While there are a ton of things to do to have fun with your family in the summer months, costs can start to add up quickly. So before you break the bank, check out these ways to have fun with your family on a budget this summer.
- Host an outdoor movie.
This is one of my all-time favorite summer activities to do with friends and neighbors. Borrow or invest in a projector, set it up in your driveway and use your garage door as the movie screen. Invite your friends over for a family-friendly movie. Have everyone bring their own drinks and candy and you can provide the popcorn if you would like. Set up chairs, pillows, and blankets in the driveway and enjoy your own movie party.
If you decide to invest in a projector, you could even rotate who hosts the movie night throughout the summer. In the end, you will get a lot of use out of any supplies needed and it’s cheaper and way more fun than going to the movie theater.
- Build an obstacle course.
We went to a fun event last fall that had a ton of things to do and see. But the place my kids ended up hanging out all night was at a simple obstacle course. They had simply set up items to crawl over, on, under, and through. It was very basic, yet the kids had so much fun.
To create your own obstacle course, gather things you already have and get creative. Obstacle course materials could include hula hoops, a small trampoline, cones to run around, and jump ropes to hop over. Have fun doing this in a variety of ways! Don’t forget a timer to see who can complete the course the quickest.
- Camp in the backyard.
On a warm summer evening, pitch a tent in your own backyard. Grill hot dogs, roast s’mores, and tell funny campfire stories. Encourage your family members to see who can last all night in the tent instead of sneaking in the house in the middle of the night.
If your family decides you like camping, check out local campsites. For tent camping, there is usually a relatively cheap fee.
Both camping options are great ideas to enjoy a family staycation at or close to your own home.
- Have your own backyard water fun.
Instead of heading out to a water park, create water fun in your own backyard. Fill up the kiddie pool, turn on the sprinkler, and get out the water squirters and water balloons and start getting wet.
Another fun water idea is to check out places to rent a bounce house that has a water slide. This will keep your kids busy all day. To make this more budget-friendly go in with a few neighbors and have an all day water party.
- Enjoy an ice cream sundae party.
What is summer fun without ice cream? Make your own homemade ice cream and then get all the fun toppings for everyone to make their own ice cream sundae. Delicious toppings include candy, chocolate syrup, crushed nuts, and fruit.
Summer is a great time to relax and reconnect with loved ones. Be intentional about planning some of these budget-friendly ways to enjoy time together this summer.