The children are out of school, the skies are clear and you’re ready for some summer escapades with your household.
But between trips, dining out and special outings, keeping expenses in check over the summer can be challenging. It’s doable, though!
Our family loves being outside, and there are many ways to enjoy sunny days without blowing your budget.
Our toddler’s favorite spot right now is the zoo, and although tickets can add up for a family of four, we had the grandparents gift us a membership for the holidays so we can visit as often as we like without paying at the gate!
10 Affordable Outdoor Activities for Kids
While we prefer outdoor time, when rain or extreme heat forces us inside, we look for discounts at places like local museums and science centers. That way we still get out of the house but don’t overspend.
Here are 10 ways to enjoy summer with the kids without breaking the bank.
1. Make the Most of Nearby Parks
Use your local parks for picnics, kite-flying, frisbee tossing or a casual soccer match. If it’s sweltering, lay a blanket under a shady tree and play board games, read together or simply relax and talk.
2. Spend a Day at Public Beaches
Some beaches charge a modest entrance fee, but if you bring a packed lunch, water and snacks, you can enjoy a full day in the surf for very little. Don’t forget sunscreen!
3. Use Community Pools
If you don’t have a beach nearby or your family prefers pools, check out community pools in your area. They’re often free or have a small admission fee, and you can cool off and play all day.
Ask about food and drink rules before you go. If food isn’t permitted by the pool, leave a cooler in the car and have a parking-lot picnic at lunchtime instead of eating poolside.
4. Attend Outdoor Concerts and Movies
Many towns host summer outdoor concert and movie series. If you live near a bigger city, you’ll probably find several options.
If those aren’t available, you can always create your own backyard movie setup.
5. Volunteer Together
It might not be the usual choice for family fun, but there are many outdoor volunteer opportunities you can do together.
Join a neighborhood cleanup, help start a community garden or participate in a Habitat for Humanity project.
Whatever you pick, you’ll be outside, having a meaningful experience and teaching kids about giving back.
6. Stargaze
All the excitement doesn’t have to happen during daylight. On scorchingly hot days, evenings bring cooler temperatures and a chance to get outside.
A blanket, a telescope (if you own one) and a star chart offer plenty of entertainment. Bring snacks and you’ve got an evening stargazing get-together!
7. Organize a Scavenger Hunt
Pick a local park, a tourist spot or even your backyard and create a list of items for the family to find. On the hunt day, give each person (or team for younger kids) a checklist and let them explore.
Need inspiration? Parents.com offers printable ideas. Set a rendezvous time and place, and reward the winner with an ice cream cone or Italian ice when everyone returns.
8. Try Geocaching
Don’t want to design your own scavenger hunt but want a little thrill? Geocaching is a fun, free family activity.
Grab your smartphone or GPS, load everyone into the car (or walk if a cache is close), and hunt for hidden treasures!
9. Scout Deal Sites for Activities
Groupon and LivingSocial often list discounts on family-friendly local experiences. Sign up and regularly check their offers for reduced prices on museum admissions, zoo tickets, amusement parks, festivals and special events.
Also keep an eye on kid-focused deal sites like Certifikid for savings on activities, camps, classes and parties.
10. Watch Attraction Websites for Promotions
Local aquariums, zoos and children’s museums sometimes run admission specials. They may offer half-price days, theme months with reduced entry, or lower rates for late-day visits.
If you’ll be visiting repeatedly, consider a membership. While it can be pricier up front, it often saves money over time if you go multiple times with your family.
Although not strictly outdoor, these venues are excellent options for rainy or unbearably hot days!
You don’t need to spend much to have a memorable family summer. Get outside, be active, and explore what your community has to offer. You might not have to pay anything at all!
Your Turn: What’s your favorite inexpensive way to have summer fun with your family?
For more ideas, check out free summer activities, tips for summer cooking on a budget, and resources like the free summer food service program.
