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22 Fun and Budget-Friendly Summer Activities for Kids
Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and making memories with your kids. But you don’t have to break the bank to keep your children entertained. Here are 22 budget-friendly activities that will make this summer unforgettable without straining your wallet.
Outdoor Activities
- Picnic in the Park Pack a homemade lunch and head to your local park. Bring a blanket, some outdoor games, and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature.
- Nature Walks and Hikes Explore local trails and nature reserves. Look for wildlife, collect interesting rocks or leaves, and enjoy the fresh air. It’s a great way to combine exercise with learning.
- Beach Day Spend a day at a nearby beach or lake. Bring your own snacks, toys, and sunscreen for a fun and inexpensive day out. Building sandcastles and splashing in the water are timeless activities.
- Backyard Camping Set up a tent in the backyard and have a mini-camping adventure. Roast marshmallows, tell stories under the stars, and enjoy the great outdoors without leaving home.
- Outdoor Movie Night Create an outdoor movie theater in your backyard with a projector and a white sheet. Enjoy a family-friendly movie with homemade popcorn and comfy seating.
Creative Activities
- DIY Crafts Use household items to create fun crafts. Projects like making paper mache, painting rocks, or creating homemade slime can keep kids entertained for hours and ignite their creativity.
- Scavenger Hunts Organize a scavenger hunt in your yard, neighborhood, or a local park. Make a list of items for kids to find or tasks to complete. It’s a fun way to explore and discover new things.
- Gardening Start a small garden together. Teach kids about planting, watering, and caring for plants. This can be a rewarding and educational activity, whether it’s in the yard or with small pots on a balcony.
Educational Activities
- Library Visits Visit the local library. Many libraries offer free summer reading programs, storytelling sessions, and activities for kids. It’s a great way to keep kids engaged and learning.
- Science Experiments Conduct simple science experiments at home. There are many online resources with ideas that use everyday household items, turning your kitchen into a mini-lab.
- Museum and Zoo Free Days Take advantage of free admission days at local museums, zoos, and cultural centers. It’s an educational outing that won’t cost a dime.
Water Activities
- Sprinkler Fun Set up a sprinkler in the backyard for a fun way to cool off. It’s an inexpensive way to keep kids active and refreshed on hot days.
- Water Balloon Fight Have a water balloon fight or set up a slip and slide for an exciting afternoon. These classic activities are always a hit with kids.
- Local Pools and Splash Pads Visit community pools or splash pads. Many offer affordable day passes or discounted rates for families, making it an affordable way to beat the heat.
Community Activities
- Farmer’s Markets Explore local farmer’s markets. Let kids pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try, and enjoy the live music and activities often available. It’s a fun way to spend a morning.
- Volunteer Together Participate in a community service project. Volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or community gardens can be rewarding and educational for kids.
- Local Festivals and Events Attend free local festivals, fairs, and events. Check community calendars for family-friendly activities that won’t cost much or anything at all.
Indoor Activities
- Baking and Cooking Spend a day baking cookies, making homemade pizzas, or trying new recipes together. It’s a delicious way to spend time together and teach kids some valuable kitchen skills.
- Board Games and Puzzles Have a family game night with board games, card games, or puzzles. It’s a great way to bond and have fun indoors.
- DIY Obstacle Course Create an indoor obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and blankets. Time each other and see who can complete it the fastest. It’s a great way to burn off energy when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Learning and Exploration
- Virtual Field Trips Take virtual tours of museums, zoos, and national parks around the world. Many institutions offer free online tours and educational videos, allowing your kids to explore from the comfort of home.
- Reading Challenges Set up a summer reading challenge with a list of books to read. Reward kids with a small prize for completing their reading goals. It’s a fun way to encourage a love for reading.
By mixing and matching these activities, you can create a summer filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences for your kids—all while staying on budget. Enjoy the season and make the most of these warm, sunny days!
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Altitude Trampoline Park in Davenport
This post was sponsored by Altitude trampoline park but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
I feel like we have been trapped inside for way too many days, so do my kids. We have been making the most out of being inside time with the usual pretend play, games and movies but the need to exercise their little bodies is something that is so very important. My kids love to run and jump and interact with other kids so being able to go to the new trampoline park in Davenport, Altitude, was the best way to keep them active and safe from the cold.
We were fortunate enough to be able to go to the new Altitude Davenport Trampoline Park. The Altitude Davenport location is the fresh, new entertainment destination in the Davenport area. Not too far away from us and filled with attractions not seen around here. Founded in 2012, Altitude is the fastest growing trampoline park company in the world. With over 35,000 square feet of indoor trampolines and attractions including a Main Court, Dodgeball, Battlebeam, Foam Pit, Trapeze Bar, Kids Court, Performance Trampoline, High 9 Reaction Wall, Wipeout there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
My kids were instantly drawn to the big foam pits where you could bounce off the trampoline and into the pit. After that they were off to the balance beam and rock wall. After multiple attempts to make it up the wall off they went to Wipeout which I think was Pipers favorite activity. The beam goes around and switches course so its always a surprise which way its coming. There were so many things to do. Will loved the dodgeball court where he took me on as a partner.
They got to get in a great workout, including myself. Jumping around the park isn’t only fun- it’s also a great workout. After just 30 minutes of jumping you can burn over 100 calories. So its a great workout for all of us since we have been inside for so long. Altitude Davenport Trampoline Park was wonderful to stretch out legs and be able to run around and jump. This was fun for all of us, its exercise for the entire family! I loved having fun with the kids and they enjoyed playing with me and their friends.
My son is having a birthday soon and he was already asking if we could book Altitude Davenport Trampoline Park for his party. Altitude has a perfect venue for birthday parties or any group event. They confirmed that the park can accommodate a group of any size, large or small. The best part is that Altitude will take care of all of it, from the organization to set up and to clean up. Their staff is so friendly and I can’t wait to book Will’s party.
Thinking about hosting your own birthday party at Altitude, click on the link to see their birthday page: Altitude Birthday parties
What I enjoyed most were my kids and their friends memories made. I got to see them plan with friends and make new ones. They had so much fun and so did I.