Fun Freetime: Budget-Friendly Summer Activities

Why is the best season of the year also the most expensive? Summertime family activities have been known to inflict grievous harm on the bank account. Letting the kids stay indoors during their break to just watch TV and play videogames is not an option, but neither is spending hundreds of dollars on one day of fun. Fortunately, if you know where to look, you can have an amazing day with the family for little to no money.

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1. The Beach

If you live within driving distance of a sandy shore, a beach day can be just what you need. Whether you love to surf, play volleyball, swim or just soak up the sun while sand engulfs you, there is something for everyone.

As long as you already have a bathing suit, towel and beach ball, there’s no need to even bring your wallet. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, as well. Even though the sun can be energizing, it can also lead to sunburn and skin damage. Protecting and caring for your skin is incredibly important, especially if you are planning on spending more time in the sun as summer approaches.

2. The Zoo

Zoo admission is usually pretty inexpensive. Exotic animals from all over the world are sure to entertain the whole family, no matter what age. Often, zoos have interactive exhibits and shows, where you can escape walking around in the sun. Usually, there are tables available to sit at if you pack your own lunch.

3. Outdoor Sports

Depending on what your family likes—whether it is a rousing game of touch football or throwing around a Frisbee—outdoor sports are a healthy, fun and affordable way to have fun. You can even create your own special spin on the sport by creating your own rules that belong just to your family.

4. Mini Golf

Embrace your competitive side on the mini golf course. Anybody can play, even if they’ve never tried before. It’s fun at any age! Depending where you are, you can either play mini golf indoors or outdoors.

5. Museum

Who says that fun can’t also be educational? Museums aren’t boring and stuffy anymore. More and more museums have been focusing on entertaining young people, so that everybody is can enjoy themselves. Check your local museum to see if they have a monthly “free day” for even more savings.

6. Movies

Escape the hot summer sun for a few hours with a film. Summertime is when the big movie studios release their best features, so there’s bound to be something you want to see. You can also indulge in popcorn and candy (or sneak in your own snacks if you’re feeling adventurous).

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7. Picnic

If you have a really nice local park, you might want to pack a few sandwiches and enjoy nature with the people you love most. Toss around a ball, play a game or just take pleasure in your surroundings. Have a relaxing, fun day for the price of homemade lunch.

8. BBQ

Invite family, friends, and neighbors over to the backyard for a good old fashioned barbeque. Grill a few hamburgers, enjoy cold sodas and catch up with your nearest and dearest for next to no money.

9. Day Trip

Longing for a summer vacation but don’t have the funds? Day trips are the answer. No plane tickets, hotel rooms or car rental costs to worry about. If there’s a nearby location that you’ve always thought about visiting, there’s no better time than during the summer. You can feel like you’ve experienced a fun vacation without spending much more than a day’s worth of gas.

Summer is considered to be the best season for family activities, especially since school is out, giving you more opportunities to spend quality time with your kids. Having a great time doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a great deal of money.

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance health writer from Los Angeles who covers everything from skin and hair care to beauty tips to meditation. With a family of her own, she is always finding new and affordable ways to spend quality time with her children.