6 Affordable Activities For Families This Summer

When money is tight, planning for the summer can be a challenge. Vacations can be incredibly costly, especially when longer-distance travel is involved. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to make the most of the warmer seasons of the year, even if you’re on a tight budget. Here are a few ideas you can use to have fun this summer without spending a fortune.

Take A Road Trip

Even if you can’t afford a plane ticket, there are plenty of neat destinations within driving distance. Just make sure your car is in top shape before you hit the road, including any dents and dings. Experts say that 80% to 90% of dents can be repaired using paintless dent repair techniques, which will get you on the road faster.

Get Outdoors

You don’t have to go too far from your own home to experience the great outdoors. Look to your local parks for places to experience nature. Some public spaces will have activity options as well, like hiking or fishing. In 2017, there were approximately 11.6 million youth participants in fishing in the U.S. Don’t forget to dress for the weather. Layer your clothing and make sure you pack a hat and sunglasses. People have been wearing sun-blocking eyewear for 2,000 years for a reason!

Play With The Pets

According to The American Pet Products Association, almost 85 million households have a pet. Summer is the perfect time to get the pets and kids outside and playing. Visit a dog park or just go for a quick walk around the block if you’re pressed for time.

Night At The Museum

You might not actually need to save up for a museum trip with your family; many museums have free or discounted days or events to encourage families to visit. Check with your local art, history, or science museum for information on when free events or discounted admission days are happening near you.

Participate In Workshops

Want to learn a new skill? Have your kids been pestering you about their new favorite hobby? Many stores and locations near you likely have affordable workshops where you can build on existing skills or learn new ones. Hobby shops, craft stores, and other local shops are likely to offer these during the summer months, so sign you and your family up to learn something new today.

Get Creative

Not every summer day is going to have gorgeous weather, and sometimes you’ll end up stuck inside avoiding the rain. On rainy days, one of the easiest and most affordable activities you can do is set up some arts and crafts time for your kids. Get creative with what supplies you set out for them; you can go with classic crayons, paints, and markers, or you can pick out unique supplies sitting around the house to see what they come up with. This is an activity that can be great fun for the whole family no matter the weather.

Not all your summer activities have to be expensive; many options are available for families looking to save a bit of money. Next time you’re trying to find something to do this summer on a budget, look to this list for a few ideas.