on June 5, 2018
If you live in a cold climate like I do, you are well aware that summer seems to pass in the blink of an eye. Don’t let this one slip away! There are plenty of ways to enjoy the nice weather with your family and be mindful of your budget.
It’s all about balance, right? While financial Security is important (it’s one of the three pillars of Self-Wealth), so is spending quality time with your family. Family plays into the other two pillars of Self-Wealth: Purpose and Hope.
Summer is the perfect time to re-engage your family and create lasting memories. So, get out there, have fun, and stay comfortably within your budget. Try a few of these 8 activities this month and let me know how they go!
1. Play Lawn Games
A bocce ball set, ladder ball, bags, or croquet can keep kids entertained for hours and are inexpensive to purchase. If you feel like it, bring a few other families in on the fun!
2. Bike & Picnic
Sure, biking can be fun all by itself, but it’s even better when you have a destination in mind. Pack a picnic lunch and camp out by a lake or in a park…just don’t forget to bring the bug spray!
3. Give Back
Summer is an amazing time to engage in volunteer activities (plus, you’ll be teaching your children to be good citizens). Get out there and plant trees, pick up trash, help run a sports concession stand, or any number of activities that give back.
4. Find A Parade/Festival
Summer is the time of festivals and parades! Do a quick Google search and see what you can find. In Minnesota, there’s everything from the Blueberry/Art Festival in Ely to the Minneapolis Aquatennial to Lanesboro’s Art in the Park.
5. Plant a Garden
You don’t have to go hog wild, but even growing a few tomato plants or green peppers is a great summer project for your kids. They’ll learn a little bit about nurturing and you’ll all be able to reap the rewards later in the summer.
6. Build a Bird (or Bee) House
Critters need a home too! Building a birdhouse is a great afternoon project. You could also make a bee house, which is even simpler to build and crucial for our dwindling bee population.
7. Sign Up For a 5K Race
Even if you’re not the most athletic family, a 5K race is a fun way to exercise (especially if it’s themed!). Plus, you can do a little training together before the big day.
8. Make An Upcycled Boat
Instead of throwing your plastic bottles or cartons in the recycling bin, use them to construct toy boats for floating in a lake or a pool. The internet is full of ideas on how to make an adorable upcycled boat—get as creative as you want!
You don’t need a huge budget to keep your family entertained this summer. Be creative, get outside, and start making memories that will keep you warm long after the snow starts to fall.