Every single time my family and I go camping, we talk about how we should do it more often. For us, the camping bug bit early on. My husband and I had both grown up spending summers outdoors, canoeing and fishing and stargazing. We both have strong memories of stoking the coals of the campfire as … [Read more...] about Rent an RV for summer vacation or travel
Summer Fun With Kids
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
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
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
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
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
Cheap summer 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 Cheap summer 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
How to take a bite out of road trip food costs
Summertime is synonymous with travel, and when flights were cheap, that meant flying to your destination. But with airfares at an all-time high, many Americans are opting for a good old-fashioned road trip. A lot of things are appealing about road trips — they can be as leisurely or as hectic as you … [Read more...] about How to take a bite out of road trip food costs
Cheap summer family fun: hiking with kids
Summertime means plenty of opportunity to get outdoors, away from TV and video games, and enjoy nature at its best. If there is a nature center in your city, check out the programs for both kids and adults – they’re usually FREE or just charge a few bucks to cover costs. But maybe you’d rather … [Read more...] about Cheap summer family fun: hiking with kids
