Sentry Page Protection
7 Ideas to have More Family Fun Cheapskates Style these School Holidays
School holidays, especially the Christmas holidays, are meant for fun. However, it’s easy to fall into a school holiday rut. This is especially the case if you work all year and use the school holidays to catch up on household chores and errands. And if your budget is tight then school holiday fun may seem impossible.
Here are a few tips, ideas, and strategies to have more fun this summer.
1. Make a List
Make a list of the things that you want to do and can do over the holidays (or on the weekends). This way, when you’re stumped for ideas you can simply turn to your list and make a choice.
2. Put It on the Calendar
Many museums, zoos, and other community facilities offer discount days, free days, and special events. Make a list of these and put them on your calendar. Then when you’re trying to decide what to do during the school holidays you can see all of the possibilities and take advantage of local events.
3. Get Outside
Getting out into the fresh air almost automatically puts a smile on everyone’s face. And guess what - nature is free. Walk to the park and play a game of Frisbee, cricket or basketball. Take the bikes, scooters or skateboards and learn a few new tricks. Head to the beach or pool and splash around. Take a nature hike or explore a new outdoor area in your community. Pack a picnic lunch, hats and sunscreen and make a day of it.
4. Fairs and Festivals
Most fairs and festivals are free to attend and they can be a lot of fun. Add them to your calendar and choose one or two to attend. Set a budget in advance and pack your lunch so you stay on budget - it's the side attractions that usually cost money, and it’s easy to spend a fortune on food and snacks.
5. Take Advantage of Short-Term Travel Packages
One of the best ways to see the world on a budget is to have an open schedule and open-minded approach to where you go. If you want to get away for a long weekend, visit the discount travel broker websites and review the last-minute packages. You can often save more than 50% on a trip and the spontaneity is fun.
6. Imaginative Projects
What do your children love to do? Do they enjoy building things? Do they like putting on shows? Let their imaginations run free and spend a weekend with a creative project. Put on a play in the back yard and film it. Build a cubbyhouse from cartons and paint it. If your children love volcanoes then have a science fair. If they love to cook then stage your very own Cupcake Wars in your kitchen.
7. Try Something New
Have each family member make a list of something they want to learn or do this summer. Give them a few examples so they don’t write down things like “Go to Paris” or “Ride a camel.” Children can get carried away. Take a look at their list and then create a plan to address one item on each person’s list. You may find that you’re rock climbing one weekend and shopping for vintage clothing the next.
All work and no play makes weekends dull and the work week even harder. Teach your children to take time to have fun. And enjoy your family time together – it’s precious.
Here are a few tips, ideas, and strategies to have more fun this summer.
1. Make a List
Make a list of the things that you want to do and can do over the holidays (or on the weekends). This way, when you’re stumped for ideas you can simply turn to your list and make a choice.
2. Put It on the Calendar
Many museums, zoos, and other community facilities offer discount days, free days, and special events. Make a list of these and put them on your calendar. Then when you’re trying to decide what to do during the school holidays you can see all of the possibilities and take advantage of local events.
3. Get Outside
Getting out into the fresh air almost automatically puts a smile on everyone’s face. And guess what - nature is free. Walk to the park and play a game of Frisbee, cricket or basketball. Take the bikes, scooters or skateboards and learn a few new tricks. Head to the beach or pool and splash around. Take a nature hike or explore a new outdoor area in your community. Pack a picnic lunch, hats and sunscreen and make a day of it.
4. Fairs and Festivals
Most fairs and festivals are free to attend and they can be a lot of fun. Add them to your calendar and choose one or two to attend. Set a budget in advance and pack your lunch so you stay on budget - it's the side attractions that usually cost money, and it’s easy to spend a fortune on food and snacks.
5. Take Advantage of Short-Term Travel Packages
One of the best ways to see the world on a budget is to have an open schedule and open-minded approach to where you go. If you want to get away for a long weekend, visit the discount travel broker websites and review the last-minute packages. You can often save more than 50% on a trip and the spontaneity is fun.
6. Imaginative Projects
What do your children love to do? Do they enjoy building things? Do they like putting on shows? Let their imaginations run free and spend a weekend with a creative project. Put on a play in the back yard and film it. Build a cubbyhouse from cartons and paint it. If your children love volcanoes then have a science fair. If they love to cook then stage your very own Cupcake Wars in your kitchen.
7. Try Something New
Have each family member make a list of something they want to learn or do this summer. Give them a few examples so they don’t write down things like “Go to Paris” or “Ride a camel.” Children can get carried away. Take a look at their list and then create a plan to address one item on each person’s list. You may find that you’re rock climbing one weekend and shopping for vintage clothing the next.
All work and no play makes weekends dull and the work week even harder. Teach your children to take time to have fun. And enjoy your family time together – it’s precious.