BIG IDEAS tiny budget

 School is out.  Here are 20 FREE adventures to help beat boredom this summer: 1- Walk to a park & bring a picnic 2- Find a nearby museum (some cities have museum's that accept donations, but don't charge admission) 3- Text friends to meet up at a playground 4- Walk around the mall, window shop at the pet store, & play at the indoor children's area.*   *This is especially great for a rainy day or when the weather is too hot to be outside 5- Go for a hike  6-  Sign up for the summer reading program at your public library 7- Check out a video while you're at the library & have a movie night at home 8- Teach your kids how to cook something fun 9- Host a pot-luck in your own backyard 10- Some communities have outdoor summer concerts that are open to the public--search for one you might like & grab a blanket or camp chairs 11- Video chat with grandparents or cousins who live far away 12- Play hide and seek (Tip: hide in the laundry room if you ha...

Our 8yr old was the first birthday we celebrated during our state’s covid-19 stay at home order. How do you make a birthday fun without friends? It’s extra challenging if your income has been impacted and there are only a few presents. We have some ideas to share! 1) Hide the presents throughout the house & have grandmas or cousins call to give clues. This adds lots of adventure, even if there are only a few gifts. You could also hide the cake and have them follow a treasure map to find it. 2) Let your child pick the meal. We made waffles for breakfast & homemade pizza before cake. Even if you’re cooking at home, kids like choosing their favorite meal. 3)Add celebration wherever you can. Hang a sign, blow up balloons, and play games. We set up mini golf in the backyard, so even though it was just her & her siblings playing, it was fun! If the weather is warm, you could have a backyard campout. A dance competition with wii “just dance”, soda bottle bowling, or a family ne...