What's the best time of year when you have twins, triplets or other multiples? Summer, of course! But keeping your multiples busy during the summer months can be a challenge for parents, especially when you're watching your budget. The cost of attending camps, movies, amusement parks or water parks can be prohibitive when you're paying admission for multiple children. Instead, create your own fun with these free -- or next-to-nothing -- activities, perfect for summertime!
1. Spit Seeds
Okay, so you have to spend a little bit to enjoy this summertime treat, but in season melons are relatively inexpensive. Forgo the fancy new seedless varieties and buy an old-fashioned whole melon bursting with black seeds. Cut it into wedges and dig in. Spit the seeds out in the yard, and you may find a free melon next summer! (All about watermelon from About's Guide to Home Cooking.)2. Catch Fireflies
Recycle a clean, clear jar with a lid for this activity. You'll probably want to provide each twin or multiple with their own container to avoid squabbles. Poke air holes in the top of the container. Wait until dusk and watch for the telltale "spark" of lightning bugs. Catch them and collect them in the jars. Of course, you'll want to set them free when you're done!3. Make Treats
Sweet stuff is always a treat. But you don't want to heat up the kitchen with baking. Instead, try crispy rice treats. They'll require some adult supervision as you heat the ingredients on the stove, but the kids can participate in every step of the process. For multiples, give them Give each multiple an individual buttered pan and let them make their own batch.4. Lemonade Stand
Encourage your little entrepreneurs. You'll have to invest a bit of money in supplies, but hopefully you'll recoup that initial investment. It's a great opportunity to teach them some business skills. Be sure to delegate jobs to avoid conflict over who's in charge of mixing, pouring or advertising. (Visit About.com's Guide to Homeschooling for detailed lemonade stand planning materials.)5. Fort-ified
Too hot outside? Rainy day? Take the fun indoors and build a fort together.6. Cool Off with Snow
Snow cones are a delightful treat on a hot summer day. They're fun and easy to make at home, with ingredients that you probably already have on hand.7. Games Galore
With multiples, you're well on your way to having a ready-made team for games. Round up a few more neighborhood kids (and adults) for a family game night. Take advantage of the dawdling twilight to stay out late. Play frisbee, badminton, hide and seek, kick the can or other fanuk faviruteks.8. Star Gaze
Spread out a blanket on the lawn after dark and look up. Or, head for a dark park or other open space away from bright lights. If you want to know what you're looking at (is it a star or a plane), visit About's Guide to Space and Astronomy. Really adventurous families can consider pitching a tent in the backyard and sleeping out under the stars. To really do it right, plan a Backyard Stargazing Sleepover Party.9. Get Wet
In the heat of summer, nothing feels better than getting wet! You don't have to pay the price of joining a pool or visiting a water park to have soggy summer fun. Hook up the hose or shoot off the sprinkler; with a bit of inspiration and enthusiasm, they're just as much fun. Wash the car, play tag with water guns, or fill a shallow plastic storage container with water for a mini-splash pool.10. Start a Collection
Choose a theme and start a collection. Make it actual or virtual, using a digital camera to capture pictures of living things that you don't want to disturb. Think leaves, twigs, rocks, bugs, butterflies, flowers, or even shells, if you live close to the shore. On a rainy day or low key afternoon, create displays for the items. Make scrapbooks or shadow boxes to organize and show off the collection.What does your family do for fun in the summer?
