Summer Time Fun on a Budget

                                          

Summer fun has finally hit South Florida. The kiddies are all done with school, back packs have been cleaned out & uniforms have been swapped for swim suits and pool shoes. We are most excited about NOT having to wake up at 6am M-F (Hallelujah)!! 

Even though I have been working on our 'Summer 19 Adventures List' since spring break. This summer my kids have asked to go to the Boys and Girls club at least 3 days a week. Our summer outing will be twice a week, every Wednesday (free activity) and Friday (paid activity). A total of 18 outings over our 9week break. My kids have also received winner circles this year from being on the honor roll. So we have lots of 'kids get in free' coupons that will help me stay on budget.

I have some great mom friends who know I am a summer planning connoisseur lol. So I wanted to share my low budget 'Summer 19 Adventure List' with you as well. It is very important to me not to break bank during the summer. So alot of our activities on the list are FREE or includes days where kids admission is 5-10$. When you see the word (Coup)it means I have a coupon. I will put the money break down next to every activity. 

-Outdoor Fun:

The Beach, Lake, River or Pool - Some of my best summer memories were made by a body of water. Digging for shells, fishing, surfing, canoeing and kayaking. These activities we will enjoy to the fullest at our local beaches. FREE

Water parks- Are a must do on our summer list. Now if you have more than 2 kids water parks can get pretty pricey. Luckily most places offer discounts, so on designated days kids would be 1/2 price. We are planning to splash around at 'Paradise Cove'-$8pp after 3pm and our city pool/water park $1.50 pp M-F.

Camping- We have never been camping before and are really looking forward to this adventure. Roasting marshmallows, hotdogs on a stick and being without Wi-Fi should be very interesting lol. We're going to Oleta River State Park where cabin rentals are 55$ a night. Equipped with beds and air conditioning (thank God). This is where we will be doing the Canoeing and kayaking. Boat rentals will cost $6.00 pp.  

Parks- There is also the good old fashioned park. Pull out some water balloons and super soakers and watch the kids have a ball. We even have a few picnics planned for our Wednesdays. Kite flying, bike riding and roller skating are all on our park to-do list. FREE



-Educational:
Museums- Young at Art is a super fun interactive museum we have here for kids. We go there at least 3xs a year. They have some of the best activities and shows for all age groups. It is 12$pp, I have (3 Coup/kids in free with a paid adult). 

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum- This museum/aquarium we have never visited before. I have always heard and seen great things online about this place. The kids and I are excited about our 1st visit. Frost Museum $18.95 kids, $29.95 adults.

Miami Children Museum- Every 3rd Friday of the month MCM has free admission from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The program is sponsored by Target. Events include interactive activities and crafts and storytelling. This place is what kids dreams are made of. Parents wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot to see. 


Library- Ever summer Our local library picks a theme and has some of the best crafts and contests for kids and tweens. Thursday afternoons are designated for tweens and teens to enjoy,  complete with snacks a supervision. This is will be a bi-weekly activity for us. You should check your local library calendar for events near you. FREE.


-CRAFTS:
Home Depot- Every 1st Saturday of the month Home depot has a kids craft program. They have all the supplies and each child receives a certificate of completion. You can build  Bird houses, Charging stations, Mini tow trucks and so much more. Just contact you local Home depot. FREE

Garden Day- This will be an at home activity. I'm going to purchase flower pots and shovels at the Dollar Tree, soil and seeds from Home depot and have the kids start their own garden. This will give them something to take care of through out the summer. I'm thinking some thyme or cilantro or maybe even strawberries. Total cost 20$.

Cooking- There is so much joy in making your own pizza, baking your own cupcakes and learning how to make ice cream from scratch. With all the necessary ingredients added to my weekly grocery list, and instructions on homemade ice cream printed and ready to go. This will be a very tasty activity. FREE 


-Entertainment:
Movies- Regal Cinemas offer 1$ movies every Tues & Wed. Its mostly movies that are already out on dvd, but the kids still enjoy the excitement of watching it on a big screen.  

Monkey Joes- On Wednesdays kids jump and play for $5.87pp. Parents are free if you are not jumping and playing. Update (kids over 12 are not allowed to jump) 

Ice Skating- After our super fun ice skating experience in Maryland over winter break, I found an Ice rink in our area that we are so excited to visit. I have (3 Coup for free skate rental) Price $10 pp to skate & $5pp for skate rental. 

Roller Skating- At our local Galaxy skating rink we have (3 Coup for free admission) admission is $12pp & $6 skate rental.


-Big Splurges:
Rapid Water Park- Rapid water park will be our water park splurge. The original price is $43.99, but we are doing the sunset rate M-F after 4pm for $22.00 pp. Our total entry cost as a family will be $132.00. This park is also 50mins from our home so including gas we estimate $175.00. 


Lion Country Safari- As a child I have gone 3xs, but this will be our kids first time ever. I wanted to wait until they were older and can appreciate the animals and could handle all of the walking w/out complaining. Lion Country Safari- Adults $37, Kids 3-9 $28.00. (3Coup/3 kids in for free with a paid adult). My family total for entry $111.00. This trip in a hour away from my home so including Gas, Lunch, & souvenirs we estimate this to be a 200$ adventure. 


Lego Land- Now this theme park I personally cannot wait to explore. I have close friends who have recommended this park vs SeaWorld which was another contender when making this list. With Lego Land there is no separate prices. All tickets are $84.99 for the regular park entry and $109.99 for the park and water park. We have (3Coup/kids in free with a paid adult) We are doing the water park entry so our family total for park entry will be $329.97. Lego land is located in Orlando which is 3hrs away from home. So including Hotel, Gas, Food and Souvenirs, our estimate for total trip cost is $650.00.

I hope you all enjoyed Our "Summer 19 Adventures list". Hopefully for any of you who live in the SoFlo area you can add some of our activities to your summer fun. Remember to work off of your own budget. What maybe feasible for some may not be good for you. 

Well thank you for coming to chat with me. I Hope I was able to bring some joy to you today. I pray you come back to visit me again soon. Same time next week? You bring the tea and I will bring the treats.

With Blessings & the Peace of God,

xoxo, Chevonne.