Updated: Sep. 14, 2020
Originally Published: May 20, 2016
As summer rolls around, my social media feeds explode with stunning photos of friends lounging on sun-kissed beaches and enjoying extravagant family getaways. I see the glowing smiles and sunburned skin, and I read about the chaos of packing for families of five or six. I scroll through the stream of subtle bragging and hit “like” on every post.
While I don’t resent them, I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy for those who can indulge in such luxuries. It’s tough knowing I can’t provide my kids with the same experiences as their peers. They shouldn’t have to feel the sting of social comparison just because our finances are tied up in student loans and a mortgage.
Our family may not have the budget for pricey summer camps or tropical escapes, but that doesn’t stop me from working hard to create unforgettable summers for my kids. A Disney Cruise? No worries! I have a giant inflatable kiddie pool and colorful paper umbrellas for mocktail fun. A transatlantic family trip? I can pull out some German from my college days and introduce my kids to sauerkraut. Whatever the trendiest vacation package is, I’ve got a staycation plan that can turn any day into a memorable adventure. Sure, we might not have fireworks, but I guarantee we make the best s’mores around.
Free or Low-Cost Summer Activities
To demonstrate that fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, here are some free or low-cost activities we embrace during our summer break:
- Swimming in a nearby lake or clean river
- Epic squirt gun battles
- Backyard camping
- Watching sunsets and counting stars
- Sidewalk chalk masterpieces
- Crafting musical instruments from recyclables and household items
- Hosting outdoor dance parties
- Making mud pies and having a friendly food fight
- Cooking over an open flame
- Exploring local parks
- Taking advantage of free museum days, which are available at federally funded institutions
- Using birthday party freebies for fun activities on rainy days
- Setting up our own drive-in movie night with a borrowed projector and a white sheet
- Gardening together
- Climbing trees
- Pitching a tent in the backyard for cozy afternoon naps
- Skipping stones
- Creating newspaper kites and flying them
- Building forts out of pillows and sheets, either indoors or in the woods
- Crafting giant bubble wands using string and cookie sheets
- Collecting bugs and researching them online
- Organizing scavenger hunts around the neighborhood
- Requesting free tours of interesting places, like the local fire station
- Building soapbox derby cars from upcycled materials
- Setting up a classic lemonade stand for kids to earn a little pocket money
Summer becomes a time for creativity and imagination for my kids. They learn to redefine fun by being fully present and discovering new opportunities in our community. They understand that our family isn’t one that hops on planes for exotic vacations, yet they also see that summer can still be enchanting. We just have to think outside the box.
Ultimately, how much money I have in the bank should never dictate my children’s happiness. Even without the ability to book summer camps or fancy trips, we are definitely rich in ideas for filling our summer days with joy and laughter.
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Summary
This article emphasizes that summer fun doesn’t require expensive camps or lavish vacations. Instead, it encourages families to embrace creativity and resourcefulness through various free or low-cost activities that foster joy and togetherness.