Summer is my favorite time of year. For that reason, we are very active, and it can be expensive. I have found three summer ideas that are fun, on a shoestring budget. The top criteria for an activity to qualify for a shoestring budget is one, to be fun, and two free, or inexpensive.
In my many years’ of searching I have found these three to be my go to fun summer activities to enjoy on a shoestring budget.
Splash Pads
In our area there are a lot of splash pads. The majority of them are free and a fun way to get wet. Splash pads do not require life guards because there is no standing water, and lower risk for drowning. Supervision is still needed when children are around water.
Splash pads can be slippery, so when we go I have my kids wear water shoes. That brings down the risk of slipping and breaking a limb. Splash pads are also great learning experiences for water physics.
In addition to visiting splash pads, check out picnic areas and pack a lunch. The kids’ will have a memorable day that cost you nothing. Around our town we have several to splash pads to choose from weekly.
Bowling on a Shoestring Budget
We have participated in the kids bowl free activity since my 14 year old was five. Bowling is a great family activity. Watching the kids bowl and taking pictures holds many fun memories. I love to look back at how they would bowl as beginners. Now, we have been bowling for year’s and the scores are getting higher.
Kids bowl free also allows parents and other adult children to participate with a very, very discounted program. Once a week we have a bowling day in the summer. Kids bowl free is free to join but holds many great benefits on a shoestring budget. Click the link to find out more about the program.
Hiking and Nature Journaling
Nature journaling is great in the summer. We combine the two because one plays into the other one well. My kids’ and I try to hike at least once a week in the summer. Summer is also the time when nature is more prevalent and beautiful. This is a great time to have a nature journal to sketch and draw, or write out what was seen. Currently we are doing some tree ID hikes to get more familiar with trees.
Last year we worked on birdwatching. This was a fun activity, and now they can identify several native birds. Insects, clouds, or whatever is on the list to add in our journal for the week. Likewise, this is a great way to visit different parks in the area you live in.
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We’ve used all three of these when my kids were younger!
We like to do a lot of free things over summer. Visit the park, go geocaching etc. #MMBC
What fab ideas. I have just spotted that our bowling place has some great offers on over the summer holidays. I think we will have to pay them a visit. x