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
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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
-
Stock Market Today: Have We Seen the Bottom for Stocks?Solid first-quarter earnings suggest fundamentals remain solid, and recent price action is encouraging too.
-
Is the GOP Secretly Planning to Raise Taxes on the Rich?Tax Reform As high-stakes tax reform talks resume on Capitol Hill, questions are swirling about what Republicans and President Trump will do.
-
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.
-
States That Still Tax DiapersSales Taxes Most states still tax diapers. Is your state one of them?
-
Reading, Writing, and Personal FinanceRaising Money-Smart Kids A growing number of high schools are adding personal finance to their curriculum.
-
How Big Should My Emergency Fund Be?Feature NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the importance of building an emergency fund.
-
Homeowners Insurance: How to Protect Your HomeBrandon Copeland NFL linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland discusses the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
-
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.
-
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family VacationBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to go on vacation without breaking the bank.
-
The Great Resignation: How to Quit Your Job With ConfidenceBrandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons linebacker and Kiplinger contributing editor Brandon Copeland provides tips on how to properly quit your job and upgrade your career.
