Congratulations! You made it through another school year.
If your house is anything like ours, those last couple of weeks were brutal. Your hands blistered from clapping at all of the awards programs. You sent in more party supplies, thank you cards and special forms than you can count.
And when it all ended, you sat on the floor to sort through an overflowing backpack filled with special mementos from the past year along with papers, school supplies, and random pieces of clothing.
Every year during the first couple of days of summer, our family issues a collective exhale of relief. We take a day or two to celebrate, rest and clean up the mess.
And then, reality sets in. We have approximately 60 days to pack in as much as fun possible while spending as little as possible. Sure, we’ll make room in our budget for ice cream out or possibly a Hollywood blockbuster or two. But everyday can’t be filled with splurges.
Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic and affordable options to keep your kids well entertained this summer without draining your bank account. Let these seven ideas be a jumping off point for fun for everyone.
Student gym memberships
For teens and college students, the summer can be a time to hit the gym. Many locations offer a discounted rate, allowing summer breakers to get fit without overspending. For example, Planet Fitness has a special Teen Summer Challenge. Now through Sept. 1, teens 15 to 18 can work out for free. There’s even a special scholarship to be awarded at the end of the summer to a handful of lucky participants. The Gathering Place in Greenwood is offering students the opportunity to workout this summer for a flat fee of $30. Check into your favorite local gym and see what other special discount programs are available.
Summer reading at the library
During the summer months, our hearts belong solidly to our local libraries. Where else could we check out books to read to keep up our literary skills? And what other destination offers free classes and special experiences all summer long for kids of all ages? From using special streaming apps free included with your library cards to listen to audiobooks, stream popular TV shows and listen to music, to accessing special spaces built just for kids and teens, you’ll always find something to do.
Summer movie programs
With all its new releases, I have a feeling Disney is going to take over my checking account this summer if I’m not careful. If you love watching a great flick but don’t have the budget to buy tickets every day this summer, have no fear. A number of theaters offer special summer movie programs for kids. Canary Creek Cinemas in Franklin once again will screen free movies on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. all summer long, with tickets on a first come, first served basis. Tuesdays at the cinema are also $5 Deal Days, with all 2D showings are only $5 per ticket. Cinemark Theater is offering the Summer Movie Clubhouse where $5 gets you a 10-movie pass for a schedule of select films. Or you can pay $1 per person per movie on the day of the movie of your choice. Regal Summer Movie Express offers $1 kid movies every Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer. Franklin Parks and Recreation will also be offering a free outdoor film series this summer, too.
Take a hike
Summer is the perfect time to hit the trail. Pack your favorite granola bars, grab a bottle of water and explore the great outdoors. Check with your local parks department or nearest state park to get the lowdown on special offerings and to choose the trail that best fits your family’s needs.
Cool off at the pool or splash pad
Not everyone is lucky enough to take a dip in their own pool on a hot summer Indiana day. If your backyard is more green than blue, check out the schedule of your local aquatics center. Be on the prowl for coupons or discount days to save as many pennies as possible. Or head to the nearest splash pad for a chance to cool off without spending a dime.
Don’t forget community festivals
As you look over your calendar for the days ahead, be sure to mark the dates of upcoming community festivals now so they don’t sneak up on you. From fireworks displays to parades, free concerts, and more, there’s so much to do in our local communities during the summer.
Plant a garden
It’s good for your soul to watch things grow. While you don’t have to plant an entire field, consider letting the kids plant some seeds this summer. If your yard is small (or you don’t have time to tend a large plot), use pots to plant herbs, veggies, or flowers.
Not everyone has a lot of extra cash to spare during the summer months. Thankfully, helping your kids stay entertained and make memories really doesn’t have to cost much. Begin crafting a plan to make this your best summer yet and make the most of each and every minute without breaking the bank.
