Winnipeg family gets creative with summer fun that won’t break the bank

Rae Metcalfe recently put together a list of at least 100 free and inexpensive activities to make this summer accessible and affordable for their two kids.

A Winnipeg family is getting creative during their children’s break from school — without breaking the bank.

Rae Metcalfe recently put together a list of at least 100 free and inexpensive activities, to make this summer accessible and affordable for their two kids.

Metcalfe’s family’s dollars aren’t going as far as last year with their higher cost of living, they told Global News on Friday.

“They’re like insanely more expensive. Things have gone up in cost. Hours have changed as well, too,” Metcalfe said.

As of two months ago, Metcalfe decided to become a stay-at-home parent after finishing parental leave, because of the cost and limited availability of child care.

It isn’t feasible with their school-age daughter, who lives with a disability and toddler, they said.

“During the summertime, that $10/day daycare stops, so you pay full price during the summer and then go back to it afterwards.”

Over at summer camps, some still have spots available, Kim Scherger with the Manitoba Camping Association/Sunshine Fund said.