Jessica
There are only a couple weeks of precious summertime left, so you’ll want to take full advantage of these days while you can. Once your kids are back in school, your quality time together will be a bit more limited. Looking for some super fun yet super affordable things to do before the summer’s over? Check out our list of favorite activities that don’t require a big budget.
- Go camping in the backyard
While fancy campgrounds can be fun, a lot of families can’t take the time off work and drive for hours to get to their campsite. Often, a better alternative is to pitch a tent right in your own backyard. It’s the perfect setting to roast marshmallows, watch for local wildlife, and to look at the stars. The best part is that you’ll never be too far from civilization (and you can use your bathroom and kitchen, if need be). - Go to a museum
On those scorching hot (or stormy) days, going to a museum can be a great change of pace. Many museums offer reduced rates for kids and families on certain weekdays, and others run promotions through participating banks for free tickets. Check out museums in your area and consider what kinds of exhibits your children would like most. The internet can be a great resource for reviews and visiting tips, too. - Plan a picnic
What better way to appreciate nature than to enjoy it while eating delicious food? Pack a picnic lunch of sandwiches (ideally, cut into heart or star shapes for extra fun!), fruits and veggies, cheeses, juice, and cookies. Don’t forget the ice packs if you’ll have to walk a bit to get to your destination! This is a great way to work in a nature walk or a bike ride, too. That way, you’ll get to see more of your local park, get some exercise, and then reward yourselves with a scrumptious meal. - Head to the library
While most families want to spend as much time outdoors as possible, not every day will have ideal weather. If you’re looking for rainy day things to do, you may want to check out your local library. Of course, checking out books and movies is free, but many libraries also offer free workshops, children’s theatre shows, family film screenings, and more. Libraries usually provide a calendar of upcoming events for your convenience. - Have a water balloon fight
Playing in the sprinklers or a kiddie pool is a great way to celebrate summer, and there’s no greater joy than having a water balloon fight on a hot day. This can be an awesome alternative to going to an expensive water park and can be ideal when you don’t have access to a pool. You can make it even more fun with water blasters. Invite the neighborhood kids to come over for a large-scale fight or keep it to just family. Be sure to eat the last of the popsicles afterwards!
Don’t let your kids be bored during what little summer we have left. There are plenty of things to do that will allow you all to enjoy the last of the warm weather without breaking the bank.
