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It’s all too easy to spend a fortune to keep your kids occupied during school breaks. Camps are expensive, and the cost of a family vacation adds up quickly once you factor in transportation, lodging, meals out and activities. For budget-conscious parents, there are affordable alternatives. Take a look at five cheap (and fun!) things you can do with your kids when school is out.
1. Plant something
Herbs and vegetables planted in the spring will grow through the summer.
Cost: $2.50/packet of seeds at Burpee.com
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2. Have a water balloon fight
Kids love to soak each other, not to mention their parents, with water balloons.
Cost: $1/pack of balloons at Dollar Tree
3. Be Jackson Pollock
Create a masterpiece in the spirit of the artist known for splatter painting.
Cost: $21 for canvas, paint and brushes at Michaels (free if you use old cardboard and leftover house paint)
4. Hold an egg toss
Yes, it’s messy, so do this outside and have a hose nearby for quick cleanup.
Cost: 39 cents/dozen at Aldi
5. Shop at a dollar store
Give kids a budget and let them figure out what they can buy without going over.
Cost: $5/kid is plenty
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Dow Adds 1,206 Points to Top 50,000: Stock Market TodayThe S&P 500 and Nasdaq also had strong finishes to a volatile week, with beaten-down tech stocks outperforming.
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Ask the Tax Editor: Federal Income Tax DeductionsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on federal income tax deductions
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States With No-Fault Car Insurance Laws (and How No-Fault Car Insurance Works)A breakdown of the confusing rules around no-fault car insurance in every state where it exists.
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Smart Strategies for Paying Your Child an AllowanceBy giving your kids money to spend and save, you’ll help them sharpen their financial skills at an early age.
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My Four Pieces of Advice for Women Anxious About Handling MoneyTalking about money can help you take control of your finances.
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Should You Buy Life Insurance? Four Cases When You Should or Shouldn'tinsurance If no one depends on your income for support, you probably don't need life insurance at all.
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States That Still Tax DiapersSales Taxes Most states still tax diapers. Is your state one of them?
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Reading, Writing, and Personal FinanceRaising Money-Smart Kids A growing number of high schools are adding personal finance to their curriculum.
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How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?Feature NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
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Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your HomeBrandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
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The "Real" Cost of Buying a CarFeature Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland illustrates how car prices are far more than meets the eye.
