15 Budget Friendly Summer Activities for Your Family
By: Jamie Perillo, LPC
Daylight lingers longer, evenings are warmer, and the kids
are ready to play. Here are a few budget friendly summer activities for your
family.
1.
Say cheese! Grab your cameras, phones, or
purchase a throw away camera. Take an adventure through your neighborhood or go
to a nearby park or walking path. Everyone photographs their favorite things in
nature. Print the pictures and make a college or photo book.
2.
Scavenger hunt! Make one in your neighborhood, backyard,
beach, or local park.
3.
Picnic Time! Grab a blanket, a basket, and bring
your favorite books and board games to play under the trees or at your favorite
park.
4.
Take a trip to the farmer’s market. Summer is a
wonderful time to peruse the tables of fragrant flowers, fresh herbs, and homemade
jams. Choose your favorite foods, head home, and cook a meal together.
5.
Play in the dirt. One of our favorite activities
in the summer is to grow a garden full of fresh veggies, herbs, and flowers.
Gardening with your kids can be a relaxing activity that encourages a love of
fruits, veggies, and nature.
6.
Grab your towels, sunscreen, and shovels. Head
to the nearest beach for fun in the sun.
7.
Camp-out or Camp-in! When my sister and I were
younger my family tried a few camp-outs. Soon after my parents started the
“camp-in.” We laid our sleeping bags out in the living room, kept our
flashlights close, played board games, and grilled S’mores. Your kids won’t
forget it!
8.
Rainy day? Visit your local library.
9.
Explore your local parks. Parks and hiking
trails are cost-effective ways to get outside as a family (bring your pup too)
and get moving. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water!
10.
Homemade popsicles to cool you down after a warm
summer’s day. Find a recipe with your favorite fruits and enjoy!
11.
Berry picking! Find a local farm that offers
berry picking. Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Enjoy
a big bowl of berries or make homemade jam and pies with your pickings.
12.
Make your own glow in the dark backyard bowling.
13.
Movie or music under the stars. Many cities and
towns offer family friendly free movies or concerts in the park. Pack your
favorite snack and blanket –then relax!
14.
Create an obstacle course in your yard - let the
kids get creative on this one.
15.
Relax. Enjoy some lemonade, a good book, a
family board game or movie. Summer is the season of abundance but also a time
to recharge. Find your balance.
