Create (Affordable) Memories with your Family this Summer

With my family due to visit soon, I’m planning how to keep the children occupied and because Summer is a magical time for families to bond, explore, and create memories, I thought I’d use a blog to put my ideas down for you to use. However, summer activities can quickly become costly and I’m on a pension so how can I keep the costs down? Fortunately, I have found numerous affordable and creative ways to enjoy the season together, and in this post I would like to share my plans with you so you too can relish summer without breaking the bank.

Outdoor Picnics

One of the simplest and most enjoyable summer activities for me is having a picnic, but you have got to do it properly, with tablecloths, plates and mosquito-repellent candles. Try to make food that is a little different from the norm that is sandwiches such as a baguette which needs torn up and pate to spread on it. Cheese bites and charcuterie is always a staple for me. Gather your family, pack the food into a basket with a beautiful table cloth and head out, whether it be to your local park or a beauty spot near to the river or beach. You can lay out a blanket too if you like a nd enjoy the fresh air, and play games like frisbee or soccer.

A colorful picnic spread with sandwiches and fruit in the park.

To keep it affordable, I ask each family to bring something be it their favourite dish or a bowl of salad. This not only reduces costs but also adds a little variety to your meal, it’s amazing how quickly you can fill a picnic table.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Keeping the children (and adults) away from their smartphones and tablets, you can take them on an exciting nature scavenger hunt, and enjoy a beautiful walk amongst nature at its best. As a child, I used to have I-spy books which provided lists of things to look out for, I don’t know if you can still get these but if not, create your own, you can include items such as pinecones, interesting rocks, or specific types of leaves. Then just head to a nearby forest or natural park and challenge your family to find everything on the list.

A child examining leaves in nature during a scavenger hunt.

This gets me (and the adults) moving but also encourages children to observe and appreciate nature. To make it even more engaging, I keep it competitive a little and award points for each item found, the one with the most points at the end chooses the next adventure.

DIY Garden Camping

There is nothing children love better than Camping, and if it’s a makeshift tent under the table or a pop-up tent in the garden, it doesn’t really matter. And it doesn’t always have to mean heading to a campground. You can recreate the experience right in your garden. Set up a tent, gather sleeping bags, and prepare some sausages over a small fire pit or grill.

A cozy camping setup in a backyard with a small tent.

Spend the evening stargazing or telling stories around the campfire. If you’d like to add a twist, create a themed camping night, such as a Hawaiian luau or space adventure. Outdoor camping teaches kids vital skills like teamwork and survival in a fun atmosphere. They will love it.

Local Community Events

Summer is a fantastic time for local events, many of which are free or low-cost. I check for local markets, soirées, festivals, farmers' markets, and outdoor movie nights. These events often include live entertainment which is free, food stalls (better yet take picnic) , and many have activities for kids.

To find out more about local happenings, you can check local websites or your local authority page for listings.

Water Fun Without the Cost

I have a pool so I’m quite lucky with this one, but if you don’t and it’s a hot summer day, cooling off is essential. Instead of heading to pricey water parks, consider fun alternatives. If you have a garden hose, set up a fun water spray day in your garden.

You can also fill a kiddie pool or create a DIY slip-and-slide using a tarp and soap. These activities are not only budget-friendly but also offer hours of entertainment. Many communities offer free or low-cost splash pads or public pools.

Creative Arts and Crafts

Embrace the vibrant summer colours with arts and crafts! My house is generally full of stuff like old boxes and cardboard, plastic bottles and the like, why not gather supplies from around your home land let your children create their masterpieces.

You could even have a theme, like nature or summer, to inspire creativity. This occupies the kids for ages.

They can pain rocks or make bird feeders or bird baths from recyclable materials.

Explore Free Outdoor Attractions

In my area there are so many beautiful villages and so much to admire in the countryside that a walk into different areas is like a treasure hunt for the children, and the adults will also like exploring. Plus it costs nothing, there is a lovely lake nearby with a nature trail. Take advantage of nature’s beauty by visiting free outdoor attractions such as national parks, nature reserves, or beaches. Lots of castles to find and to explore too, you don't have to pay the entrance fee, just walk around the castle walls. so pack a camera to document their adventure and encourage your family members to capture the sights and experiences.

Homemade Summer Treats

Summer is synonymous with delicious ice cream and refreshing popsicles. But I find ice cream parlour quite pricey, so I like to make ice pops for the children and the adults. Its a good way for the kids to have some fun too. So, instead of buying these treats from the ice cream parlour, , why not make your own at home?

You can create fruit popsicles using fresh fruit, juice, or yogurt. There are countless recipes online, and it becomes a fun family activity for everyone to get involved.

Not only is this activity budget-friendly, but it also provides a healthy twist on classic summer treats.

Family Game Night Outdoors

Its lovely to transform a regular family game night into an outdoor extravaganza. With board games, deck chairs or picnic rugs, and blankets, not forgeting the twinkle lights, outside to enjoy fresh air while playing your favourites.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider creating your own outdoor games. We are planning a Family edition of Its a Knock out this summer. We will set up an obstacle course or a giant Jenga game using large wooden blocks. There are some really well crafted outdoor games if you have some money to spend, the family will have hours of fun.

Make the Most of Your Summer

Sometimes as an adult, we forget how to have fun, but children soon remind us how its done, so when they are here, I forget about the chores for a while and spend some time with them doing stuff that they obviously find entertaining. By being resourceful and creative, families can make unforgettable memories this summer without overspending. Explore nature, utilise local resources, and get involved in community events. I plan to do as much of this with the little ones as possible, as I don't see them very often.

With a little planning and enthusiasm, we should fill our summer with joy and adventure, all while sticking to our budget! Keep in mind that the best moments shared are those created together as a family. Now is the time to seize those fleeting summer days and turn them into lasting memories. So, get outside, explore, and enjoy all that summer has to offer!