Ages 7-10: Inexpensive Summer Fun

By Michele Blandino

It’s no secret that summer vacation is one of the most anticipated events in any kid’s life. And, while kids eagerly await the freedom from school, homework and the daily routine, their parents are usually trying to figure out what they are going to do with all that free time.

And, while many parents opt for summer camps, there are some who may not be able to afford the camp costs and others who simply don’t wish to commit an entire week or more to a specific activity. Fortunately, there are still plenty of great options including library programs, community programs, and church-run programs.

Library Programs

Libraries are a great place to escape the summer heat without spending a lot of money. Many libraries offer weekly or daily story hours and other age-appropriate activities including crafts, story time and musicians. Many of these activities are free to members or require a nominal payment to cover the cost of supplies. Because these programs tend to fill quickly, it is recommended that you obtain a schedule and register as early as possible. Many libraries have fairly comprehensive websites which helps to make this process easier.

Community Programs

Many towns, specifically those with dedicated Recreation Departments, hold summer programs for kids. These programs run from week-long day camps to one-day specialty programs. These programs provide a terrific way to introduce your child to a new activity without making a large financial investment. While there usually is a fee to attend, it is usually a fraction of that charged by a traditional camp. Again, these programs tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to register as soon as possible.

Church Programs

Many younger children, particularly those from ages 5 – 10, enjoy attending Vacation Bible School (VBS). Obviously, the decision to send your child to VBS will largely depend on your own religious background, since the programs are largely focused on the teachings of the Bible.

These week-long programs typically run for 2-3 hours each day. While costs vary from church to church, the average cost is $25 per program. In return, your child receives age-appropriate Bible instruction, a daily craft, participates in sing-a-long time, and is provided a snack.  And, since most churches don’t limit VBS enrollment to their own members, if you live in an area that has several churches, your child can attend a few sessions over the course of the summer. However, if you choose to do this, you should be sure to check with the church to see which program they will be offering; most churches utilize programs that have been developed by outside companies, making it possible that two or more churches in your area will be using the same program.

A Few Last Words

Enrolling your children in some of the programs described here will enable them to try new things, and give them time to socialize with other children while still providing plenty of time to relax and enjoy the long, lazy days of summer.