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You are here: Home / Family Living / Ways to Get the Most Out Of Summer Break When You’re Broke
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Ways to Get the Most Out Of Summer Break When You’re Broke

in Family Living, Instagram, Most Recent, Saving Money Tips, Summer on 07/07/23

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Summer break can be such a fun time. The kids are out of school for a little relaxation and parents may have to work but can still take some time out to enjoy the summer break with their kids.

While summer break is a fun time, it’s not always something parents enjoy. Many parents are living paycheck to paycheck and uncertain of how to enjoy summer with their kids.

If you’re living on a budget or simply have no extra funds, there are still ways you can make summer break a memorable time. Today we’ll show you some ways to get the most out of summer break when you’re broke.

a grill on a wood deck with a table full of people sitting nearby
Time with family and friends is always a great activity in the summer or anytime of year.

Ways to Get the Most out of Summer Break When You’re Broke

Go to a Playground

If you have younger kids, you can easily take them to the playground for a day trip of fun. You can
pack a picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks to make a day out of it.

Younger kids will usually appreciate having a day to simply play at their favorite local playground.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Take advantage of the sunny weather and explore the great outdoors. Find hiking trails, local parks, and scenic spots near you.

Pack a picnic, bring your friends, and head out on memorable adventures. With nature as your playground, you can create lifelong memories without spending a fortune.

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Organize a camping trip or a beach day with your friends and family. Camping is an affordable way to reconnect with nature and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and share stories under the starry sky. Likewise, a day at the beach offers endless fun with sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball, and sandcastle building. Soak up the sun and let the waves wash away your worries.

a young family fishing in a creek
Hiking, biking, or running, being outside is always a great way to spend time and bond.

Free Movies

Your local community may have free family movie nights. This usually happens at a library or in a local
park.

Many towns, as well as cities, have started hosting free family movie nights on the big screen as a
means to encourage more quality family time together when you’re broke and can’t go to the theater.

Explore Your Community

Who says you need to travel far to have an adventure? Be a tourist in your own city and uncover its hidden gems. Visit local landmarks, historical sites, or cultural festivals that offer free or discounted entry. Rediscover the beauty and charm of your surroundings while creating beautiful memories.

Explore neighborhood markets, flea markets, or garage sales. You’ll find unique treasures and vintage items at affordable prices. Bargain hunting can be exciting and rewarding, and you never know what hidden gems you might find.

Learn a New Skill

Sit down with your kids and make a list of new things you want to try to do together. This could be a
craft, an activity, a new hobby or anything really.

Ask your kids what they want to learn to do, and of course, make sure it’s something that won’t cost extra money since you’re making the most of summer break when you’re broke.

Find Creative Activities

Jump into your your artistic side by engaging in DIY projects. Check out Pinterest for inspiration and let your creativity flow.

Make friendship bracelets, create handmade cards, or design your own T-shirts. These activities not only spark imagination but also make unique personalized gifts for your loved ones.

Visit local art galleries or museums with discounted or free admission. Immerse yourself in the beauty of art and culture without spending a dime.

Some museums offer special events or free workshops during the summer, providing an opportunity to learn new artistic skills while having fun.

Summer Reading

Spend lazy summer afternoons lost in stories. Visit your local library and explore their extensive collection of books. Dive into thrilling novels, inspiring biographies, or engaging non-fiction. Reading not only expands your knowledge but also transports you to different worlds, all at no cost.

Organize a book swap with your family and friends or join a book club. Share your favorite reads and discover new authors together. This not only adds variety to your reading list but also fosters a deeper love of reading.

Host a Game Night

Gather up friends and family members to host a family game night. You can bring out old school board
games or have a game night with video games.

The choice is truly up to your family and what will make you feel as if you’re making the most of your time together this summer break season.

people decorating a backyard for a party
Making memories is easy in the summer with family and friends.

Host Affordable Summer Parties

Who says you need a lavish budget to throw a memorable party? Host fun and frugal gatherings in your backyard or local parks. Plan a potluck, where everyone brings a dish to share.

Organize themed parties or movie nights under the stars. The key is to focus on creating a vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the company of your friends and family.

Get creative with DIY decorations and party games. Use things you already have at home to make banners, a homemade photo booth, or personalized party favors.

Organize a friendly competition with outdoor games like sack races, tug-of-war, or water balloon fights. These activities not only entertain your guests but also add a unique touch to your gatherings.

Making memories with your family doesn’t have to cost a dime, it’s simply about digging deep inside your mind to come up with creative ways to enjoy quality time together.

a family walking in tall grass in the sn
You’ll never regret any summer memories made with family and friends.

Cook Together

Instead of spending money you don’t have on fast food or eating out, dive into the joy of cooking and experiment with new recipes.

Plan themed cooking nights with your family and friends, where each person contributes ingredients or a dish. Not only will you find new flavors, but you’ll also save money compared to eating at restaurants.

Check out local farmers’ markets for fresh and affordable ingredients. Plan picnics in the park, where you can enjoy homemade sandwiches, salads, and refreshing beverages.

Cooking together and sharing meals not only saves money but also strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories.

Give Back

Use the summer break as an opportunity to give back to the community. Many organizations welcome volunteers, and your time and efforts can make a significant difference.

Help out at local shelters, community gardens, or charity events. Volunteering not only benefits others but also brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your summer. As well as makes everyone appreciate the little things while making lifelong memories.

Participate in fundraising events or charity runs. By supporting a cause you care about, you can contribute to positive change while having fun and connecting with others. Look for low-cost or free volunteering options that align with your interests and make a meaningful impact.

Stay Fit

Take advantage of the warm weather to get active in outdoor activities that promote fitness and well-being. Explore local trails for hiking or biking.

Join free yoga or workout sessions in the park. Stay active by swimming in public pools or playing sports with friends and family. Staying fit doesn’t have to cost a fortune; nature provides endless opportunities for physical activities.

Find peaceful spots in nature where you can enjoy the beauty of the world around us without all the hustle and bustle and noise. Nurturing your mind and body doesn’t have to cost a lot of money; it’s about finding peace.

a child picking strawberries
Starting a family garden can be a great summer experience for everyone.

Start A Garden

Starting your own garden for the beauty of watching it grow or to put food on the table or both is a great summer activity for the whole family.

It’s a great learning opportunity from composting to hydroponics and more there is so much to leanr and it can be very rewarding. Scientific studies have shown that getting your hands in the dirt improves the mood, so, it’s a win-win.

Document Your Summer

Capture your summer memories by taking pictures and journaling. Use your smartphone or a borrowed camera to document your adventures.

Create a scrapbook or an online photo album to save these moments. Reflecting on your experiences will bring a sense of gratitude and joy.

Share your summer experience through social media or a personal blog. Inspire others with your budget-friendly family adventures and provide tips for making the most of summer on a tight budget. Your experiences may encourage others to embrace a frugal and fulfilling summer break.

a family running on the beach
Don’t let those summer memories go undocumented.

Enjoy the magic of summer break without worrying about your budget. By finding affordable activities, being creative, and focusing on what really matters—creating memories and enjoying friends and family—you can have a beautiful summer filled with joy and adventure.

Remember, the value of an experience is not measured by the money spent, but by the moments shared and the memories created. Being able to gather with friends and family or spend the day at a playground or hit the road and explore your local community are all simple and affordable ways to make the most out of your summer break when you’re broke.

Make the most of your summer break without overspending. Check out these budget-friendly tips and ideas to enjoy a fulfilling and affordable vacation.
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Welcome to GSFF! I’m Dian, a wife of over 30 years, Mom to 4 grown kids… Read more about Dian and GSFF

 

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Dian is a mom of four grown children, Nana to 7 beautiful grands, wife of over 30 years to an amazing husband, social influencer, and blogger. I love all things gardening, saving money, tips & tricks to make life easier, ANY cool new gadget, and feeding my Reality TV addiction (it's real y'all, you have no idea!) Dian has been featured in person, in print, and on sites like Huff Post, CBSNews, Blog Talk Radio, NBC DFW, Babble, Woman's Day, All You Magazine, Super Market News, Clark, & Pinner's Conferences. Want to know more? Check out the full bio here!

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