summer fun – Our Military Life Blog https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com Serve*Save*Enjoy Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:52:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 Summer Boredom Buster: Painting with Squirt Guns! https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/summer-boredom-buster-painting-with-squirt-guns/ Sun, 20 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000 http://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=17607 Well, everyone, it’s finally happened. We are well into summer break and my kids are officially BORED! Honestly, they lasted a lot longer than I expected. So, we came up with a few different ideas to consider, but I have two boys…so, of course they picked painting with water guns! Let’s give it a SHOT!

Supplies:

Directions:

  • Water down the paint in a small bowl and mix well.
  • Using a small funnel, slowly pour the paint mixture into your water gun.
  • Head outside.
  • Prop your canvas up on a tree or other allowed surface or lay them flat on the ground.
  • Have the kiddos start shooting at the canvas to make their creations.
  • Allow your creations to dry.
  • Display them proudly.

Notes:

  • I discovered using a frosting tip was the perfect size for a funnel to pour the mixture into each gun, since I did have the right size of funnel available.
  • Some of the paint was a little thick so I would recommend adding more water if you run into any misfiring issues.
  • You can put them in a frame or hang them without one. Awesome!
  • The water guns were so cheap, I did not feel bad for throwing them away. There’s no way I have the patience to clean them all out!

Didn’t they turn out so cool? I was really impressed with their own color choices and styles. They had a blast squirting the canvas to create their own masterpieces, and with it being outside, clean up was a breeze! These bad boys do need to dry overnight before hanging them up. I just love how each of their personalities show through in their work! The kids REALLY got into it. It was so much fun! All in all, this was a complete success! Happy crafting, y’all!

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]]> It’s Time for Summer Bingo! https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/its-time-for-summer-bingo/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:24:00 +0000 https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=33598

♫ ♫ School’s Out for Summer! ♫ ♫
So, now what do we do for the next few months?!?!

I don’t know about you, but I know that I find myself getting into a rut when it comes to being super creative in the summer with my kiddo.  I found myself taking my child to the same few parks, the same sprinkler play, and so on.  I realized that not only was I getting bored (even though those activities are fun, it became monotonous), but my kiddo wasn’t having as much fun with the same old things every week.

That’s where this Summer Bingo game is so fun and easy.  There are so many great ideas that you can do this summer and it helps get you out of that rut!

As an additional idea, consider making each “Bingo” worth some other fun activity that you can come up with for your family.  That could lead into another potential 12 activities or ideas (go to the movies – watch your local theater for FREE or cheap family movies during the summer), plus, then you could have a grand finale/bigger activity if the kiddos complete the whole board with a blackout Bingo (go to a theme park, take a mini vacation, do a favorite family activity, etc.)!  We know you will come up with some fun summer activities to do for your completed bingos!

We are just starting week 3 in our summer and we have completed 9 of the activities already…no bingo yet, but we are getting close!  WOOHOO!  Go ahead and print your copy now and get started with this fun Summer Bingo!

If you are looking for some ideas on how to continue learning throughout the summer, then make sure to check out Summer Schooling – The Unschooler.

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]]> Summer Is Here! https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/summer-is-here/ https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/summer-is-here/#respond Sat, 21 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 http://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=779 It is FINALLY here, the first day of summer. School is out and we are SLEEPING in!! What are your plans for the summer?

Many times, as a military family PCS time is now, that is what my family is experiencing. So, not much relaxation is planned for this household. However, since we are departing Europe, we are having one last bang of a summer vacation to Spain.

Whatever your plans are, make sure you get some relaxation time this summer. As for my family, we are very busy throughout the school year so I like to relax with my family as much as I can.

Here are some great ideas for summer relaxation:

  • Relax
  • Go on Vacation
  • Go to beach or pool often
  • Have a summer BBQ
  • Go on a picnic
  • Sleep in
  • Do some fun family activities (camping, skiing, hiking, fishing, etc.)
  • Go on a road trip

We hope you find some time to relax this summer…even if you are PCSing like we are! Here’s to an amazing summer for us all! Have fun and be safe!

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Military Life & Family!

]]> https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/summer-is-here/feed/ 0 Finding Events On Post For Summer https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/finding-events-on-post-for-summer/ https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/finding-events-on-post-for-summer/#respond Thu, 12 Jun 2025 01:13:00 +0000 http://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=562 Summer is now here which means kids are out of school and we have to keep them busy.  Of course they’ll be playing hours upon hours with their friends and going to places like the pool.  However, what if you want to do more than that?  You don’t want to necessarily drag them all over town, because that can get costly.  Why not look into your local post?

Majority of Posts, Bases, and Naval Stations have MWRs which is short for Military, Welfare and Recreation. Check out your local MWR website, where you can find events happening on Post. Here are some examples you may find: camps, movie nights, races, classes, and live entertainment.  Also connected to the MWRs are the Libraries, Youth Centers, Bowling Allies, Outdoor Recreation, and even some Golf Courses. Pretty nifty, huh?

The MWRs have been amazing for myself and my family.  We’ve gone to so many events with friends and some just by ourselves.  We’ve always have had fun and know that we are in a safe location with our kiddos.

I highly recommend checking out your local MWR, because they have great events (some free or extremely inexpensive) and it can be fun for the whole family. There are so many opportunities on post, so what are you waiting for? Go check out what is happening where you live!

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]]> https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/finding-events-on-post-for-summer/feed/ 0 Fun Summer Activities https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/fun-summer-activities/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:58:00 +0000 https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=34890 Summer is unofficially here, so I wanted to share some fun summer activities for kids and adults of all ages that we love to do every year!

My kiddos LOVE racing down our Slip N Slide!  It’s a great way to stay cool and have a little competitive fun!

This is a family favorite! We snagged a simple projector.  Then, we hang up a white sheet and voila!  We have movies out in our backyard!  Don’t forget to complete the experience with popcorn, soda, and snacks!

This is one of my summer favorites!  Make a DIY S’mores Bar, where you can choose your own S’mores adventure!  I like a classic S’mores, but the rest of my family likes to try new crackers or cookies, and even new candies, instead of the plain chocolate too!  Grab your marshmallow roasting sticks and start making your favorite version!

A tradition I started last year with my kids! We put up some Christmas lights, made gingerbread cookies, listened to Christmas music, and we watched a fun Christmas movie. We had a jolly good time!

Looking for more great family ideas? Then, make sure to check out My Military Lifestyle!

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]]> You Don’t Have to Break the Bank…SUMMER FUN! https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/you-dont-have-to-break-the-bank-summerfun/ Thu, 15 May 2025 16:30:00 +0000 http://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=16116 School is almost out and you are probably planning some summer fun ideas! Sometimes summertime fun can get expensive, especially when you have a few kiddos. Having fun doesn’t always have to cost a lot of money though.

Here Are a Few Low-Cost Summer Fun Ideas:

  1. Spend the day at the beach or lake.
  2. Explore nature. Take a walk or hike with the whole family.
  3. Visit your local playground.
  4. Take a trip to your local library.
  5. Enjoy your favorite ice cream place.
  6. Plan a picnic. You could even let the kids pick their favorite place and pack their favorite picnic foods.
  7. Visit your local children’s museum.
  8. Go to the movies! Don’t forget to check for the summer specials offered at the local theaters!
  9. The pool is a great getaway for some summer fun.
  10. Go camping or throwing a tent up in the backyard.

There are plenty of low-cost summer fun ideas! Be creative and just make something up!

Where I live the Arts and Crafts Center on base has crafts planned for all ages in the summer. Make sure you check out those options as well.

Whatever you decide, enjoy time with your family! Have a safe, fun, and awesome summer!

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Military Life & Family!

]]> Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long Includes Many Military Bases https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/kids-bowl-free-all-summer-long-includes-many-military-bases/ Fri, 02 May 2025 02:36:00 +0000 https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=33600

OMG!  I am so excited that there are so many great opportunities available during the summer for kids, however, this one is probably our favorite.  Did you know Kids Bowl FREE All Summer at participating bowling alleys?  What makes it even more amazing is that many military bowling centers participate in this awesome program!  WOOHOO!

So, what do you need to know?  Your kiddo(s) can get 2 FREE bowling games every day in the summer (dates vary by location).  You will need to see what your local centers are including for the FREE Games to see whether shoes are included (most of what I have seen, they are NOT included but have a minimal cost).

When you head to the Kids Bowl FREE website, find where you can select location.  If you search by state, the military locations are not included, but you may see some fun opportunities to be in your local community!  For your installation, select Military Bowling Centers, and then it is sorted by Service Branch.  Once you find your branch, then search through the list to find your location.  To be honest, we sign up for both the on-base and the local community bowling centers!  Get signed up and get ready to start your summer bowling fun!

They will offer a family pass for up to 4 additional family members over a certain age (varies by location, but usually 16 is standard) for a set price per location.  As a note, you can sign up right away, but I have found that if you decline, they will give you a bonus savings offer.  If you still decline, you will receive emails to get additional offers.  I have seen $5 off, and 25% off within some of the different family pass bonus savings.  With a family pass, each member on the pass will get 2 FREE games of bowling per day as well (shoes will vary based on location).

If you have any further questions about the Kids Bowl FREE Program, check out the FAQ section.

Looking for some other summer fun ideas?  Then, make sure to check out our Summer Bingo!

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]]> Summertime Sangria https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/summertime-sangria/ Sat, 01 Jul 2023 05:00:13 +0000 https://blog.mymilitarysavings.com/?p=37309 Summer is in full swing down here in South Texas! What better way to be in full summer mode than to enjoy some bbq and hang out by the pool with a refreshing drink. We recently put a tiny above-ground pool in our backyard, and so, of course, I went searching for something unique to sip by the pool. Lo and behold, I found this fantastic recipe from Pepsi that incorporated all our favorite things! The best part, it is super simple to make and delicious! Check it out below:

What You Need

  • Pineapple Juice

Instructions

  1. Mix orange juice and pineapple juice into a pitcher. Add any fruit that you would like (strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple chunks are our favorites).
  2. Top with Starry™and garnish with a slice of strawberry and a lemon wheel.

We used strawberries, blueberries, and oranges as our fruit. This drink is so much fun because you can make it your own. If you want to make this more adult-friendly, add your favorite vodka or rum, and you have an amazing summer cocktail! This is all about your preference, and either way, it is going to be a fantastic drink for any party. We made ours in a pitcher, just like in the picture! P.S. The TropicanaⓇ orange juice really made this a smooth, tasty sangria! Try it out; you will love it!

While you are out at your local commissary, be sure to stock up on your favorite Pepsi products! With great deals and coupons, the savings are endless! For the full recipe, click here. And for more coupons, recipes, and savings, visit www.mymilitarysavings.com/brands/pepsi

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