Inside: Want some summer fun and entertainment for less? Check out these awesome ideas for some summer fun on a budget. These cheap ideas for summer fun will help you fill your summer bucket list without breaking the bank.
Summer is just around the corner for my kiddo and me. I love the start of summer. Lazy days and late nights. The warm weather and getting to spend some time with him. However after the first couple of weeks of summer lazy days can quickly turn into boring days. My son can quickly turn into a couch potato watching tv or playing on the computer all day. As a mom, I am always trying to find some activities for him to do.
If you are like me you are quickly trying to balance summer fun and entertainment for your kids, yet still, stick to a budget. Some things, like going to the movies or large vacations may completely over your budget. If they are I recommend picking one big thing to do in the summer like to go a theme park or the beach for the day. The rest of summer find some free or under $1 ways to have summer fun.
There are plenty of ways to have summer fun on a budget. Sometimes it takes a little planning and a little more patience but it is possible. So if you want to have an exciting fun summer without all the tv watching check out these fantastic ideas for summer fun on a budget.
Join a Club- There are so many great free or cheap clubs that you can join. 4-H was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. It's still only a couple of dollars to join. You can also find a local girls or boys club to join. They usually have summer activities for any budget.
Find a Camp- Apple has a free summer camp for kids. Apple Camp is completely free and so much fun. Microsoft also offers one for free. Search for free camps that might interest your kids. The secret with clubs and camps is to sign up early. The best free or frugal ones fill up fast.
Go to the Park– Take advantage of the sunny days and warm weather and head to a park. You can pack a snack or a picnic lunch and spend the day at the park.
Start a Book Club- Find a new book, or an old favorite and get some people together for a book club. This is a great way to keep kids reading over the summer or for moms and dads to have fun on a budget. You can save even more money by getting the book at the library.
Build a Fort– grab a couple of blankets and flashlights and use them to build a fort under a table or desk. This can be a fantastic way to spend entertain your kids during a storm.
See a Movie– skip the everyday movies and go see the discount movies that most theaters hold every summer. Regal movies offer certain movies for $1 during the summer. AMC has them for $4 and that includes kids snacks.
Head to the Library– libraries aren’t just books anymore. They often have lots of computer games and movies. Plus they usually have a fun summer reading program. You can often earn coupons or free gifts for more summer activities.
Play in the Sprinklers– kids love running in the sprinklers. Have some friends over and play some games in the sprinklers. This is wonderful on those hot days of summer.
Go Bowling– there is a free program for kids you can check out here. All you need is the shoe rental. This can be a perfect rainy day activity.
Go Geocaching– geocaching is a great way to have summer fun on a budget. Geocaching can be totally free. There are millions of caches all over the world and it's always fun to see what caches are right by you.
Ride a bike– jump on your bikes and go for a ride. We love to ride our bikes to get ice cream. It’s a fun and inexpensive treat.
Make giant bubbles– Kids of all ages love this! You can make a giant bubble maker with just straws and string. Check out how to do it here.
Go to a museum– I am amazed at the museums I have found that are only $1 or $2 to get in. Visiting a museum is a great way to spend a stormy day. This is one of my favorite ways to have summer fun on a budget.
Go to a kid’s workshop– both Lowe’s and Home Depot have free kids workshops on certain days. Sign up and build something together.
Play with sidewalk chalk– You can use sidewalk chalk to make a twister game, hopscotch, or tic tac toe. This is a great way to have summer fun on a budget.
Go Skating– kids can skate for free all summer long with this skating program.
Concert in the Park- Lots of towns offer free concerts in the park during summer. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy a free concert.
Create and act out a play– Let the kids plan it all out and then put on a play. You can even make some popcorn and drinks.
Make kick the can ice cream– kids will have a blast making their own ice cream.
Have a camp out in your backyard- pitch a tent and spend the evening camping outside.
Make your own kites– use straws and grocery bags to make your own kites.
Build a bird feeder– you can use an empty roll of toilet paper and coat it with peanut butter and birdseed. The kids can have a contest to see whose feeder the birds eat from first.
Make some smores – I love sitting out on our back porch at night eating smores. It’s a yummy easy dessert for summer.
Plan and cook a meal together– my sister and I always had fun planning and cooking meals together when we were kids. Plus it gets you out of cooking. 🙂
Put on your swimsuit and play in the rain– kid’s love splashing and playing in puddles. If it’s not stormy out just let them play out in the rain.
Having fun doesn't always mean spending a bunch of money. With these easy ideas, you can have summer fun on a budget. Looking for other money saving ideas? Check out how to save on back to school supplies.
