7 Budget Friendly Summer Outdoor Ideas For Kids

Last Updated on May 7, 2018 by Kimberly Stroh

Now that school is out, everybody is looking for some fun adventures to share with the kids. But sometimes Summer can break the bank before the fun begins. I’ve got seven Budget Friendly Summer Outdoor Ideas For Kids, that will keep the kids happy and your wallet full. Most of these ideas don’t require much planning and utilize things you probably already own.

I know my boys just need to run around and play sometimes and outdoor activities really help tire them out before bed. When I can put a little creativity behind their days, everyone is happy and entertained.

7 Budget Friendly Summer Ideas For the Kids

1. Do your research! You don’t have to stay at home to save money. Many local movie theaters and libraries offer discounted or free activities for kids. Entertainment destinations, like bowling alleys or community pools, also offer discounted days during the Summer. We like our local outdoor drive-in movie. Keep your eyes peeled around holidays when local families tend to travel.
2. Create your own Summer camp! Team up with your neighbors to create your own Summer camp. Each parent can pick a day to host the children at their house. You can theme crafts and snacks around a movie for a simple “day at camp”. The grownups will enjoy some Summer free time too.
3. Put the Olympics in your backyard! Teach the kids about the Olympic games by creating some competition at home. Each kid can pick a country to represent, then compete in fun games. Try bean bag tosses, hula hoop contests or a classic tug of war game. You can even kick off the theme with a parade and end it with gold medal stickers.
4. Pick a new park! Do you always visit the same park near your house? We do. Try mixing things up by visiting a new park. It’ll be fun for the kids and you can pack a picnic lunch to take. Visit local government parks and recreation department’s websites to research a new park.
5. Let the kids camp! Set up a fun backyard camp for the kids. The kids will have the exciting camping experience with luxuries of having home a few feet away. Plan on making popcorn, s’mores and telling a few tall tales.
6. Create a scavenger hunt! Start by making a list of items to find with a map or riddles to accompany it. The kids can take a walk around the yard looking for the items. It also makes for a great indoor activity on a rainy day.
7. Play in the dark! Summertime is a great time to stay up late and enjoy dusk a little. Supervise the kids for some nighttime games with glow sticks or flashlights. Playing tag or Red Rover will much more fun at night. Be sure to find a grassy spot that is clear of objects.
8. Plan a Picnic! My kids think it’s a lot of fun to go on a picnic. There’s something special about packing your lunch and taking it to a special location. Try a new park that has a different playground for them to discover. I celebrate National Picnic Day each year with the kids.

It’s all about being creative this Summer to keep the kids from being bored. I love these fresh Summer ideas and the kids will have a blast. They’ll forget all about screen time when you dream up some new games for them. So enjoy the sunshine and long days, with the kids, while you can.

What are your Summer plans this year?