3 Ways Your Local Dollar Store Can Help You Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer

Many parents look forward to summer. There are generally fewer places to constantly run to once school's not in session, and you don't have to spend every afternoon screaming at your kids to do their homework.

But the summer months can be a very challenging period of time if money is tight. Last year, the average cost of summer camp was $178.49 a day, according to the American Camp Association. If you're not looking to raid your savings account to send your kids to camp, or if you don't have savings to raid in the first place, then you may have to come up with other ideas to keep your children busy.

The good news is that your local dollar store may be able to come to your rescue. Here are a few ways your dollar store can help you get through the summer without racking up a giant credit card tab in the process.

1. You can buy inexpensive craft supplies

If your kids enjoy crafts, you're in luck. Dollar stores commonly stock a host of supplies, from markers to crayons to glitter and glue. For under $20, you could load up on crafting supplies and keep your kids busy for hours. It's a great alternative to TV on those days when it's too wet or scorchingly hot to spend a lot of time outdoors.

2. You can introduce your kids to baking without spending a lot of money

Baking with your kids is a great activity. Not only does it fill time, but it can help them learn some pretty useful skills. And it's nice to be able to enjoy a sweet reward at the end of the day. Dollar stores commonly sell inexpensive baking supplies, from muffin tins to cookie sheets. You may even find a lot of your ingredients at the dollar store if you're using a basic recipe.

3. You can buy outdoor toys that help them stay entertained

It's natural for your kids to want to spend a nice amount of time outdoors during the summer. But if your backyard doesn't have a swimming pool or playset, then they might get bored after a few minutes of playing hide and seek or tag. That's why it pays to turn to your local dollar store for supplies like bubbles, kites, and even inexpensive outdoor toys. If you mix things up with a new find every few days, your kids may not grumble so much about hanging out behind their own house.

It's not an easy thing to keep your kids busy for what's generally a two-month stretch or longer. You may not be able to rely on your local dollar store to occupy your kids every single day. But it pays to explore these options for helping them stay busy without breaking the bank.

At the same time, if your kids are school-aged, you may want to see if their district is offering any sort of no-cost summer enrichment program. There may be a program your kids are eligible for even if they're not behind on learning. And while many kids would perhaps rather not attend school during the summer, it's a good way to help them keep up their skills and fill a few hours of the day.