This is a guest post by Francesca.
When you’ve got kids, the summer holidays can often be a source of worry, instead of fun. We don’t want that!
There are lots of ways that you can have fun this summer, even if you are on a tight budget. Kids don’t need lots of money spent on them to have fun – so don’t worry.
For me personally, my favourite memories of the summer are of my neighbourhood friends coming round and playing in the garden. We would have water fights, my mum would make jam tarts (the best!) – such simple things.
We will look at some budget kids activities – and also things that you can do with your partner or friends!
Water Fight
I had to mention the water fight first! There are so many water-based activities that you can do, that are so cheap!
One of my favourites was getting a strip of plastic sheeting and cover it with water (I think there was a hose running on it too). Then attach to the bottom of a slide and slide down it!
You can also get some water balloons, fill them up and put them in a bucket for the kids to dip into for their water fight!
Park
This is one of my favourite things to do, as it’s free and the kids can go there all day with no problem!
There may be some temptations there such as an ice-cream van, so it’s worth thinking about things like this.
Ways that you can ensure you’re not spending a small fortune is to either take ice-lollies with you from your freezer or take a small amount of change for a lolly each from the van.
Go For a Picnic
This can tie in with pretty much any of the other activities on this list because it’s so fun!
When you are going on a day out with the kids, it can be really costly to go out and buy food for everyone.
Picnics are a fun frugal activity because who doesn’t love picnic food?! Make a list of the things that you all like to eat and stick to your list!
Go For a Hike
This can be done either just as adults or with your kids too (depending on how far they are ok with walking!).
Do you have any nice areas where you live? When the sun is shining and you have time, it’s amazing to go for a hike, especially if you are able to go up hills or through a forest.
Did you know that getting out in nature is not only good for us physically, but mentally too? If you are ever feeling down, go for a walk and enjoy that fresh air.
Trip To The Library
When I had no money to speak of, my daughter and I pretty much lived in our local library.
I have always loved the library anyway because I am an avid reader, and have always wanted my daughter to get into reading too.
The library is a great place to take kids because not only do they have books there but a ton of other resources such as:
- Colouring sheets
- Craft sessions (we’ve made SO many things at the library)
- Book readings
Play Rounders
This is another of my favourite memories from childhood – all of the adults and kids out on the field by our house playing rounders.
I don’t know who brought the bat and ball but they are pretty cheap to get and can be used over and over! It’s a great way for the kids to be social and get some exercise.
Fruit Picking
One of my favourite things to do with my daughter in the summer is to go blackberry picking.
We get to eat the food after, and it’s like a little treasure hunt for the berries.
Bike Ride
Get the whole family out on their bikes to enjoy the sunshine and ride around your local area. You could even stop off at the park or pub!
Pot Luck or BBQ
If you want to have fun with your family and friends, this is a perfect way to have a get-together that doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Invite them round but ask everyone to bring a dish or dessert – this will save you money on food (and drink if you ask them to bring this too), but still be able to host them all.
Bonfire
This is something else that you could do with your friends – or just with your family.
Make a bonfire in the garden (make sure it’s safe!) and get some marshmallows for toasting.
Pet Store
Ok, I was going to say that my daughter loves these places, but truth be told – I do too!
I have lots of happy memories of going to a huge garden centre when I was younger and going to look at the pets for sale in there. We got lots of hamsters from there!
There are lots of pet stores about now that you can go in and have a look at the animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, birds etc.
In the summer holidays, many of them run little workshops where you can pet the animals and learn about them.
Farm
This isn’t just reserved for those in the countryside, but there are lots of city farms which are available too.
When I had no money when my daughter was little, city farms where another fab place that we went – but we couldn’t go that often as it was a very long walk.
When we did go she loved it, and our local one had an Easter Egg hunt on at Easter too so that’s something to look out for.
Museums
Did you know that a lot of museums have free entry? This can be the perfect day out and to try something a little different.
Search in your local area for the museums that you can go and visit!
Francesca helps young women take control of their money through budgeting, and shares ways of earning extra money that can be done from home around the kids, even with little spare time. You can find her over on her blog From Pennies to Pounds, or on Instagram.
There are so many ways to spend quality time with kids without spending money. We will be having lots of picnics and days at the park
That sounds perfect 🙂