Planning Ahead for Summer Fun

Summer is just around the corner. School's getting out and the kids will all be home. I so look forward to this time of year. I can't wait to hang out with my older kids more. At the same time, I've learned that when I'm not prepared, I can get doused with a lot of "I'm bored" and "Can I play video games?" On the other hand, when I plan ahead, both the kids and I have lots of fun together, making great summer memories. Over the next few months, I'll list a bunch of fun activities that you might enjoy during the summer months.

Today, I'll leave just a list of resources. I found that here in Colorado, there are TONS of things to do for free or for a minimal cost during the summer. Take a few minutes and find out what might be happening in your neck of the woods.

1. Reading Programs. Check out your local library. Reading programs can be a fun way to keep the kids reading through the summer plus they can provide extra fun as well. Here in Colorado, kids earn gift certificates to local fun spots (amusement parks, restaurants, theaters, etc.). Get your kids reading and enjoy the fun!

2. Free Summer Movies. Check your local movie theater's website for a summer discount program. Around here, they did free movies last year and $1 movies this year. It's a fun way to escape the heat and get some relaxed time during the summer. Here's a partial lists of theaters throughout the country offering some sort of discount program: http://couponing.about.com/od/localcoupons/tp/summermovies.htm.

3. Free Museum days. Type in "Free Museum Days" plus your city into your google search bar to find all the free museum days in your area. Chances are there are a lot of museums to choose from if you're by a big city. Also, I've noticed that more and more libraries are offering free passes to local museums. Ask at the info desk next time you're in.

4. Free local events. Just by going to our town's website and clicking on "events", I found free summer outdoor movies, fireworks shows, concerts and bounce house days. Chances are good, your community will have all sorts of fun events, too!

5. Free Summer Concerts. Most towns, big or small, seem to hold outdoor summer concerts. Type in "Free Summer Concerts" plus your town or city to find what's closest to you.

6. Library Classes. I just got online and looked at the events calendar at our library. Turns out there's a lego building contest at the library in a couple of weeks...perfect for my lego-fanatic Tyler. Family Fun nights, Movie Nights, Exploring Nature classes, and much more were all scheduled for the month as well. Chances are your library has more to offer than you know.

7. Groupon, Mamapedia or LivingSocial deals. I've signed up for all 3 of these services and am emailed great deals all the time. We just bought tickets to a Bounce House location here in town for 60% off the usual price. When the heat gets to be too much in the afternoon, you can bet where we'll be going!

Know of any other great resources? Reply and let me know and I'll add it to the list. In the meantime, enjoy planning your summer. There is so much to do and so much fun to be had with your kids. Make it a great summer to create memories.