We’re slowly wrapping up our homeschooling for the school year. And the kids are SO EXCITED for summer.
Honestly, I’m SO EXCITED too!
Summer brings a less scheduled structure to our days. It’s a time to visit with extended family members and enjoy being together. A time to build precious memories.
Unfortunately, there are people who think the only way to have summer fun is to spend a bunch of money. Thankfully, that’s just not true. Inexpensive family fun is definitely possible.
If you need some ideas for creating memories this summer without breaking the bank, here are a few ideas for you. They’re activities that we’ll be using this year.
Watch the Total Solar Eclipse
Are you near the Path of Totality for the 2017 eclipse? You can see a map here to find out.
We are close, and I’m looking forward to studying eclipses this summer and then being able to see one in August. Having the sky go dark during the day will definitely be a memorable event for the kids!
Water Play
Put on your swimsuits, Hook up the hoses, bring out the squirt guns, and have an all out water fight. You can play parents against kids, girls against boys, or every man for himself.
To mix it up a bit, here are some variations we’ve tried:
Hide the Squirt Guns
One person is host for each round, and is in charge of hiding the squirt guns. Once hidden, everyone else starts looking. Sometimes you find more than one. Others, you don’t find any!
Either way, play for five minutes or so, and then pick someone new to hide them.
Non-Dominant Hand Only
To increase your odds of staying dry, implement the non-dominant hand rule. Everyone can only use their non-dominant hand to do the squirting.
As a bonus, it’s a fun way to build strength in that hand!
Water Station
Fill up a five-gallon bucket and place it in the middle of the yard. Everyone starts this version with a loaded water gun.
Once you’re empty, you have to run to the water station to fill up. And as you can imagine, everyone will try to squirt you while you’re there!
Catch a Movie at the Drive-In
Watching a movie in a theater is definitely not a budget friendly activity. But, if you have a drive-in near you, you can go for a fraction of the cost.
Last year we went to our local drive-in and saw Finding Dory and The BFG. I think we’ll probably go again once this year, if the right movies are playing. You can find my tips for handling the drive-in with kids here.
Decorate with Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk is inexpensive, and lasts for a lot of drawings. Have everyone decorate a step or a portion of the sidewalk to make a customized gallery. You can let everyone draw whatever they’d like, or name a theme before you begin.
With chalk, you can also play hopscotch and snail, which are a lot of fun.
Have a Pajama Day
Pajamas are so comfortable! Pick a day when you don’t have to go anywhere, and declare it a PJ Day. Load up the living room floor with pillows and blankets, and just be lazy for a while.
Read some books. Watch some movies. Visit.
Bring Out the Art Supplies
Set out your art supplies, and give everyone a thirty minute time limit to create something beautiful that reminds them of summer. After the time is up, take time to share your creations. Hang them up in a temporary art exhibit to display all summer if possible
Camp in the Yard
Each year we set up a tent in the yard and leave it there for a while. The kids play in it during the day, and we’ll occasionally camp out.
If you add a hot dog and marshmallow roast, it’s even more fun! Then you can sit around and sing some songs, and enjoy the sunset .
Pack a Picnic
My kids love taking picnics down to the creek. We’ll pack some towels and do some wading afterwards. Sometimes we’ll even walk up the waterfall, which they really enjoy.
Find a place nearby where you can go take a picnic lunch and explore. The park is a good destination if you can’t think of any others.
You’ll be connecting with nature, eating a meal in the great outdoors, and spending time together.
What Are Your Plans for Family Fun this Summer
What plans do you have this summer? Tell me all about them in the comments.
