Fun Summer Activities for Moms and Kids on a Budget

School is out. Have the kids starting using the dreaded b word? Why not think outside the box and do some fun summer time outings and activities. Summer is a great time for moms and kids to have fun together without spending a lot of money. Here are some fun ideas that are easy on the wallet!

Outdoor Adventures:

• Nature Walks: Explore a nearby park or nature trail. Look for cool bugs, pretty flowers, and listen to the birds.
• Picnic in the Park: Pack a simple lunch and enjoy it in the park. Bring a blanket, some sandwiches, and your favorite snacks.
• Beach Day: If you live near a beach or a lake, spend the day swimming, building sandcastles, and collecting shells.

Creative Activities:

• DIY Crafts: Use old magazines, cardboard boxes, and other household items to make fun crafts. Try making a bird feeder or a paper plate mask.
• Sidewalk Chalk Art: Let your kids’ imaginations run wild by creating colorful masterpieces on the sidewalk or driveway.
• Homemade Playdough: Make your own playdough with flour, salt, water, and food coloring. Shape it into animals, flowers, or anything you like.

At-Home Fun:

• Backyard Camping: Set up a tent in the backyard, make s’mores, and tell stories under the stars.
• Water Play: Use a sprinkler, water balloons, or a small kiddie pool for a fun way to cool off.
• Movie Night: Create a cozy movie night at home with popcorn and blankets. Let each family member pick a movie to watch.

Community Events:

• Library Programs: Check out free storytimes, crafts, and activities at your local library.
• Community Festivals: Look for free or low-cost festivals in your town. Enjoy music, games, and food with your family.
• Farmers’ Markets: Visit a farmers’ market to explore fresh produce and handmade goods. Sometimes there are free samples and activities for kids.

Educational Excursions:

• Visit a Museum: Many museums offer free admission days. Spend the day exploring and learning something new.
• Historical Sites: Discover the history of your area by visiting local landmarks and historical sites.
• Science Experiments: Try simple science experiments at home. Make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or grow crystals with salt and water.

Cooking Together:

• Bake Cookies: Have fun baking cookies and decorating them with icing and sprinkles.
• Homemade Pizza: Let each family member make their own pizza with their favorite toppings.
• Smoothie Bar: Set up a smoothie bar with different fruits, yogurt, and juice. Let the kids mix and match their favorite flavors.

There’s just so many things you can do with the kids that don’t cost a lot of money. Which one would you love to put into your week next week? Come back and let me know what the kids thought! I love to hear what you guys do in the summer to keep them from getting bored. Before you go follow me on facebook, instagram and at by email (at the top or in the middle of the page) to get my latest posts! Whatever way you follow make sure you do! WE love to share our summers with you. 

Enjoy the summer with your kids and make wonderful memories together without breaking the bank!

Here’s some other great articles about summer fun. 25 free or cheap things to do with your kids for summer, 15 summer craft activities for kids, our summer bucket list ideas for teens and tweens.

and a few yummy recipes for Summer! Coke float, Berry lemonade and fruit cornucopias, and 15 new grilling recipes to try!