I’m all about the bucket lists. Let me re-phrase that…I’m all about lists in general. Maybe it’s the first grade teacher in me?
I have found that lists help me stay on task, focus and get things done.
So, when it comes to summer fun, of course I would make a bucket list. Summer seems to go as quickly as it comes. I want to make sure that we soak up every moment of enjoyment.
The only problem is that I don’t have endless amounts of cash to spend on amusement parks, restaurants and excursions.
So, this year, we created a..
Super Fun Summer Budget Bucket List!
Wanna take a look?
- Make ice cream the old-fashioned way…in a can! Here’s a recipe to try from Food.com.
- Have a root beer float party. This simple classic makes me feel so nostalgic.
- Many theaters have free days or very inexpensive days for kids during the summer. We’ll be going to Regal Theater’s $1 weekly movie.
- Make s’mores. This is a summer treat that you must make time for.
- Have a picnic at the beach, lake or local park. There’s something special about packing up your food and eating it outside.
- We are local to Los Angeles and can take advantage of the free rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl. Check out your local area’s orchestra or band and head over for a free summer concert.
- Going to the museum for a family can add up. I’ve found that most museums offer a free or reduced rate once a month. Since we aren’t constrained by a school schedule, we’ll be checking out our local museum this summer for free.
- Have fun with a sprinkler. Set up a sprinkler outside and let the kids run around while you’re watering the lawn. If you don’t have a sprinkler, set out some bowls of water for outdoor water play.
- Make a lemonade stand. This is an event that take up a whole afternoon. From making the lemonade to working on signs and dragging everything outside, you’ve got hours of fun. And the kids will be so excited to spend their hard-earned money.
- Have an outdoor sleepover. If you have a tent, set it up under the stars. If you have a trampoline, take the sleeping bags outside for the evening.
- Go bowling. This is one of those games that you don’t play often, but you realize how much fun you’re missing when you go. Bowling is an inexpensive activity that the whole family can enjoy.
- Have fun with sidewalk chalk. You can write encouraging messages on the sidewalk for neighbors to find.
- Participate in a photo-of-the-day challenge. At the end of the summer take all your photos and make a book.
- Fly a kite. You can find a kite at the dollar store. Go find a windy area and let the kids run with the kite to see who can get it to take off. It’s harder than it looks!
- Speaking of the dollar store, take an excursion there with a budget. Maybe you can go there after the lemonade stand. It’s a treat to let the kids hold their own money and decide what they will spend it on.
- Buy water balloons. This is another throw-back activity that reminds me of my childhood. Fill up some water balloons and have fun in the back yard.
- Participate in a library summer reading program. Our library gives incentives to kids for reading. It’s great way to get kids to continue learning through the summer.
- Watch a thunderstorm. Summer is a great time to see a thunderstorm. Make a point to get the whole family out on the front porch to take it all in.
- Play in the rain. The next time you have a warm summer rain, let the kids go out in their bathing suits and splash around in the puddles.
- Bring a frisbee to the park. If you’re kids are older, you can take them to a frisbee golf park. If they are younger, tossing a frisbee back and forth can be even easier than playing catch with a baseball.
- Barbecue a pizza. Instead of make a pizza in the oven, try making it on the barbecue. Barbecued pizza tastes delicious and the kids will have fun adding toppings. Here are some helpful tips for barbecuing a pizza from The Kitchn.
- Go to 7-11 on July 11 to get a free slurpee. You may not know this, but the convenience store gives out free slurpees on their ‘birthday.’
- Visit a farmer’s market. Find out about your local farmer’s market and plan a trip. I love that the vendors always give out free samples!
- Bring cookies to a local fire station. This act of service will be something the kids will always remember looking back at their summer.
- Go a whole day without any technology. This is kind of a challenge, but you’ll find yourself soaking in a bit more summer fun if you’re not checking your email on your phone.
Hope this inspires you to make a Summer Budget Bucket List of your own!
Get your kids’ input and have them help you put the list up somewhere everyone can see it all summer long.
More Summer Play Ideas from MPMK
20 No-Fuss Ways to Have a Blast in the Back Yard
4 Summer Drinks for Tired Mamas
The Very Best Family Audiobooks for Road Trips
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Kristin
Blogs at Kristin Eldridge Photography
Kristin is a former teacher turned children’s photographer in southern California. Visit her website to read all about her adventures in photography, cooking, and her love of style.