It’s summertime, your kids are home and bored, and you keep seeing that one video about only having so many summers left with your kids before they’re grown and gone. The pressure immediately sets in to create the best summer possible for your kids. With vacations, day trips, and lunches out, the money slowly starts to fly out the window. So how do you do it? How do you create fun and have adventures on a budget? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some free and cost-saving tips for having fun on a budget this summer.
Here are some ways we are having fun while staying on a budget this summer:
Libraries
First, start with your local libraries. There are three libraries all fairly close to where I live and each week I check their calendars for kid-friendly events and activities. Some events you have to pre-register for so check early; they will fill up quickly. Your library doesn’t have much? Broaden your library outside of your town.
Libraries are also a great resource for getting discounted passes to local museums and other kid-friendly exhibitions. Check with your local library to see what they have to offer before heading to some of your favorite museums.
Splash Pads
Splash pads are another great way to entertain kids in the summer. They are generally free to visit and can create a full day of fun, especially on a hot day. You can check out this list of local splash pads to visit this summer and mark them off as you go. And keep an eye out for Central Mass Mom Splash Pad Meet-ups this summer!
Berry Farms
Visiting a local berry farm is another way to have some fun and save money. If your kids are anything like mine and eating up all the fruit, you’re going to be spending money on fruit anyways, so mine as well make a fun activity out of it. There are some great options for berry picking in Central Mass and Southern New Hampshire. Some farms offer more than just berry picking (ice cream, farm animals, nurseries) so make sure to look into that before you go.
Hikes and Playgrounds
Have some early risers in your home? Beat the heat and enjoy some outdoor time before it gets too hot outside. Hop on a local rail trail or check out a hiking app to get some good kid-friendly hike ideas. Make a checklist of parks and playgrounds within a certain radius of your home and mark one off each week. Take some snacks or lunch with you and have a little picnic while you are out and about.
Ice Cream Trail
Have a sweet tooth? Check out the Ice Cream Trail in Massachusetts. Every couple of weeks take a little road trip to try out a new ice cream shop from the list. Or make a plan to visit a new one each week. You will be happy to get out of the house and your kids will definitely be happy with the special treat.
There are so many great options out there for having fun and keeping your kids entertained this summer without breaking the bank. Let us know what ways you stay busy on a budget during the summer months by tagging Central Mass Mom.
