The birthday dilemma: Parents want their children to have great childhood memories – but is it necessary to dish out the big bucks for an expensive kid’s birthday party? The short answer is no. When I did an impromptu poll with my kids, my daughter piped in right away that her … [Read more...] about Throw a memorable kids’ birthday party for less
Kids
Fun things to do with kids on spring break and other school holidays
We all know it's coming, but still it seems as if spring break or another school holiday has arrived and you have no idea how to keep the kids occupied. Here's an assortment of fun activities to get you started. Some are family-based, while others, depending on the age of your kids, can be done with … [Read more...] about Fun things to do with kids on spring break and other school holidays
Michaels offers free weekly crafting event for family fun on a budget
Kids love being creative and crafty! They're always excited about a table full of art and craft supplies. However, parents often need to get creative with stretching the family fun budget. And that's why going to Michaels for a Sunday afternoon of FREE family fun is the perfect … [Read more...] about Michaels offers free weekly crafting event for family fun on a budget
Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
Some states have sales tax holidays every summer to assist families with getting their kids outfitted for school. Some states also have a sales tax holiday that focuses on hurricane preparedness items or energy-saving appliances. If you plan to make one of those purchases, and it’s not an emergency … [Read more...] about Sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping
How to save money on kids’ sports and activities
If you’re a parent, you know just how expensive it can be to raise kids, especially once they reach the "age of activities" – sports, dance, cheer, karate, band. You name the activity, and there’s nothing cheap about it. The key is to pick and choose the ones that offer the right mix of enjoyment … [Read more...] about How to save money on kids’ sports and activities
Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Kids go through clothes like boxes of Cheerios. We say: don’t spend a lot of money on play wear and school clothes. By the time kids wear them or use them once or twice, who can tell if they’re new or used anyway?You can find some kids’ clothes in excellent condition at thrift stores like … [Read more...] about Clothing the kids without busting your budget
DIY summer camp for kids
For many, summer camps have become as integral a part of childhood as school. They provide a safe place for the children of working parents, allow kids to explore new activities and retain and continue their learning, and so much more.If you do your homework and start looking early, it is … [Read more...] about DIY summer camp for kids
How to keep kids busy at home and help them learn
Most parents learn about child development as they go. Moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas try to tailor plans that keep everyone happy — but anyone who has spent more than a few minutes around little ones knows that children's attention spans are short. Sometimes parents (and teachers) can run out of … [Read more...] about How to keep kids busy at home and help them learn
How to save money on a kids’ birthday party at home
You’ve taken the first money-saving step by mustering the courage to host a kids’ birthday party at your home. Now you're wondering, how do I keep this group of kids entertained, make the party memorable and stay within my budget — all at the same time? Below are some cost-saving birthday … [Read more...] about How to save money on a kids’ birthday party at home
Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
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Here are our best ideas for summer activities for kids that lets them spend summer as it was meant to be enjoyed — playing outside. These DIY activities give your kids the chance to be creative and make their own toys from common household supplies or very modest investment. You don't have to head … [Read more...] about Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids
Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2023
Some kids don't need any incentive to lose themselves in a book, during the summer or any other time. If your child isn't a natural bookworm, try enticing them with one of these FREE summer 2023 reading programs from public libraries, bookstores and retailers across the country. There's even a … [Read more...] about Free kids’ summer reading plans for 2023
11 best websites for kids’ crafts
When kids get bored, let them use their imaginations with fun craft projects. The internet is full of creative art project ideas that are easy for kids to do and don't involve fancy materials. Here are a few of my favorite kids craft websites that offer FREE instructions for games and crafts, as … [Read more...] about 11 best websites for kids’ crafts
Chuck E. Cheese’s Summer Fun Pass offers 8 weeks of play for 1 low price
There's nothing cheesy about saving money, especially on summer fun with the family. And kids love Chuck E. Cheese because it serves one of their favorite foods — pizza! However, most of all, they love all the games and prizes, in between taking bites of pepperoni pizza.Having a … [Read more...] about Chuck E. Cheese’s Summer Fun Pass offers 8 weeks of play for 1 low price
Summer Movie Fun Series at Harkins Theatres offers discounted kids’ flicks
Going to the movies during the summer will always be the perfect pairing, especially for families. It's a fun way to escape the heat and enjoy an action-packed or comical adventure for a few hours. And Harkins Theatres' Summer Movie Fun Series lets frugal families enjoy six weeks of kids' … [Read more...] about Summer Movie Fun Series at Harkins Theatres offers discounted kids’ flicks
Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Game time is fun, but for bigger fun, you need bigger games. You may have seen those giant outdoor games made from ordinary board games. These are perfect for the kids to play with all summer or for pulling out for a summer party. But buying them can cost hundreds. Fortunately, you can … [Read more...] about Giant backyard games you can build yourself
