Boredom busters

By MoneySense Staff on July 12, 2013
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Ten budget-friendly boredom busters for the family this weekend.

This article is 11 years old. Some details may be outdated.

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada has these great suggestions to beat the heat without dropping a ton of cold-hard cash:

1. An Old Fashion Water Fight – For kids, everything is better when you add water. Hit up the dollar store for some inexpensive water guns and balloons. Turn on the hose, and fill up those toys for an afternoon of unforgettable fun. 2. Homemade Slip N’ Slide – Instead of opening your wallet for an expensive store bought toy that won’t last the summer, try making your own slip n’ slide. All you need is an old tarp and a couple of sprinklers to turn your yard into a water park full of fun. 3. Backyard Campout – Pitch a tent, light a fire (if your community permits it) and get ready for a night of star gazing, ghost stories and yummy s’mores. This simple backyard vacation will create memories that last a lifetime. 4. Treasure Hunt – If you have a little explorer on your hands, create a treasure map and send them on a neighbourhood adventure. Or challenge them to create their own treasure map to use with their friends. 5. Hit the Beach – Nothing says summer like a day at the beach, and Canada is home to some of the best lakes and beaches in the world. Pack a lunch, your towels and Frisbee for a great day of summer fun. 6. The Great Playground Adventure – Is your city or town home to some great parks and playgrounds? Challenge your kids to explore as many different playgrounds as they can this summer. 7. Dollar Store Art – Let the great outdoors be inspiration for your Mini Monet this summer. Dollar stores are a great resource for inexpensive art supplies. Stock up, and let your budding artist create away. Set up an easel outside to contain the mess. 8. Community Visits – There is a world to explore right in your own backyard. Fire halls, farms, museums, libraries and farmers markets all offer a wealth of frugal fun. 9. Take a Hike – Between our national and provincial parks, regional forests, and community trails, Canada some great places to hike. Pack your bug spray and some trail mix for a day of hiking in the woods. Trails Canada or your community website is a great place to find a trail close to home. 10. Young Entrepreneurs – Set your kids up for financial success by helping them start a business this summer. They can start small with a lemonade stand, or set themselves up mowing lawns in the neighbourhood. The skills they learn “running their own business” will stay with them for a lifetime.