10 Frugal Money Saving Summer Activities

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Summer means longer lazy days, picnics in the park and barbecue dinners.

I love that the rush of the school year slows down a bit during the summer and we have a bit more time to spend together as a family.

This doesn’t mean we are hoping on a plane and spending a crazy amount of money on summer activities. We love to live a bit more on the frugal side.

Our family will be road tripping to see friends and family, checking out orchards, waterfalls, wineries and having a picnic or two.

I definitely know we will be grilling on the patio most of the summer. Enjoy the small things.

Summer activities don’t need to be complicated and expensive.

It is true! The less complicated the better and honestly why spend hundreds of dollars when you can spend pennies and have an amazing time.

10 Frugal Money Saving Summer Activities:

1. Water Fun.

Summer is a great excuse to bring out the water balloons, squirt guns, the kiddy pool and even the hose. Our son could play for hours in the water, in fact he has. Water play is cheap, easy, uncomplicated and so much fun. And it is a great way to cool off in the summer sun.

2. Picnic under the stars.

Summer brings longer days and clearer skies. Get out a blanket in the evening and do some star gazing. Make it a fun family activity roast some marshmallows over the fire pit and see how many constellations you can find.

3. Go for a hike.

What is around you? What local hiking trails does your city have? My husband and son love to go hiking at our local park, there is a waterfall and lots of different foliage to look at. Getting out and enjoying the great outdoors is cheap, easy and a great way to have fun while saving money.

4. Plan an amazing race.

Get some friends together and plan some team related station activities and see who can get through the activities first. Our youth group did this one year and they had a blast and it was great frugal fun. They even included some volunteer work at one of the stations.

5. Volunteer your time.

Pay it forward and donate your time to help others. Even if it is watching a neighbors kids during the work week. Or get a group of people together and clean up a park or serve food to those less fortunate. Or visit the elderly and play a game of chess.

6. Circle farm tour.

Summer means produce is in abundance and this means the farms are busy. What a great way to fill your freezer or enjoy local produce than doing a farm tour. Where we live you can tour farms, wineries, cheese and dairy producers and honey suppliers. Put all the farms together and you have all the fixings for a great picnic or barbecue.

7. Patio party.

Summer is a great time to do something different. Plan a patio party, get all of your friends and family together. Get out the garden games and the barbecue. Good old family fun and great food.

8. Art in the park.

You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy drawing and coloring. Grab some simple art supplies and paper and head to the park. Find something to draw and enjoy the beauty or nature. One of the local parks here actual runs an art in the park with painters, cartoonists and kids activities it is great summer fun.

9. Stretch your legs.

Get active and stretch your legs. Go for a walk or a bike ride or practice yoga in the park.

10. Build it.

Depending on where you live you may be able to build a sand castle or build a fort or maybe you just want to play with some Lego. Being creative is a great frugal activity.