Summer Fun

We just registered Ms Sarah for some activities this summer through the parks and recreation department in our town. Every season then send out a publication packed with tons of recreational programs for all ages. From youth craft classes to adult fitness to their ever popular swim lessons! There really is something for everyone. They even list the FREE things that will happen like concerts in the park or Fire Station open houses.

How does this save money?
It lets you test drive activities at a HUGE savings before you choose to invest in real ones. Example: Ballet. They have a ballet class that runs for a few weeks and is a LOT less expesive than a year at a local dance studio. You can let your kiddo try it out and, if after a few weeks, they don't like it - you haven't got a year long contract that is hundereds of dollars staring you in the face. Sarah LOVED dance last year and is at a real studio now. (Grammie is paying for it!)

We picked eight things over the three months and ended up getting five of them. We are testing out Karate for $28 and it includes a free T-shirt. There is a family fun event at a park that includes a hot dog lunch for three of us and runs $11. A 4th of July fun class for our little miss where she ends up with a decorated T-shirt, snack and other crafts all for a whopping $5. Add some fun science classes under the Curious George concept and we have 1-2 events each month for under $75.

This should nicely round our summer out when we add our week at the cabin, trip to Branson, Tupperware team party (we host for our downline and their families), swimming in the backyard pool, trips to the library, a few Free concerts on the square, a few trips to the Farmer's Market and hitting a few city wide garage sales! (OK, I am already tired just reading all of that, LOL!)

If you want a few fun things to try, but it isn't in your budget, do what we did - tell family members that you would rather have the gift of activity for your child's birthday/the holidays. One set of grandparents was paying for Sarah's swimming lessons, one for the ballet, one for the tumbling. This helps prevent a chubby little girl, me tripping on a billion toys with small parts, a little person learning to be a part of a team and the concept of taking turns all while following directions. What a win-win situation!

Until next time - check out what your local community is offering. That $10 Tango lesson could make for a fun date night!