For many of us, summer cost-cutting lies somewhere between prudence and necessity. Alas, a faltering economy should not get in the way of quality family time. We’ve put together three inexpensive things to do – ideas that will keep your family entertained at home, throughout the summer.
1. Beat the Kids with a Mallet
Easy to learn and hard to master, croquet is a great game for families. A new set costs as little as $50, and used sets can be found for a fraction of the cost on Ebay and in thrift stores.
2. Slip N’ Slide
It’s hard to believe that Slip n’ Slide has been around since 1961. On second thought, it’s easy to believe – Slip N’ Slide is cheap, easy to assemble, and above all else, fun. Prices start at $24.99 new.
3. Go Stargazing
Did you know that telescopes can be purchased for under $75? An inexpensive model won’t resolve the face on Mars, but should provide ample hours of educational entertainment. Our favorite model: the Konus KJ-7 Junior 2.3″/60mm Refractor Telescope Kit. It comes with a tripod and costs only $59.95.
Have a Great Summer!
Make the most of your summer holidays with some fun filled outdoor activities. Kids love flying kites, but making a personalized kite is even better.
You’ll need:
- Two 12” thin, bendable cane sticks
- One large colored plastic bag
- Tape
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Thread
- One roll of string
- A small wooden dowel as winder
- Marker pens (optional)
How to make it:
- Make a cross with the cane sticks. Tie them together at the intersection using thread.
- Place the cross on the flattened plastic bag and cut out a kite shape according to the width and length of the cross.
- Tape the cross to the kite shaped plastic piece. Fold and tape the edges of the plastic around the kite frame.
- Cut 4-5 ribbons from the remnants of the plastic bag.
-
To make the tail, staple the ribbons together at the bottom end of the kite.
- Flip the kite and punch two tiny holes near the upper and bottom ends of the kite.
- Pass one end of the string through the holes and tie a knot. Wind the other end to the dowel.
Your kite is ready. Create decorative patterns on the kite using colored marker pens.
Have Fun!
Image: dkimages.com
If cooking is your forte, hosting a barbecue can be a great way to spend your Independence Day with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- Chopped rosemary – 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil – 2 ½ teaspoons
- Vinegar – 1 table spoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 Zucchini halved lengthwise
- 1 yellow squash halved lengthwise
- 1 eggplant halved lengthwise
- 1 bell pepper cut in quarters
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1 large tomato halvedPinch of ground black pepper
Directions:
- Mix rosemary, garlic, olive oil, vinegar pepper and salt in a bowl. Whisk to blend them well.
- Cover the exposed inner surface of the vegetables with the olive oil mixture.
- Grill the vegetables. Turn them after 5 minutes.
- Brush the remaining oil mixture over the vegetables and grill until the vegetables become tender.
- Remove from grill and allow to cool.
- Garnish with tomato and onion before serving.
Image: allposters.co.uk
This summer, enjoy uninterrupted family fun and entertainment for eight days in Philadelphia, from the end of June through the 4th of July. Philadelphia is one of the best places to enjoy Independence Day – the city is filled with entertainment and American history.
From barbecues and patriotic parades during the day, to concerts, dance parties, and fireworks at night – you’ll cherish every moment of your vacation this summer. The Sunoco Welcome America Festival at Philadelphia attracts revelers from all over the country – the perfect place to make new friends.
Image courtesy: blog.ratestogo.com and rhmamas.com
