Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
There is no way around it – summer is expensive. Between the growing children eating from sun up to sun down and the commitment to checking off summer bucket lists, the cost of summertime adds up quickly. Just when things are about to slow down, we’re hit with the cost of back-to-school supplies. With a few weeks of summer left, and fun still to be had, I’m looking for all the ways to make budget-friendly memories with my little ones.
Here are a few suggestions for moms in the same boat:
Playground Passport
Make a list of all the local playgrounds you haven’t visited yet. Margate recently added a Lucy The Elephant-themed playground complete with an elephant-trunk slide. Check out the Imagination Station in Galloway, Birch Grove Park in Northfield, Tony Canale Park in EHT, or Shark Park in Brigantine to get you started. Take a spontaneous drive around the area looking for other parks you haven’t explored yet.
Put the Kids to Work
Lemonade stands are a summer staple. It’s a great opportunity for the kids to earn some spending cash of their own while learning some business basics. Allow their creativity to run wild from their company’s name to the “uniform” that they will wear at the stand. Grab an old t-shirt and let them use paints and markers to create a work shirt that represents their brand. Have them create a menu, price list, table set up, and work on their customer service voice. While it’s not entirely free, as you’ll have to buy some supplies, it is an affordable way to create amazing summer memories and instill valuable life lessons.
Jam Out in the Park
If you haven’t hit a summer beach or park concert yet, now is the time. There are free concerts every weekend all around Atlantic County. The kids can wear themselves out as they dance the night away with friends while you sit back and soak in the smells and sounds of a perfect summer night. Check out our beach and park concert lists in this edition of Shore Local.
Old School Summer
Put on the sprinkler, give them some water balloons, and tell them not to come inside until they’re completely exhausted, just like our parents did. A few frozen popsicles and a sprinkler can go a long way. Challenge them to put down the technology, go outside, and create their own fun for the day. Check out Pinterest for some backyard fun.
Beach It
It is the Jersey Shore, after all. There are a few weeks left to get in as many beach days as possible. Free local beaches include Atlantic City beaches, Beesley’s Point, Strathmere, Wildwood, and Wiliam Morrow beach in Somers Point. I’m always honest with my kids that mom needs a mental and financial break before school starts back up so we will have our butts in the sand until September.
Video Game Marathon
I know we always talk about getting our kids off the screens but let’s face it, they love to play their games. Change the perspective by getting involved in the video games with them. Learn about what they’re into, try to play the game yourself (I personally am terrible at video games), or create some friendly competition around the house. Turn their screen time into family quality time and memory making.
However you end Summer 2022, I hope it is filled with love, peace, joy, and ease. As the saying goes, the days are long but the years are short. Enjoy every minute with the ones you love whether you soak up the sun or dive into the world of Roblox.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
