Budget-Friendly Summer Activities for the Whole Family

Summer is a great time to create family memories, but it doesn’t have to require heaps of money. There are plenty of affordable ways to have fun with your loved ones, without breaking the bank, so keep the kids entertained for the summer with these great ideas for affordable fun.

Photo by Lubomirkin on Unsplash

1. Backyard Camping Adventure

• Transform your backyard into a mini-campsite for a night of adventure without leaving home.
• Pitch a tent, roll out the sleeping bags, and go camping!
• Campfire cooking: S’mores, hot dogs, cook a saucepan of chili in a fire pit or small portable grill.
• Star Gazing: Central Park is perfect for some star gazing. Break out the telescope or lie on your back and admire the view.

2. Picnic in the Park

• Pack a picnic basket with homemade snacks and head to your local park.
• Food and Drinks: Include sandwiches, fruit, cookies, and plenty of water.
• Games and Activities: Bring a frisbee, soccer ball, or board game for entertainment.
• Nature Walk: Explore the park trails and enjoy a relaxing walk amidst nature.

3. Creating your own fun and refreshing water-based games at home

• Beat the heat with a DIY water park in your backyard.
• Hours of slippery, drenching fun — Get wetted with sprinklers and a Slip ’n Slide.
• Water Balloon Fight: Fill up water balloons for a family-friendly water battle.
• Kiddie Pool: Set up a small pool for younger children to splash around in.

4. Visit Local Attractions

• Many local attractions offer affordable or even free admission.
• Museums and Zoos: Look for discounted days or family passes.
• Community Events: Attend free concerts, outdoor movie nights, or festivals.
• Nature Reserves: Explore nearby nature reserves, botanical gardens, or wildlife sanctuaries.

5. Craft Day at Home

• Unleash your creativity with a day of crafting at home.
• Arts and Crafts: Crafts Come Alive supplies for art projects, including paper, glue, paints, and markers.
• DIY Projects: Make homemade gifts, decorations, or even your own board game.
• Cooking Together: Bake cookies, make homemade pizza, or create fun summer treats.

6. Bike Rides and Hikes

• Enjoy the great outdoors with a family bike ride or hike.
• Bike Trails: Find local bike trails and enjoy a scenic ride together.
• Hiking Trails: Get your exercise, and take in the sights and sounds of nature by following local footpaths. Pack a basket or prepare a picnic, and enjoy a simple meal al fresco.
• Safety First: Make sure everyone wears helmets and stays hydrated.

7. Library Visits and Reading Challenges

• Take advantage of your local library for free entertainment.
• Summer Reading Programs: Participate in reading challenges and earn rewards.
• Storytime Sessions: Attend storytime events or borrow books for your own at-home storytime.
• Borrow Movies and Games: Many libraries also offer DVDs and games for borrowing.

8. Gardening Together

• Start a family garden and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.
• Plant Flowers or Vegetables: Choose easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, or sunflowers.
• If you’re inspired by the idea of engaging kids in learning, take your green inspiration into action. Learn Together: Build kids’ skills and see your garden thrive over the summer.
• Enjoy the Harvest: Use your homegrown produce in family meals.

9. Explore Local History

• Discover the history of your town or city with educational outings.
• Historical Sites and Landmarks: Visit local historical sites, monuments, and museums.
• Self-guided walking tours: With help from an online resource or a pamphlet from your local tourist center, take a walking tour.
• Photo Scavenger Hunt — compile a list of historical sites to locate and snapshots of.

10. Family Game Night

• Host a fun and competitive game night at home.
• Board Games and Card Games: Play classic board games or try out new ones.
• Outdoor Games: Set up a backyard tournament with games like cornhole, badminton, or horseshoes.
• Themed Nights: Create themed game nights with costumes, decorations, and special snacks.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to make summer memorable either.

Here are a few fun, cost-friendly ideas that can help you create extraordinary family memories. Take a Local Exploration Go biking, take a walk, play soccer in your backyard, or do any other activity as a family.

This is a great time to check off some to-dos from your summer bucket list. Did you know you can find many local events here? Take a Hike Take your family to a nearby state park and go for a hike. The fresh air, green grass, and scenic views will surely make for a memorable day trip.

It’s a much better alternative than spending the day glued to a screen at home.

Have a Picnic Nothing says summer more than packing your family a boxed lunch and heading out to a park. Grab some sunscreen and head to your local park for an afternoon of picnicking. Make sure to take some pictures! Go Fishing Find a local lake and teach your kids how to fish. Not only is it a great memory, but you may also just catch dinner.

What would you suggest?