With many Americans still at home due to COVID-19, trying to work and keep the kids entertained while sticking to a limited budget can be a challenge. Daycare centers and summer camps are closed throughout the country, leaving many children restless and bored this summer. So how can families stay sane until school starts again? American Consumer Credit Counseling has some ideas for low cost activities for kids during COVID-19. They’re great for having fun without adding to credit card debt.
These low cost activities for kids are fun while you’re paying off debt.
Indoor Low Cost Activities for Kids
If it’s too hot out for the kids to play outside, there are plenty of (quiet) things they can do inside. If you’ve done any online shopping recently, you might have some cardboard boxes around. Have your kids build a fort with boxes, blankets, and pillows. Once they’re done building the fort, they can have some quiet reading time inside it. You can get creative with it and incorporate different themes too. Ask them to make a space ship or a castle, and then have them read books that correspond to the theme. Imagination is important during quarantine!
Other easy, low cost activities for kids that they can do indoors include coloring, playing board games, origami, etc. The possibilities are endless! Coloring books are cheap, so even if the kids go through them fast, it’s not an expensive item to buy to keep them entertained. You can still successfully stay on your budget. As far as board games, you probably have a few already. Of course, if they’re getting bored of playing the same ones, a new board game might be a worthwhile investment during COVID-19! If your kids are creative and like making origami, this is a cheap way to keep them busy. You probably have old papers you’ve been meaning to recycle. Just give them to your kids to fold into little origami animals.
Outdoor Low Cost Activities for Kids
Outdoor activities are a good way for kids to burn energy, especially when they’ve been cooped up in the house. Letting them run around outside also gives you some time to yourself to get work done. Granted, if they’re still little and need adult supervision, you can always bring your laptop out on the porch. A few cheap, no-brainer outdoor activities include soccer, chalk drawing, blowing bubbles, and running through the sprinkler on a hot day.
If you want to get creative, you can build an obstacle course together in the backyard. You can use items you already have, so you don’t need to spend any money! An activity that requires a little planning on your part is a scavenger hunt. Hide little items around the yard and give your kids clues to try to find them. Who says egg hunts are only for Easter?
Conclusion
Even though summer during COVID-19 is going to look different than other summers, you and your family can still have fun! Staying home doesn’t have to be boring, and it can be a great way to save money.
For other debt struggles, schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
