Family Fun On A Budget: Fun Things To Do With Kids in Summer

While summer break is an exciting time for kids, it can get expensive for parents. The high price of vacations, summer camps, and additional daycare can take a major toll on your finances. Fortunately, there are a variety of fun and educational activities you can organize to ensure your kids have fun this summer without leaving you in financial hardship. We recommend the following 10 budget summer activities for kids.

1

Enroll in a Summer Reading Program

Check out your local library to find out if they offer a summer reading program to keep your kids reading and learning all summer long. Most of these programs are free and come with crafts, contests, prizes, and more. They typically have weekly or bi-weekly meetings and events your kids can enjoy.

2

Have a Picnic in the Park

Instead of eating lunch or dinner inside, pack up a basket full of sandwiches, chips, fruit, juice, and anything else your kids love and take them to the park for the picnic. Once they’re done eating, enjoy some outdoor activities to stimulate their minds during the school break.

3

Go Camping in the Backyard

You don’t have to spend money on campground fees or leave your home to give your kids an enjoyable camping experience. Set up a tent and some sleeping bags in your backyard and allow your kids to camp out for a few hours or even the entire night. You can treat them to hot dogs, s’mores, and other classic camping foods.

4

Visit the Zoo

The zoo is the perfect place for a summer outing with your kids. They can spend the day exploring the animal exhibits and bypassing the expensive food stands by enjoying a packed lunch. During the week, zoos often offer a discounted rate, with some zoos offering free admission on certain days.

5

Volunteer

Encourage your kids to give back to the community this summer by volunteering. Dog walking, preparing meals at a soup kitchen, participating in fundraisers, and playing Bingo with seniors at a nursing home are all exciting volunteer opportunities for kids that won’t cost you a dime.

6

Go to the Pool or Beach

Swimming and summer go hand-in-hand. Let your kids enjoy the water by taking them to the neighborhood pool or a nearby beach. All they’ll need is some snacks, sunscreen, and adult supervision.

7

Visit a Fruit Farm

Take your kids to a fruit farm where they can pick their own strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits. You’ll love the fresh produce they’ll bring home and they’ll have a blast running around and collecting it. If there isn’t a fruit farm near you, a public trail can give your kids the same experience.

8

Go for a Family Walk or Bike Ride

Family walks or bike rides can keep your kids active all summer long. Designate a certain time every day or week to go on a family walk or bike ride. This way, your kids will have something to look forward and you won’t have to spend money on weekend or after dinner entertainment.

9

Make a Lemonade Stand

Teach your kids how money is earned by helping them make a lemonade stand. Show them how to make the lemonade using water and freshly squeezed lemons and encourage them to design a sign for their stand. Then, let them spend a few hours selling.

10

See Free or Cheap Movies

Many movie chains show free or cheap movies for kids on weekday mornings during the summer. Communities and libraries are also known for hosting free outdoor movies in the summer. There’s no need to spend a fortune on movies and popcorn when these options pop-up on the summer schedule.

By taking advantage of these affordable things to do in the summer, you can ensure your kids have fun while keeping your finances in check.

Visit Advance America today to learn more about who we are, what money solutions we offer, and why our customers love us.

The Advance America advantage

Since 1997, Advance America has helped millions of hardworking people with a variety of financial solutions including Payday Loans, Online Loans, Installment Loans, Title Loans and Personal Lines of Credit.
157+ million
loans issued
800+ stores
and online loans
25+ years
providing loans