Summer Fun With Kids

How to save with used outdoor gear this summer

For adventure lovers, the changing of the season marks the beginning of summer outdoor recreation. Whether you're an avid recreationalist or just starting out, you don't have to pay full price for outdoor gear to enjoy the great outdoors. You have many ways to acquire used outdoor gear that can … [Read more...] about How to save with used outdoor gear this summer

Rent an RV for summer vacation and travel

Hiking with kids: How to have a fun family adventure outdoors

The weather is beautiful, and you want to get outdoors with your family, away from TV and video games. Lace up those walking shoes and take the kids on a hike. Look for a big park, a nature preserve or a designated open space with trails that's a short drive from home and hit the road. Wait, you … [Read more...] about Hiking with kids: How to have a fun family adventure outdoors

13 ways to save money on road trips

Sometimes a good old-fashioned road trip is just the vacation you need. Driving vacations can be as leisurely or as hectic as you want, and you never have to stick to a schedule. They also can be more affordable than trips involving flights and resorts. That’s not to say there aren’t expenses. … [Read more...] about 13 ways to save money on road trips

Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber band-powered boat

I remembered learning how to make a rubber band-powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty fun at home. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber band-powered boat

Quick and easy ways to take better photos

You spend lots of money taking your family on vacation miles from home. You want your photos to be perfect. Nothing is more disappointing than vacation photos that miss the mark. Why not spend a few minutes learning techniques that can make your photos winners? Ed Szczepanski, a St. Louis, … [Read more...] about Quick and easy ways to take better photos

9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs

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You’ve planned your road trip, mapping out a route, identifying campgrounds or affordable lodging and picking key attractions to visit. What will happen as soon as you pile into the car? Tummies will start rumbling, kids will beg for food and bathroom breaks will lead to the buying of snacks, lunch … [Read more...] about 9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs

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

12 Free Resources to Help Keep Kids Busy

With the kids at home for the near future, there are only so many books and board games you have at home to keep them busy. You will have to rely on other resources to get you through until they go back to school. Don’t worry, because there is an entire internet filled with free resources to support … [Read more...] about 12 Free Resources to Help Keep Kids Busy

How to set up a money-saving childcare co-op

Even the most enthusiastic parent needs some kid-free time – whether it’s for a night out with the spouse, a lunch with friends or even just a doctor’s appointment. But the expense of paid childcare can be prohibitive for some families. Teens are more available to babysit during the summer months, … [Read more...] about How to set up a money-saving childcare co-op

Top 10 DIY outdoor toys and summer activities for kids

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

Great ways to save on summer travel

Summer is a great time to travel. Not only are the kids out of school, you don't have to worry about bad weather getting in the way of your carefully laid plans. Smart travelers know to follow their favorite airlines, hotel chains and vacation spots on Facebook and Twitter, where spur-of-the-moment … [Read more...] about Great ways to save on summer travel

Educational fun for kids of all ages

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 Educational fun for kids of all ages

Free or low-cost things to do in national parks

National parks – “America’s Best Idea” – offer a wealth of free entertainment options. Spending vacation time in a U.S. national park is a rewarding and memorable family experience, and accommodations within parks are less expensive than you might think, especially in spring and fall. Admission is … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost things to do in national parks

21 fun ideas for kids on summer break

School Break. Spring Break. Summer Break. Fall Break. The terms excite students across the country but also can instill dread in the minds of the parents of school-age children everywhere. Days or weeks in a row with no school. What can you possibly do to prevent hearing "I'm bored" over and over … [Read more...] about 21 fun ideas for kids on summer break