Summer Activities For Kids: Three Boredom Busters That Won’t Break The Bank

Summer activities for kids can seem like a miracle cure for everything that ails a parent dealing with onslaughts of “I’m bored!” Two weeks after the initial rush of not going to school wears off, everything in the fridge becomes inedible, none of the games in the living room are cool, it’s too hot to go outside, and internecine sibling rivalry becomes a thing. What could be better than finding a local activity camp and sending your little darlings off to make quilts or learn about Bernoulli’s Principle?

A quick look at those online FAQs and registration pages can bring reality crashing down on to the dream that your little guy with an Iron Man fixation might be the next Bill Nye. Some of those summer activities for kids have deadlines that have passed and waiting lists and fees, and a few of them might even require letter of recommendation. Yep. Depending on the activity, your young lady might need to start building up her reference list before she’s learned long division. And have I mentioned fees?

Summer Doesn’t Have To Begin And End With Little League

While some kids may have opportunities to take advantage of summer activities that continue programs they participate in during the school year, there can be limited opportunities for children who might be less inclined to make a summer-long commitment to something they’re not so sure they’re going to enjoy. This list of three options for summer activities for kids was compiled with the not-so-athletic, not-quite-the-school year activity star kid in mind. They are relatively inexpensive, the time commitment low, ranging from an hour or two to a week, and they give children a chance to explore avenues they may have missed by dint of keeping with more highly structured school days.

1.) Vacation Bible School — Vacation Bible School (or VBS as it is sometimes called) usually lasts from three to five days and runs on half-day schedules. The target age for most VBS programs is preschool to fifth grade. This summer activity is usually open to children regardless of church membership. Some require registration, and given the cost of some of the more popular prefabbed themed VBS programs. There are a few churches requesting financial help ranging from a donation of the parents’ choice to set fees that can go from $5 to $75. The activities are faith-based. Many feature crafts, lessons on positive socialization, games, and religious education. One of the more popular programs this year is Cokesbury’s “Surf Shack.” You can find local churches featuring this activity by visiting their official website or checking your local church directory.

2.) Summer Reading Programs — Local libraries are a great source for summer activities for kids. Many feature special interest clubs throughout the year and ramp up their outreach during the summer with activities geared towards fostering interest in science, art, sports, and local history. Most libraries have self-paced reading programs with suggested title lists and a reward system based on young patrons reaching goals based on the number of books they complete. If your local library offers access to Overdrive, they can enjoy the convenience of thousands of titles as close as their nearest screen. This summer, many libraries like the Camden County Library System, are promoting Overdrive’s Summer Reading For Kids program.

Related Stories At Inquisitr

• Five Bucket List National Parks To Visit Before You Die
• Travel Tips For Booking A Summer Holiday On A Budget
• Kids Still Home For The Summer? These 4 Easy To Do Science Experiments Will Help Keep Them Entertained! [VIDEO]

3.) Craft Classes/Activities — A quick look at your local activity calendar might reveal some no- to low-cost classes offered by regional museums, parks services, conservation organizations, and supplies retailers. Art supply stores sometimes host craft fairs where vendors offer demos appropriate for all ages. Manufacturers such as Speedball, Liquitex, and Winsor and Newton may be among the sponsors of workshops on screen printing, watercolor, and acrylic painting. Some of these classes are intended for all ages while others are geared toward young artists. Yarn and fabric shops may offer classes on knitting and crochet. If there are no smaller private shops near you, Michael’s dominates the crafty chains with online instructions for simple, fun, budget-friendly projects, and classes for kids that are usually $5 and under.

The idea of creating a schedule full of summer activities for kids doesn’t have to be expensive or the start of a long march through things that may or may not be interesting to your child. These quick, inexpensive options may seem light on content, but they can lead to friendships, fun, and maybe even an activity that will prove to be a passion for a lifetime.

[Photos by Fox Photos/Getty Images]