5 Cheap Summer Activities for Kids

School is out, and the kids are bored! They are tired of the same old summertime activities and are looking for something fun and interesting to do. With a little innovation and creativity, these activities can help starve off summer boredom for kids of all ages.

Mud Painting
Fetch those old paintbrushes and the grubby clothes and get ready for a good time! Grab a bucket, some dirt from the back yard, and some water, and get ready to discover your inner Piccaso.

What you will need:
Dirt
Bucket
Paintbrushes
Water

To make the mud paint, mix the dirt with the water in the bucket. Turn the kids loose on the driveway and front walk. Watch the driveway turn into a work of art while the kids have fun and discover their artistic talents. To clean up, simply hose down the driveway. Be sure to have laundry detergent on hand - the kids clothes will probably need to be washed too.

Neighborhood Parade
Get ready for a fun show! This works best if other kids from the neighborhood are recruited to participate - the more, the better. This is an activity that can keep kids happily occupied for hours.

What you will need:
Bike, tricycle, bigwheel, or wagon
Balloons
Streamers
Tape
Other decorations
Poster board or paper
Markers or crayons

Kids can use the markers or crayons to make invitations for their parents and neighbors, announcing their parade. Make them nice, interesting, and decorative, and be sure to include the time and place of your event!

Decorate your bike, bigwheel, scooter, or other transportation with the streamers, balloons, stickers, or whatever is available. Be creative! Have fun, but keep safety in mind as well. You can also make signs for your bike or to carry.

Be sure to be ready when the time comes for the parade. When parents and neighbors arrive, show off your beautiful bikes proudly. Be sure to ride past very slowly, so they can see all of your hard work.

Water Tag
Be prepared to get wet! Swimsuits optional.

What you will need:
Squirt gun
Water
Other kids to play - the more, the better