
Krohn Conservatory is always free and even though the butterfly show is over there are lots of cool things to see.
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in going down to the river, the park right along the Ohio is pretty cool. I think there is a water feature thingy.
Up north of you in Yellow Springs there are really cool hiking trails along with Young's Dairy. Its not free but the ice cream is not expensive and the hiking is free.
If they want to watch something cool, WakeNation (ie: the place I tore my ACL) has a big observation deck where you can watch the wakeboarders. Check their schedule for competitions. The deck is free to go watch. Its something different that you don't get to see everyday.
http://mommysnacks.net/2010/06/free-summer-activities/
ReplyDeleteHey I found this and thought of you! :)
Popsicles...you can make em at home iwth something fun like lemonade...or buy them at the store. Messy posicles outside is always fun!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you have any family memberships to the zoo or other places, but that is something. Sometimes different movie places offer cheap movie tickets during the day. Something to do on those HOT days. We did a lot of crafts last year; built birdhouses, tie dyed pillowcases, etc...Cooking a treat together is cheap and fun too.
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