With the arrival of summer, it’s time to dive into some exciting family activities. However, the ongoing pandemic has altered our usual plans and routines, making our typical summer vacations impossible this year. Therefore, we’ve had to think creatively about our summer fun. And given our budget consciousness, it’s important that these activities are as pocket-friendly as they are enjoyable. So, here’s a list of exciting, budget-friendly family activities for summer, many of which are absolutely free!
1. DISC GOLF
Disc golf, a blend of hiking and Frisbee, is an all-season favorite for our family. What’s more, most courses don’t charge an entry fee! It’s a perfect combination for us as it appeases my love of hiking and my spouse’s interest in playing disc golf. It’s easy enough for our kids to join in too.
Disc golf courses can typically be found in local parks, with usually 18 baskets and one or two tee pads for each hole. The rules mirror traditional golf; you aim to achieve under par. To find a convenient course, try Udisc — it maps nearby courses and offers reviews. If your state is known for its heavy rainfall during summer, like ours, you can even find out about drainage and water holes.
Getting started with disc golf isn’t costly. There are three types of discs: drivers, mid-range, and putters. You might want to start with a mid-range disc that is handy. Quality discs are readily available online, both new and used. You may also find second-hand discs at reasonable prices in stores like Play it Again Sports, where you have the chance to examine the disc before buying.
2. HIKING/WALKING
As someone who loves hiking, green spaces are always attractive to me. Despite the closure of many state and national parks due to the pandemic, natural greenways remain accessible and are perfect for family outings. Outdoor family activities double as exercise and help uplift our mood and immune system’s health! You get happier, tired-out kids as a bonus.
Hiking also offers the chance to learn about nature. During our hikes, I point out various plants and fungi to my family. We even use apps like PlantNet to identify plant life, enhancing our understanding of the natural habitat around us.
3. RIVERS/LAKES
As we look for ways to beat the summer heat, rivers and lakes have become standard go-to spots. Such areas offer a refreshing experience, especially when the water levels are low, revealing sandy “beaches”. Things like water shoes, buckets, shovels, nets, towels, and water bottles can increase the fun.
Swimming in rivers and lakes is not just fun; it provides an opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem. You caveat is, try to find those spots that aren’t crowded, both for safety and comfort.
4. WATER FUN
If natural bodies of water aren’t accessible, your own backyard can be your water funpark. With sprinklers and Slides, you can recreate fun from my childhood. Owning a pool is a luxury, but sometimes, regular sprinklers could be equally — if not more — fun. They even double as a lawn watering system!
5. NEIGHBORHOOD EXPLORATION
Exploring our local area has always been among my favorite things to do with my family. You would be surprised by what you can stumble upon nearby. Therefore, walking or driving a few minutes away is well worth the effort.
Some surprises we’ve discovered include mini-book exchange boxes, unknown local wildlife, family-run restaurants, hidden playgrounds, rivers, streams, and even caves. And the best part is, these small adventures cost nothing, or at best, the gas money.
6. SCAVENGER HUNT
Organizing a scavenger hunt in your yard or inside your house can be another great idea for summer fun. Making several hunts, each with a different theme, can keep the excitement going.
7. MINI HOME IMPROVEMENTS
With the extra time at home, we’ve embarked on a number of home improvement projects. Some enhancement efforts, like painting an accent wall in the kids’ room or replacing light bulbs with LEDs, have been quite affordable.
We’ve also tidied and decluttered our rooms together, finding the process quite therapeutic. And our kids love their room now, as they seem much larger and organized.
In summary, there’s no shortage of activities to make your summer memorable with your family. Though not typical summer pursuits, they are free or inexpensive, just perfect for those of us looking for affordable fun during the pandemic.
Our favorite inexpensive summer activities include disc golf, hiking, visiting rivers and lakes, at-home water fun, exploring the neighborhood, organizing scavenger hunts, and doing small home improvement projects. You may also have your list of favorites, but honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the summer. Every bit of fun will create unforgettable memories with your family, making this summer unique like no other.
So, what exciting and cost-effective summer fun plans do you have this year?
