Labor Day is creeping closer and so is the first day of school. While your August paycheck may be budgeted for back to school supplies, you still need things to do with the kids for the remaining days of summer.
CapeCod.com has teamed up with Cape Cod Budget Mom who has been sharing her savings tips on Instagram. Her children range in ages from 4 to 13, so the outings she’s suggested are sure to be a hit with all the kids in your house.
1. Library events. All town libraries throughout the Cape offer great programs. Babysitting courses, reading programs, traveling petting zoos, juggling acts, and so much more. They also offer museum passes for all over Massachusetts. For example, you can get 2 free admissions to Edaville in Carver at the Harwich library. They have passes for The New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, and the Cape Cod Children’s Museum.
2. The Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center. I know this may seem a bit “tourist” but trust me it is great! I’ve lived here my entire life and never knew about it. It’s free but it does close in the winter. They have an interactive museum where can kids can climb aboard a Coast guard boat, try on life vests, participate in a scavenger hunt to win a prize, and a lot more. Then take a walk long side the canal, you can fish, and walk down to the beach. And of course parking is free. They have picnic tables. We always bring a lunch and eat while we watch the boats come in and out.
3. Watch the sunset at Greys Beach in Yarmouth. This is by far one of the best spots to watch. They have a great boardwalk, park for the kids to play, and grills with picnic tables. During the day it is also free to park or launch your boat.
4. Wood Hole/Woods Hole Aquarium. This again is FREE and educational. They have seals, giant tanks, and they have a touch tank which is a kid favorite. Woods Hole has a great antique draw bridge that is so fun to watch go up and down while the boats go in and out(it happens OFTEN) We like to bring a picnic and sit in the local park which has a great view of the Woods Hole ferry docks. Parking along Main St. is super cheap as well. You can also take a tour of the research facilities and learn about the scientist that discovered the Titanic!
5. Cape Cod National Seashore – The visitors center in Eastham is really cool. It is free and has a lot to offer. They show a movie every half hour which is usually pretty entertaining. They also are very interactive with the kiddos. They allow you to touch just about everything there and they hand out a lot of free goodies( with toddlers this is a must!) The trails are amazing there. My kids always see some kind of new animal every time! They also host a bunch of free events throughout the year like Touch a Truck!
What are you favorite inexpensive things to do with kids during the summer? We’d love to hear your tips for saving money during the summer.
By Rebecca Romo, Lifestyle Reporter CapeCod.com
About Rebecca Romo
