How to have 1 Week of Quality Summer Family Fun for under $20

Before starting today's post, I just want to write a little about how we'll all miss Michael Jackson, an iconic figure, musician, artist, father, and an entertainer among many other things he was, of our times. Alongside millions of people around the world, I can proudly say Thriller was one of the first albums I owned, actually shared with all the cousins. Growing up in Nepal, in the 80's, living with an extended family, I was still very young, but vividly remember all of us dancing to his music. When I was a little older and in a boarding school, after I saw the Thriller video, I was so scared, for a few days I wouldn't sleep by myself and sneak to a friend's bed. Back then every wedding or any type of party we went to, Michael Jackson's music is what you would hear in the background. You could go hiking or camping in remote places in Nepal, where they didn't even have paved roads or running water, but they all knew who Michael Jackson was. This morning, I called my Mom in Nepal, and were talking about his passing, and mentioned to her, how my father in law had asked if they knew in Nepal who Michael Jackson is. My Mom was so offended her exact words were, "How can he ask that, we probably know him better here, than your father in law does in the US!"

For today's post, I wanted to share with my readers how our family has been enjoying summer, without spending much. Seth our 2.5 year boy gets very restless at home; he really enjoys being out and about, and enjoys trying new things, so I usually plan 1-2 outings per day. Since it's so hot right now and he can't really play outdoors until late evening, it's even more important to keep him engaged. I'm very budget minded, but I truly believe, you can have quality time, and fun with your kids without spending much at all.

Here's a look at how we've spent this past week:

Saturday: Took Seth to Story time at Barnes Noble in the morning, then to kiddie's pool at the Community pool in the evening. Cost: Free.

Sunday: We went tothe local Park early morning, then to Grandfather's house to spend Fathers day with family. Cost: Priceless!

Monday: Indoor Mall play area, and played for about an hour, then the Carousel ride. Cost: $2. That evening we went to the Atlanta Braves game for my husband's work company outing. Cost: Free. Other times when we go to the baseball game we buy tickets for about $6 to $11 each, and Seth gets in for Free.

Tuesday: Library Storytime in the morning, and bowling with friends at a bowling center offering Kids Bowl Free Program. Cost: $4.25 for bowling shoes. Seth absolutely loved it, and didn't want to leave. You have to register at their website, and you get 2 free games per day.

Wednesday: We went to the movie theater with friends at Regal Cinemas. They are offering free movies through summer at 10am every Wednesday. If you plan on going to this, get there early, because it gets pretty crowded. Cost: Free.

Thursday: Puppet show with friends; story of Pinocchio, at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Cost: $9 : $5 for adult and $4 for kids. In the afternoon Seth's neihborhood friends came over to play indoors. In the evening they went swimming at the community pool. Cost:Free

Friday: As I write this post, Seth is on a play date at his friends house for a few hours. I and my friend do this; watching each other's kid, every so often. Tonight we're going to movies on the green at the Centennial Olympic park, while we're there Seth'll enjoy the water fountain, and we'll have picnic. Cost: Free.

We mostly carry food, and drinks from home, because I don't believe in overpaying for anything. Therefore the total cost for all this week's worth of fun for our family of 3, for a Cost of : $15

Please share with us how you're enjoying summer with your kids.

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