on May 28, 2019
Summer is here, and all the excitement and sunshine that goes with it. For many, the months of June through August are packed with activities, especially if your kids are on summer break and looking for things to do. With so much going on, your wallet can start to feel the strain, especially if it means regularly buying lunch or dinner out, renting outdoor equipment (kayaks, paddle boards), or taking overnight trips on the weekend.
How do you be mindful of your budget and take advantage of everything summertime has to offer? Here are 7 budget-friendly ideas for summer activities for the whole family:
1. Hit the Trail
A day-long excursion to a local park or hiking trail is low-cost, fun, and healthy—a winning combination! All you need are good shoes, outdoor clothing, and a pack with some essentials, such as a water bottle and sunscreen. If you’d like to make your hike even more budget-friendly, consider packing food and enjoying a picnic lunch on the trail.
2. Borrow Water Sports Equipment
If your kids are interested in kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding or any other type of watersport, consider asking around (or posting on social media) to see if your friends have extra equipment you could borrow. For many people, that equipment tends to sit around in the garage, so chances are you’ll find someone who is more than willing to lend you their water sports supplies.
3. Check Out Your City’s Event Page
Most cities offer several free events during the summer, including festivals, fairs, movies, music, and more. Check out their calendar page and see what’s on the docket for this summer. You may also want to take a look at the websites of nearby cities to see what they have to offer this summer.
4. Cookout in the Park
Instead of going out to eat, pack some foods to toss on the grill and hit the park! You could even turn your cookout into a gathering of friends—have everyone bring a dish to share and have fun eating and playing games in the park. It’s an inexpensive way to keep people of all ages both fed and entertained.
5. Explore a Museum
Many museums are free or inexpensive for children, and they’re a great way to pass time on a rainy summer day. The beauty of museums is that there is such a wide variety, you’ll surely be able to find one or two that suit your family’s tastes. Whether they’re interested in art, history, music, trains, or pop culture, there’s bound to be an exhibit or an entire museum that will pique your family’s interest.
6. Lawn/Sidewalk Games
Get out the sidewalk chalk and bocce ball set! Lawn games are a fun and inexpensive way to pass an evening. Purchasing a set of bags, ladder ball, croquet, or lawn dice is relatively inexpensive and is fun for the whole family (or your kids and their friends).
7. Turn Walks Into Scavenger Hunts
Though it may be fun to simply stroll through a park or public gardens, it’s even more fun to combine it with a scavenger hunt. Make a Bingo-like card and have your kids fill in different items they might see while walking around, such as a person wearing a hat, a yellow flower, a robin, or a pair of brightly-colored tennis shoes. Take your cards on your walk and have fun looking for different items on the scavenger hunt.
There are many budget-friendly ways to enjoy summer with the entire family. Get creative, involve the whole family, and take advantage the many activities available during the summer months. Have fun!