6 Cheap Ways to Entertain Your Kids This Summer

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School will be out before we know it. As a parent, I understand that reality can be terrifying. After all, what are you going to do with the kids all summer? Will they spend another summer break playing video games and watching TV?

I don't know about you, but my kids do better when they are active and entertained, and I aim to keep them busy. Here are some ways I'll be keeping my kids moving a little more this summer, and how you can, too. (See also: How to Save Money on Child Care This Summer)

1. Throw a water party

Kids of all ages like to play with water. I'm planning a couple of days when my kiddos can each invite a few friends over and go water-crazy for an afternoon. We'll have water guns, water balloons, the sprinklers will be going, an old school Slip 'N Slide, and more. It will be a blast, won't cost too much, and they will run around all afternoon.

2. Show them how to grow veggies

Having a garden takes some work, and I plan to put my kids in charge of (at least part of) mine. Digging, weeding, and watering are all active tasks and, even better, they get the kids out of the house. I'll give them each a small plot in the garden and put them in charge of picking what to grow and the actual planting, watering, weeding, etc. (See also: 13 Simple Gardening Skills Anybody Can Master)

3. Have them create a funny video

Rather than have my kids watch videos, they'll be making their own. I'll encourage them to write the script, come up with costumes and props, and even shoot as much of it as they can themselves. It's cheap, it will keep them busy, and they'll have to exercise both their brains and their bodies to get it done.

4. Cook together

Most kids don't know how to cook, but I've found that they usually like to learn. As long as they don't feel like it's a chore and they aren't left entirely to their own devices, most kids are surprised to learn just how easy and satisfying it can be to throw a meal together. Plus, you'll finally have help with meal planning and preparation!

5. Teach them a new sport

Learning doesn't have to take place inside the confines of school, and kids can remember this over the summer. Take the time to learn some new activity with your kids. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking if you want to do something outside. Not only will you and your kids get out of the house and move, but you'll learn a new skill that will keep you active.

6. Wash the car

Going back to the idea that everyone loves to play in the water, put your kids to work washing cars, bikes, scooters, etc. The job has to be done anyway, so you might as well use it as an excuse to get your kids moving. They may resist at first, but after the hose comes on, most kids are more than happy to do these particular chores.

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