More Ideas for Passing the (Summer) Time

Here’s another list of summertime things to do to pass the time without breaking the bank:

Think ahead for shopping (school supplies, Halloween costumes)

• Beat the crowds and start your back-to-school shopping this week. Official school supply lists might not be out yet, but you can still pick up classroom essentials like pencils, pens, and paper. If you really want to get ahead, consider a trip to the local costume store and get Halloween costumes for the kids.

Visit the library

• Parents: during the summer, many libraries host reading competitions for kids with great prizes, as well as weekly events. A lot of libraries have large movie collections as well, so say goodbye to watching “Frozen” on a loop.

Get some alone time

• Your kids might be the greatest, but don’t lie, you could use a break. Pair up with another parent and plan to take turns watching the kids. Even if it’s just a few hours of silence around the house, every second counts.

Start thinking about next summer (Purple Camps)

This summer might just be wrapping up, but it isn’t too soon to start thinking about vacations and camps for next summer. Maybe there is something your kids wanted to do this summer that they missed out on, or programs that require applications before summer even begins. Check out the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Camps to start planning ahead.

Make the most of the last month of summer. Before you know it, the kiddos will be back to the books and you’ll be wishing summer lasted forever.

Have more suggestions for cheap and easy ways to have fun during the summer? Let us know in the comments section or on the MFAN Facebook page.