Not every summer vacation has to include a trip to a tropical destination or an expensive amusement park. There are budget-friendly summer plans that you and your family can enjoy without breaking the bank. Here are six of our favourites.

Local Parks

National parks and landmarks are great destinations, but admission can be pricey. Check out local parks that are closer to home. Many have free activities and festivals happening throughout the summer months that you can check out more affordably than longer road trips. And, to save on expensive food, pack a cooler or a picnic. Many places have public BBQs and picnic tables that make this a great budget-friendly option.

Enjoy Nature

The opportunity to get out and explore can be right in your own backyard. Spend a day hiking a local trail or at the beach. Taking in your local scenery, getting some exercise, and building sandcastles in the sun are all inexpensive ways to spend a sunny summer day.

Summer Potluck

Remember – you’re not the only family looking for budget-friendly summer ideas! Invite your neighbours or friends over for a potluck. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could create a theme night where people bring food to match the theme. This is an affordable option because everyone brings a dish. Great company goes a long way to making a memorable summer.

Volunteer

Why not give back to your community while keeping busy this summer? Volunteering your time with non-profit building projects or a community garden, for example, are great ways to fill those summer days and make an impact with your time.

Sports and Fitness

We already talked about enjoying nature, but there are many other outdoor sports and activities that don’t require a big investment in equipment. Set a goal to run a 5k with your family, grab a soccer ball and imagine your backyard is a stadium, or do a scavenger hunt where the clues lead you around your neighbourhood.

Rainy Days

Inevitably, summer vacation will have rainy days. Many theatres have discounted admission and concessions over summer break, or you could set up an in-home theatre experience with blanket forts and your favourite snacks even more affordably. If the kids need to burn off some energy, set up an obstacle course around the house or have a dance party. Rainy days are also great for arts and crafts, and there are lots of science experiments for kids that you can do with everyday products found in your pantry.

Summer vacation doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking 8 weeks. There’s a lot to be said for the simple (and inexpensive) pleasures of sleeping in late, breakfast on the patio, and spending a quiet sunny day lounging in your hammock with a good book.