Maybe it’s the teacher’s kid over here, or maybe it’s all the good marketing on TV and social media, but when it comes to summertime, we just want to have fun!!!
Pool parties, popsicles, and fireworks ALL feel like an integral AND essential part of a good summer. And while all the marketing wants to make us think that we HAVE to spend tons of money and buy all new everything to have a summer to remember, if you read this blog and do a little soul searching, you’ll realize that summer fun with your family is about more than money.
However, we’re not total cheapskates over here. We DO believe that there are some things that ARE worth the splurge.
So, from a team of Moms just trying to soak up all the precious moments with their babies (and still stay on budget) here are 5 areas to save on summer fun and 2 things we think are worth the splurge.
Summer Fun Savings
Summer Fun Savings Idea #1: Back-Yard Fun!
Sure, you could spend a thousand dollars for a giant water slide and bouncy house and have ALL the neighborhood kids invading your back yard. And if that’s what floats your summer boat, have at it.
But what we have seen with kids again and again and again is that a sprinkler, simple backyard pool, and dirt make them JUST as happy and for a fraction of the price.
Summer Fun Savings Idea #2: Campfires + Marshmallows
Speaking of backyard fun + ways to save:
Putting in a fire pit is a GREAT way to make some core summer memories. Sure, not much beats roasting marshmallows over a campfire in the woods during an epic family vacation (more on that later), but when it comes to having more frequent connection time with your growing kids, a firepit is a GREAT way to do that.
You can go as fancy or as simple as you want with your firepit build and set up, just make sure that it’s designed to be safe! Summer fun with your family can be budget friendly.
Summer Fun Savings Idea #3: Plant a Summer Garden
Now, we will admit that a garden IS work, but there is a reward that you (and your family) can see from your efforts. You don’t have to go full-on homesteader to enjoy a garden, either.
Start with the space you have and with a handful of plants that your local gardening guru friends (or the local nursery) recommend. And don’t get caught up in the Pinterest-perfect garden design. An elaborate garden can turn into an expensive landscaping project REALLY quickly if you let yourself get carried away.
Truly, you don’t need to spend thousands to have a fun and fruitful garden. And bonus points, you can use working in the garden together as family bonding time, and an opportunity to teach your kids lots of life lessons.
Summer Fun Savings Idea #4: Enjoy the Local 4th of July Fireworks Show
We all like to buy a few firecrackers and sparklers, and we are huge fans of celebrating our nation’s founding and our continued freedom. However, you don’t actually have to spend thousands of dollars to have an AWESOME 4th of July fireworks show.
Sure, buy a few small things, but if you do a little research and planning, you might be able to see MULTIPLE big, professional fireworks shows in your area over the 4th without spending thousands.
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Summer Fun Savings Idea #5: Camping
Depending on your setup, the camping supplies that you already have, and how far you have to travel to get out of the heat, camping can either be a save or a splurge.
However, typically, once you own the gear, you can take a camping trip for no more than food, fuel, and a small site fee at campgrounds. Making it a great, affordable way to have some summer fun with the family.
If you’re really gung- ho, you can even take your slightly bigger kids backpacking and go camping in the wilderness! Trust us when we say, it’ll be an experience that they won’t soon forget!
Splurges That We Think Are Worth It
Summer Fun Splurges Idea #1: Vacation Rentals
Air BnB or VRBO instead of hotels for big family vacations:
It’s no secret that lodging can be one of the bigger expenses on vacations. And while hotel rooms with 2 queen beds certainly have their place for 1 night stays, packing up multiple kids and all their stuff to stay for multiple days… well… it gets pretty tight in a hotel room.
Vacation rentals like Airbnbs or VRBOs can be a splurge at times, but they often offer a much more relaxing experience and even let the kids have their own bedrooms. Bonus – because there is often more space to spread out and even cook some of your own meals, vacation rentals can end up being cheaper than hotels.
Summer Fun Splurges Idea #2: Disney Trips
There is nothing cheap or “save” ish about a Disney vacation. They are absolutely a splurge. With park ticket prices ranging from roughly $100-$225 per day, depending on the date and ticket type, it can get spendy fast.
However, if you look at it as an experience and a memory-making trip, that changes your perspective. Yes, those trips are pricey, but seeing the look on your kids face when they meet Mickey Mouse or their favorite Princess- that is priceless!
Summer Fun With Your Family Doesn’t Have to Break the Budget
Just remember, that whatever family fun you have planned for the summer aligns with your family values, your season of life, and is something that you can pay for in cash without going into debt.
The best summers aren’t always the most expensive ones. They’re the ones where you were present, intentional, and not stressed out about the credit card bill waiting for you in September.
Whether you’re firing up the backyard sprinkler or saving up for a Disney trip the whole family will talk about for years, the goal is the same: enjoy the season without letting it derail the financial progress you’ve worked hard to build.
That’s what a budget is actually for — not to keep you from having fun, but to make sure the fun you have is something you can actually afford. When every summer dollar has a purpose, you can say yes to the splurges that matter and let go of the ones that don’t without the guilt.
If you’re not sure where summer spending fits into your overall financial picture, that’s exactly the kind of conversation we love having with our clients.
