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Beat Boredom on a Budget with 17 Cheap Ideas for Summer Fun with Kids

You don't have to have a large budget to have a fun summer

By Jennifer Hill, publisher of Macaroni KID Fremont, Calif. June 5, 2024


Are you ready to make this summer unforgettable for your kids? Let’s kick off the season with a bang! Every year, I sit down with my kid to brainstorm and plan our summer adventures. We list our must-dos, mark our calendar with all the exciting plans, and make sure to leave room for spontaneous fun. You don’t need a huge budget to create amazing memories – here’s how we do it:

🏞️ 1. Visit Local Parks

Explore new playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic spots. How about visiting a different park each week? 

Some of our Favorites:

  • Alki Beach Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • Seahurst Park

🎨 2. DIY Crafts

Use recycled materials or nature finds for fun crafts. Think nature collages, bird feeders, and rock painting. Take a hike and gather supplies and make some art with nature!

πŸ₯Ύ 3. Take a Hike... or Two

Discover local trails like the Schmitz Park Trail or the easy, family-friendly Camp Long hike.

β›Ί 4. Backyard Camping

Pitch a tent in your backyard, stargaze, tell stories, and roast marshmallows. It’s a mini-adventure right at home!

πŸ” 5. Scavenger Hunt

Plan a fun scavenger hunt. Go indoors, outdoors, or combine it with a hike. 

For a bigger adventure, join the West Seattle Glass Float Hunt in a real life search for glass floats placed around west seattle by local businesses! What a great way to build up our community!

πŸ’¦ 6. Visit a Local Pool

Cool off at Delridge Community Center’s wading pool or dive into the heated saltwater Coleman Pool for an unforgettable swim.

πŸ—ΊοΈ 7. Go Geocaching

Turn your hikes or bike rides into treasure hunts! Start your geocaching adventure today.

🎬 8. Outdoor Movie Night

Check out local outdoor movie events or host your own backyard movie night with friends and neighbors.

πŸƒ 9. Outdoor Games

Introduce your kids to classic games like Red Light, Green Light, and kickball. Get the whole neighborhood involved!

πŸ“š 10. Visit the Library

Libraries aren’t just for books! Enjoy free events like storytime, crafts, and themed activities. Check the Macaroni KID event calendar!

🚴 11. Bike Rides

Find a bike trail and enjoy a family ride. Stop for ice cream for a sweet treat!

🎑 12. Community Events

Summer is festival season! Enjoy local fairs, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts. Keep an eye on the Macaroni KID event calendar.

πŸ§ͺ 13. Science and STEAM Fun

Try simple, fun science experiments at home. How about making a DIY lava lamp or giant bubbles?

🌻 14. Gardening

Plant a garden or some pots with veggies and flowers. Kids love watching their plants grow!

🌊 15. Splash in a Creek or Stream

Cool off in nature. Let the kids splash and play – their creativity will soar!

🍽️ 16. Have a Picnic

Change up mealtime with a picnic. Pack a lunch, pick a spot, and enjoy dining al fresco!

❀️ 17. Community Service

Teach your kids the value of giving back. Join community clean-up events or food drives together.

Make the most of summer without breaking the bank. Have fun, create memories, and enjoy every moment with your kids. Let’s make this the best summer yet! 🌟