 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FTS: Highrise City celebrates this... Summer of Gaming Season With New DLC!
Summer Family Fun + Games!
What do you get when you mix fun + marshmallows + ginger ale + and mustard? Something disgusting, but... you know what's not disgusting? Having a great Summer!
Summer shouldn't be solely about gaming, even though we recommend that it be on the activity list... but there are other things to enjoy. Get crafty, game on, and have some fun... under the sun! I'll kick this post off with a dose of gaming... crank up the speakers and enjoy!
Arts & Crafts don't have to be the same old same old... there are plenty of Printables from Play Nintendo that your children can enjoy. Check these out (many more where these came from):
Pikmin coloring pages:
Powered up activities:
Pikmin...in color!:
Up and away! Paper Mario Airplane:
Print & play with Peach activity book:
Printable Mario & Luigi Masks (Adult required):
Print & Play Princess Peach Crown: (Adult required):
DK dress-up fun! (Adult required):
Paper Pikmin (Adult required):
Stage Craft (Adult required):
Kicking it with Mario:
Wario 'stache mask (Adult assistance required):
If you serve up these activities to your kids once per day, you're looking at nearly a month or so worth of arts and crafts for them to enjoy. Grab crayons or coloring pencils, scissors, print... and dig in! Whether these activities are done at home, vacation or staycation... they're a perfect fit.
Fun and Affordable Summer Activities for Families in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its world-class theme parks, but there’s so much more to explore, especially for families looking for fun and affordable summer activities (even though those usually traveling to Orlando are here for the theme parks). On the most affordable note though, here are some top picks that won’t break the bank:
Crayola Experience Orlando
Located at The Florida Mall, the Crayola Experience is a vibrant, interactive attraction where creativity knows no bounds. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, from making personalized crayons to exploring the color playground. It’s a colorful adventure that kids and adults alike will love.
Fun Spot America Theme Parks
Fun Spot America offers a variety of thrilling rides and attractions, including multi-level go-kart tracks, a wooden roller coaster, and a splash pad. The best part? Admission is free for non-riders, and parking is also complimentary. It’s a perfect spot for a day of excitement without the hefty price tag.
WonderWorks Orlando
Lake Eola Park
In the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a serene escape with plenty of activities for families. Enjoy a picnic by the lake, feed the swans, or take a leisurely paddleboat ride. The park also hosts free concerts and events throughout the summer, making it a great spot for budget-friendly fun.
Leu Gardens
For nature lovers, Leu Gardens offers 50 acres of beautiful gardens and landscapes. Admission is free on the first Monday of each month, providing an affordable way to explore the diverse plant collections and enjoy a peacefulday outdoors.
Central Florida Springs
Cool off from the summer heat by visiting one of Central Florida’s natural springs. Places like Wekiwa Springs and Blue Spring State Park offer refreshing swimming spots, kayaking, and scenic trails. Admission fees are minimal, making it a cost-effective family outing.
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a fantastic destination for curious minds. With interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, and a planetarium, it’s both educational and entertaining. The center often offers discounted admission days, so keep an eye out for deals.
Disney Springs
While visiting the major theme parks can be pricey, Disney Springs offers a taste of Disney magic without the high cost. Stroll through the shops, enjoy live entertainment, and indulge in delicious treats. It’s a fun way to experience the Disney atmosphere on a budget.
By the way, you can do something additional with this. You can resort hop... just take a free boat, bus, or monorail to the various Disney resorts and immerse yourself without an official resort stay. You can enjoy the atmosphere, the foods, as well as the desserts while being outside only during your transportation.
Big Tree Park & N Mills Ave
Not only do you have a park in this area, but it's right next to North Mills Avenue. This particular road isn't exactly a place presented to tourist, but it's a strip full of restaurants that also contains bars for those looking for that sort of thing.
Splash Pads and Playgrounds
Orlando is home to numerous splash pads and playgrounds that are perfect for cooling off and having fun. Many local parks offer these amenities for free, making them an excellent option for families looking to enjoy the outdoors without spending a lot. Lake Lorna Doone Park is one example of a park with a Splashpad, but... there is more than one option + some resorts have splash pads or mini waterparks.
Dezerland Park Orlando
Dezerland Park is Florida’s largest indoor attraction, offering a wide range of activities for families. Enjoy thrilling go-karting, explore the extensive Orlando Auto Museum, play boutique bowling, immerse yourself in The Pinball Palace, bounce at Jump Start Trampoline, and engage in black light combat with gel blasters in Toxic Blast. With so many unique attractions under one roof, Dezerland Park guarantees a day full of fun and excitement for everyone. Dezerland Deals.
Orlando offers a wealth of affordable activities for families to enjoy during the summer. From interactive museums and natural springs to vibrant parks and free events, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready to explore all that Orlando has to offer without breaking the bank. Even if you plan to only go to the parks a portion of the time... you can utilize these other options as fun fillers. Dezerland gives you a place to get out of the sun, rain, and it's open at night. Now let's jump into portable gaming!
Why Handheld Gaming Devices Are Perfect for a Summer Vacation
If there are more than two gamers, the ease of connecting is even better with the Nintendo Switch and some games give you the ability to play together by way of only one person owning the game. Nevertheless, if you only have one handheld device on deck, and 4 controllers are available... you can still enjoy multiplayer action on these devices (preferably on a big screen).
So take advantage of the versatility during your travels, fun it up, eat well, create some great memories and... game on!
New Survey - Wants VS Needs: Ease the fight for entertainment and wants!
According to a Mind & Money Connection survey, people are refusing to give up certain expenses even though they are considered non-essential.
The top expenses include:
- 'Treat Yourself' Purchases (like morning coffee) - 30.1%
- Health & Wellness (gym memberships, therapy, etc.) - 29.3%
- Media & Entertainment (streaming, music subscriptions) - 26.9%
- Experiences (movie tickets, concerts, theme parks) - 26.7%
- Social Activities (dining out, clubs, sports) - 22.5%
I can understand the desire to maintain certain health/wellness, and some extras to add normalcy during tough times, but there are options worth considering.
For those who want to hold onto non-essentials, I suggest exploring more affordable alternatives:
- Amazon Prime provides good entertainment value in addition to free shipping
- Amazon offers monthly payment plans
- Amazon provides TV/Film, Games, Music, and More in one service
- Grubhub orders are free through Amazon Prime - Free streaming services like FreeVee, Pluto TV, Tubi
- Buy good coffee to make at home
- Free-to-play gaming options, discounts/bundles and games you already own
- Thrift stores and second-hand shops for clothing
- Travel or enjoy a nice affordable staycation
The key is to budget and do your research, get creative with free/low-cost options, and prioritize covering essential expenses first. Resources like the $30 Now Home Internet service can help make entertainment and work accessible if you need to cut a cost.
Remember, there are also assistance programs in the U.S. for the less fortunate. With discipline and a good plan, you can hopefully get through this challenging time and establish a budget. For saving, Paypal actually has a saving account option that provides you with 4.30%, so if you plug a small amount of money into it on a consistent basis you can benefit.
Lastly, Rideshare drivers, you can make $1200/year without additional work by signing up for a tablet to entertain your passengers. There is no charge for you and tips may increase due to the added entertainment.
