Budget-Friendly Tips to Celebrate Summer at Home

With summer fast approaching, the thought of kids being home all day leads many families to wonder how to make the most out of this season without breaking the bank. While days spent by the pool, trips to amusement parks and outdoor adventures are tempting, there is still plenty of fun to be had in your own backyard! Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy some quality family time on a budget or just want hassle-free ideas that will entertain your little ones this summer, we have you covered with these budget-friendly tips to celebrate summer at home.

1. Have a picnic in your backyard.
What better way to enjoy the sunshine this summer than by having your very own outdoor picnic? Gather together a handful of your favorite summer treats – maybe some cold sandwiches and yummy snacks! Don’t forget to take a cozy blanket or beach towel too. Then all you have to do is pick out a prime spot nearby, if you don’t have access to a backyard. Any nearby park or open field like a local farm is great for an impromptu picnic. Enjoying an alfresco meal while taking in some fresh air couldn’t get any better! So plan ahead a simple budget meal and enjoy the summer days outdoors with friends and family this season.

2. Make homemade ice cream.
Ahhh that creamy, mouth-watering summer treat we all know and love…nothing says summer quite like a big bowl (or cone!) of ice cream! Take your frozen desserts to the next level and try making them at home with an at-home Ice Cream Maker–it may just become your new favorite hobby. With only a few ingredients, you too can join the exclusive club of master at-home ice cream makers! The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to flavors: will you take the traditional route with vanilla, or try something offbeat like “Mocha Madness” or “Blueberry Bliss”? Find your perfect sweetly frozen combination and relish in the smoothing sensation!

3. Set up a sprinkler or slip ‘n slide.
Beat the heat this summer and have a blast in your own backyard! Set up an exhilarating garden sprinkler or a colorful slip ‘n slide where kids of all ages can splash around. It’ll provide hours of laughter and lots of summery fun. And remember to supervise your kiddos to keep them safe – we don’t need any sprains or scrapes happening!

4. Go for a swim.
If you’re lucky enough to have access to a pool, why not jump in? Swimming is an incredible workout and it’s also wonderfully rejuvenating when you want to cool off on those hot summer days. Should your backyard be without a pool, don’t worry! Get out there and hit up your nearby beach or lake instead. There will be no shortage of great places to get your SPLASHING!

5. Plant a garden.
Gardening is a summer activity that can bring so much joy and flavor to your life! Whether you consider yourself an avid green thumb or not, creating a garden is still worth it and the time spent creating it brings with it bountiful rewards. There’s no need to rush out and find land, why not mold small pots of delectable herbs or delicious veggies for your abode? If you’re tight on space indoors then nothing can stop you from growing tasty greens on your balcony, deck, or rooftop. Help the plants flourish with some sunshine, nutrient-rich soil and come harvest time it will all be worthwhile — there will be a sumptuous platter of scrumptious meals sure to tantalize your taste buds. So why not make this summer one for gardening and create lasting memories from your own five fingers?!

6. Make homemade popsicles or frozen fruit bars.
Have you ever noticed how store-bought popsicles and frozen fruit bars can get quite expensive? Take matters into your own hands and create delicious treats at home! It’s super easy: Just grab some of your favorite fruits and juices, blend them together, then pour in popsicle molds or an ice cube tray. The choices are endless, from strawberries and pineapple, to mango blueberry or even kiwi lime. So get creative, have fun, and wait until they’re frozen solid for that sweet icy goodness. Yum!

7. Have a bonfire/make s’mores.
Gather round, everybody! Don’t miss the joy of making good old-fashioned s’mores by a crackling campfire. Snuggle up close and take in that delicious smoky smell that radiates through the air. To ensure everyone can partake in the toasty fun, we offer some easy alternatives. Don’t worry if you don’t have an outdoor fire pit – put those marshmallows in the oven or zap ‘em in the microwave for maximum melty goodness!

8. Stargaze.
Clear summer nights are the perfect time for an outdoor adventure. Why not soak up nature’s night sky and try stargazing? The view from even the most light-polluted city can be breathtaking – curving lines of star systems and galaxies in between blooming hot air balloons, shooting stars, and satellites. Take your experience up a star (pun definitely intended) with a telescope! Those high-powered lenses can show astonishing detail like the rugged craters of the Moon and gas storms full of sulfur and helium across Neptune. Reach for the stars (literally) this season!

9 . Go camping.
Camping is the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and adventure. With nature just a few yards away, you get to experience breathtaking views as well as quality time with loved ones. From tents to trailers, there are so many options for making your camping experience unique. But if you don’t feel like pitching a tent and cooking over an open flame, somebody thoughtfully invented “glamping”. Enjoy all the comforts of home while still sleeping under the stars!

10. Have a scavenger hunt.
Get ready for a thrilling adventure filled with fun and excitement as you embark on a scavenger hunt. With clues hidden throughout the city, you’ll need your quick wit and sharp eyes to uncover everything on your list. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s so much to discover as you race against the clock to complete your mission. Grab your friends or family members and join in on the action for a day of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned scavenger hunt veteran or a first-timer, you’re sure to have a blast as you explore your surroundings and solve the mystery. So what are you waiting for? Let the hunt begin!

Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, even if that means taking the celebration right to your own backyard. From picnics and ice cream, to bonfires and s’mores, there are so many budget-friendly ways you can enjoy all summer has to offer from the comfort of home. Planting a garden or going for a swim may even give you an additional sense of accomplishment from your summer activities! You could also choose some outdoor-based activities like camping or stargazing for a truly peaceful reconnection with nature. For an exciting twist on typical outdoor exploration try setting up a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood! Whatever you decide to do, we hope these tips have inspired you to kick off your summer season in something fun and budget-friendly!

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