Five Low Cost, Low Tech Summer Activities for Families and Kids

Ah, summertime. Life just seems to take on a slower pace during the summer. You've waited months for your family's activity level to diminish so you can slow down, relax and have some quality family time. You've committed to finding some low cost activities for the kids and you also want to find activities the family can enjoy together. These low cost, low tech summer activities for families and kids will make you wish the summer would never end.

Sidewalk Chalk

One sure fire way to bring a smile to the faces of kids of all ages is to buy some sidewalk chalk. A bucket of sidewalk chalk will keep kids busy for hours. I've seen buckets of 20 or so sticks for sale at the Dollar Store near my house, which definitely qualifies for the low cost activity category. Families can create just about any type of artwork they want from abstract to free form. Another great plus besides the low cost, is that sidewalk chalk doesn't stain clothes or harm grass and isn't toxic to kids. Once an art project is finished, just hose off the sidewalk, wait for it to dry and the kids can start a brand new project! If it's raining, a garage floor or covered concrete patio work great as a chalk canvas.

Popsicle Eating Contest

There are so many variations on a theme for this low tech, low cost family activity. The most obvious contest is to see who can take the longest time to eat a popsicle. This is another activity in which the entire family can participate. The "eating your popsicle the slowest" contest takes not only patience, but the ability to withstand turning into a sticky, streaked mess while the popsicle melts. This disclaimer may give the kids a definite edge over the older members of the family. Not only is a popsicle eating contest a low tech and low cost activity, it's the perfect lead-in to the next low cost activity on the list: running through the sprinkler!

Run Through the Sprinkler

Running through the sprinkler is about the best low tech, low cost summer activity for kids. I never have figured out why this is so much fun. I can certainly remember relishing any chance to don a bathing suit and run through the sprinkler when I was a kid, though. Talk about a low cost activity the kids will enjoy! This one has to be way up on the "most fun" list. The really great thing about this low cost activity is that the family receives the benefit of well-watered lawn while kids are having fun. This is multitasking at its most fun!

Have a Picnic in the yard

No picnic table required for this family friendly, low cost activity. Whether everybody sits in the grass, on the sidewalk or front steps, or you spread out an old beach towel or tablecloth, the entire family will have a great time. Ants are just part of the ambience! Kids love the novelty of disregarding table manners while dining on the lawn. Even if you do have a picnic table, elbows on the table and licking your fingers are all a part of the laid-back, fun in the sun.

Plant a Garden

This low cost family activity will keep families busy all summer. You'll reap the rewards every time you harvest the vegetables. Beans and seeds cost literally pennies. Kids as young and three or four can be given the responsibility of watering and weeding the garden. Families living in an apartment or in a home with a small yard can plant a window box for herbs and mint varieties. Several varieties of tomatoes peppers can be planted and grown in patio pots.

These low cost activities for families and kids will help make your summer a little more enjoyable. Use your imagination to expand upon any of these suggestions. Allow each family member to select a different activity from the list every day or once a week, depending upon your family schedule. All of these activities offer a respite from the noise and flashing lights of electronic devices and afford face-to-face contact with each other. Who knows? Maybe your family will even have a conversation or two!