6 WAYS TO BEAT THE SUMMER BLUES IN A PANDEMIC

This summer is definitely not a normal summer. And it comes right on the heels of a very unusual spring. Things aren’t working out like we’d have hoped. Since we’re not the only family in this boat I decided to brainstorm some ways to help you beat the summer blues in a pandemic too!

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HAVE THE PANDEMIC SUMMER BLUES?

It’s okay to admit it if you do; canceled vacations, birthday parties, and the usual summer visits to the local parks, swimming pools are out of the question for many this summer.

We had planned to book a pool party at a local aquatic park or the Boys and Girls Club. It doesn’t appear the aquatic park is opening at all this summer and the Club isn’t booking anything; they’re barely open.

Family reunions and birthday parties aren’t the only things canceled or rescheduled. Our state is reopening, but cases are on the rise. The majority of people we come across on our rare outings aren’t wearing masks.

So what we technically could do library or play at the park) we probably won’t, at least until things settle down. And it’s perfectly okay to be disappointed with that.

But what do we do in the meantime? I’ve come up with a list of frugal activities for the whole family to enjoy.

WAYS TO BEAT IT OUTDOORS

Have a backyard picnic – Gather up some PB&J sandwiches, chips, or fruit and throw a blanket down in the shade. You don’t even have to cool the car off for this one if you have just a little outdoor space.

I recently got a really cool picnic blanket and the kids have been looking forward to testing it out. I have just the spot picked out!

Pitch a tent and go camping! – Campgrounds have largely reopened. And what better way to social distance than hiking and camping in the great outdoors?

Get online or call your local campground and book a few days in your favorite spot ASAP! We plan to invest in a tent and enjoy a little adventure with the kids we get the chance.

Go on a scavenger hunt – There are SO many free ideas and printables out there; you don’t have to come up with your own from scratch.

I plan to pick up some fun things from Dollar Tree for a scavenger hunt or outdoor game this summer.

Create your own backyard water park! – Air up the kiddie pool, turn on the sprinkler and fire up a bubble machine. You’ll have a backyard oasis for the family to help beat the summer blues and the heat!

Or skip the sprinkler and have a water gun or water balloon fight. The whole family will get cooled down and probably save a few bucks on the water bill.

WAYS TO BEAT THE SUMMER BLUES WHILE INDOORS

Have a themed movie night – Have a movie marathon with the kids! Share your favorite trilogy growing up (Back to the Future anyone?) or watch one of their favorites.

For bonus points, you can even keep dinner or movie munchies on theme! Watching Scoobie Doo? How about Scoobie Snacks? The possibilities are endless, but I’ll stop here or we’d have a whole post on that!

Rearrange your space – While this may not be fun for some (I enjoy it from time to time) it helps. Anything to preserve peace and save your sanity!

Back in the spring our little man got fed up with his sister coming in his room to play kitchen. In an effort to keep the peace, we pulled any large items both kids would enjoy out of their bedrooms.

The play table and kitchen set now both reside behind the couch. We even moved the living room rug back there to help designate the area as theirs.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BEAT THE SUMMER BLUES?

What fun ideas have you come up with for your family? I’d love to hear! Whatever you do, please wash your hands and wear a mask when you’re in public!

Stay tuned because Tuesday I have my top budget tool recommendations coming at you! Be sure to sign up as a Frugal Friend so you don’t miss it AND get your weekly newsletter with free meal plan on Meal Plan Mondays!

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