Southern Mom Loves: 5 Affordable Family Activities to Beat Summer Boredom

5 Affordable Family Activities to Beat Summer Boredom

Friday, July 14, 2017

This is a guest post by Jenny Silverstone, a mom, blogger, and outdoor enthusiast!

We can’t all afford to go on summer vacations to Disney World or a luxury cruise to the Bahamas, but that doesn’t mean we have to spend all summer bored out of our minds. I know of a few gems hidden right in my area that are probably around yours, too!

All it takes is a little bit of research, and you and your family will be on your way to day trip full unforgettable memories. Sound good? Then keep reading see my top 5 picks for affordable family activities in the summer!


1. Get Your Beach On!

There’s nothing better than the beach in the summertime. Not only because it’s a great way to keep cool, but also because more often than not, it’s free! Amusement park hype comes and goes, but the beach has been a popular summer destination pretty much since the beginning of time.

As parents, the safety of our children should be the top priority so making sure there are lifeguards on duty is a must. All it takes is a few seconds of distraction for something tragic to happen.

Also always make sure to pack sunscreen and other protective gear to keep from being burnt by UV Rays. Be sure your sunscreen is a broad spectrum cream, is water resistant and has an SPF of at least 30. If you have little ones under 6 months of age, sunscreen is not recommended as it can be an irritant to a new baby’s skin. So you should bring your own portable shade like a beach umbrella or a baby sun tent.


2. Take a Stroll Around Your County Fair

The summer season also happens to host many fairs and festivals. These are usually very inexpensive, and you have the power to spend as much or as little as you want to on the festival’s attractions.

If your area doesn't host to any county or bigger festivals or fairs, all it takes is a twenty minute browse through the Facebook events tab to find one that interests you.

Most fairs and festivals tend to fall in the late summer months, so it is important to make sure you and your family are dressed for the weather. Depending on where you live, the weather may be a bit unpredictable, so dressing in layers will help ensure you are comfortable for a day/night outside.


3. Kick Back and Relax at the Drive-In!

For a long time, there was talk that drive-ins were going out of business, but you wouldn’t notice it now. This summer classic has made a major comeback in recent years.

Admission is typically quite inexpensive, and you always have the option of bringing your own food.

If your little ones have been bugging you to go see that cool new movie that just came out, call your closest drive in and see if they’re playing it. You can take your movie watching experience to a whole other level with the drive-in.


4. Sing and Dance to Concerts in the Park

This may not be available in every area, but our local library hosts a free concert series every weekend and guests can have a picnic while listening to the week’s featured musician. It’s all family friendly, and my family loves it!

These are a huge hit because who doesn’t love to enjoy some good music while your little ones play in the grass? All you need to do is pack up some of your little one’s favorite lunch items, a big blanket and then you’re off to a fun day of bonding with your little ones.


5. Get in Touch With Nature

You really can’t go wrong with any of your local metro parks. They offer trails, playgrounds, green space, and shelter houses to fit all of your day’s needs.

If you like going on bike rides together, this is an excellent opportunity to break the bicycles out and spend quality time on the bike trails. Afterward, you can have a picnic on some of the park's green space and watch your little ones play on the playground.

Some parks also offer different buildings with historical tours, which can be a great opportunity to help your little one get in touch with the history of their area. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the learning has to stop!


Summing It Up

There’s nothing I love more than watching kids squeal with glee when we go on family outings and as a parent, seeing their faces light up makes it all worth it. The activities listed above have officially been tested and approved by my two little bears, so I'm sure yours will love them too. Plus, you don’t need to pay to play, so what are you waiting for?




Jenny is a mother of two, a summer mama, and a lover of the great outdoors. When she isn't trying to get her kids off their screens and playing outside, you can find her blogging about her parenthood experiences at Mom Loves Best.





What are your family's favorite summer activities? I love to read your comments!



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