Summer is here and school has let out for summer break. Granted, when it comes to keeping the kids fully engaged and happy during summer, many Dads are clueless. Having fun with your kids does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. You can have fun on the cheap without sacrificing enjoyment or satisfaction. We have compiled a list of cheap summer fun activities that you can do with your kids and enjoy yourselves tremendously (and save some precious units, we might add).

1. Attend a One Dollar Movie - there are many theater chains all over the country that offer cheap summer time movie programs for kids. One of these is the ‘‘One Dollar’’ movies. These cheap movies are screened for a whole week each summer and charge just one dollar per person. You can also opt to stay at home and stream classics from Netflix.
2. Have a Sprinkler Day - you can delay the sprinklers for a whole day so that they come on late in the morning. Put some bathing suits on your little ones and let them run around the sprinkler showers. You can join them if you are up to it.
3. Attend Story Time Sessions at the Library - kids can be avid book lovers, particularly if you introduce them to books early in their lives. The trick to getting your kids to love reading is by taking them to the library and letting them choose the books they love. If this is the first time, you can do the picking yourself. Later on, when they get the right feel, let them select books of their choice.
4. Set up a Backyard Lemonade Stand - ever heard the French phrase, ‘‘Tojour Tres Chic?’’ The phrase means ‘‘always very fashionable’’ and lemonade stands are true exemplars of the phrase. Your grandpa probably made a lemonade stand as a kid and your grandkids will probably do the same and still find it enjoyable. Summer-time lemonade stands are a true all-time classic. Lend the kids $10 seed money to buy lemons, sugar, cups, and some ice. Better still, let them draw from their piggy bank savings. This is a great way to let your children cut their teeth into the intriguing world of business and earn some dimes while having some fun to boot!
5. Fly a Kite - pick a day when the winds are fairly strong and teach the kids how to fly a kite. When buying a kite, don’t go for the cheapest since you will be dismayed to discover how flimsy the handles and strings can be. Buy a quality kite and let the kids fly it around for hours on end.
6. Go Bowling - admittedly bowling can be an expensive activity. If you don’t plan to spend much, call the lanes well ahead of time to inquire if they have any summer specials. Check coupon mailer packs and check for free game coupons.
7. Declare your own ‘‘Bored’’ game day -  Play games such as checkers, chess, backgammon, poker and other games that your kids can play without using a computer. Most old board games tend to be inexpensive and can still captivate like nothing else can.
8. Pajama Day - don’t you just love it when you have the opportunity to spend the whole day draped in your pajamas? Make some pancakes in the morning, bake pizza for lunch then spend the rest of the day just lounging and watching movies.
9. Water Balloon Fight - fill a couple of balloons with water and use them as missiles by hurling them at each other. Remember to pick up the balloon remnants after the battle is over.
10. Do Volunteer Work - let the kids donate their time doing volunteer work for a worthy cause. A good example of a volunteer project is Project Linux, a charitable project that makes blankets for children who have suffered some kind of trauma. Look around you and you are sure to find projects such as this.

Kenny Leigh & Associates is a law firm handling Family Law for men only. We provide quality customer service with our responsive, personable, courteous and effective lawyers. Whatever your family law issues are, call us and get the peace of mind you deserve.

By Kenny Leigh