Summertime Activities: Keeping The Kids Busy Without Spending A Cent

For school-age kids, it's the best time of year: school's out for summer and it's time for summer vacation. For Mum and Dad, it's all about keeping the kids occupied.

As the warm days bring many opportunities to play outside and have a good time, it's also about trying to keep those children occupied. So Mum and Dad - what are the kids going to do this summer?

For those who have the plans for summer camp or cottage locked down, there's already a busy schedule planned.

But for those days when there's apparently nothing to do - what can the kids do to keep busy, have fun and not cost money?Here's five ideas to keep the kids occupied without having to open the wallet:

1. Playdate: although it might seem like a simple idea, organizing the kids to visit friends from school will help out two sets of parents. If you encourage your child/children to plan a time to hang out with friends and it's easy to reciprocate. Suddenly there's plenty to do around the house when there's someone new around.

2. Scavenger Hunt: despite the numerous toys around the house, the kids may still say they're bored. Encourage their imagination and a little competition by organizing a scavenger hunt. Put together a list of items, some natural and some easily found in the house, and the winner can hold the title - until the next hunt is organized.

3. Community Centre: a perfect spot to find activities for school-age kids that won't cost anything. From spending time in a library or finding some other kids to play a sport, it's worth it to see what's going on in the neighbourhood.

4. Yard Sale: it may seem like an odd suggestion but kids can be inspired to get involved. Figure out a day for your family or a few on the block, and let the kids display items. You might just inspire someone to a future career in sales, clean out the garage and make some money for a movie night.

5. Gardening: What was once a household chore can now be fun and interesting for the little ones. For those kids who appreciate science, get them involved in the planting of vegetables and flowers. They can chart the progress of the plant, report in when flowers change to fruit or how many flowers are now on display and it'll teach them not to overwater or when to pick the ripe reward.