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There’s no denying that summer brings the life out of us. The warm-breeze, sun-filled days that spark a smile are upon us. Therefore, it’s a no-brainer that you’re probably on the hunt for thrilling summer activities (aside from just working on that tan). Let’s explore a number of exciting ideas you can add to your summer bucket list, and the best part is, they won’t break the bank.

Inexpensive summer activities the whole family can do in the backyard.

Let’s delve into some pocket-friendly summer activities for family fun in your backyard to spark your creativity.

• Play equipment: If you have a water source and ample room, you can spring for a trampoline, splash pad, or bounce house for immense summer fun that is suitable for all kids ages.
• Backyard movie nights: Investing some of your would-be vacation funds in an affordable projector is a great idea. Then, rig up a large blanket in the backyard and take turns choosing family movies.
• Break out the camping gear: Backyard camping is a summer activity that even an older kid can also delight in. In addition to stargazing and story-telling, the best part about a summer camp in your backyard is that if anyone experiences difficulty sleeping, the house is just a few feet away.
• Stargaze in your backyard: For a bit of nighttime summer fun, make your kiddie pool work overtime by filling it with blankets and pillows, host a family stargazing night, and enjoy a few scoops of your favorite ice cream while at it.
• Host an outdoor relay race: Kids can start running from as early as 18 months old, so who needs the summer Olympics when you can revel in a boatload of summer games from the comfort of your home? For a fun outdoor activity round up a few supplies around your home, such as a hula hoop, clothes hamper, and a pool noodle, and convert your backyard for the best outdoor play.
• Embark on a scavenger hunt: It’s no secret that a scavenger hunt can be daunting if you’re playing with strangers or people you don’t have a rapport with. Fortunately, a scavenger hunt is a fun summer activity you can participate in with your loved ones as you can revel in new ways of trying to outwit each other.
• Make homemade ice cream: Let’s face it. Nothing beats a nice cold scoop (or three) of ice cream when the sweltering summers roll around. What’s even better is that if you’re looking to spice up your ice cream experience, then you take the homemade route. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that it tastes better or equally as good as store-bought ice cream.

Free nostalgic summer activities for the whole family

We’ve rounded up a few free activities to add to your summer bucket list.

• Create and make fun summer cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and homemade ice cream: A perfect summer night is almost unimaginable without the thought of a refreshing drink in hand. Whether it’s a fruity spritzer or vibrantly-colored sangria that can brighten anyone’s day, you can get your creative juices flowing by working on some new creations.
• Conduct a blind taste test: Do you have unwavering confidence that you pick out your favorite foods and drinks in a massive lineup? Putting it to the test can be a fun thing to do during summer. Simply round up the family and your go-to condiments, drinks, and desserts, wear a blindfold and see if you can properly identify a few of everyone's favorite treats without peeking.
• Host a potluck: Granted, having a blowout party might not be ideal in the times we live in, however, hosting a small group of people in your backyard or the local park and asking them to bring different foods is one of the most fun, festive and affordable summer activities.
• Fly a kite: A fun thing to do when the wind is blowing is to take your kids outside and teach them the secret to flying a kite for hours on end (Just like you might have done when you were a kid.)
• Go for a hike: You don’t have to reside near the woods to experience the joy of walking through and experiencing nature. A number of towns have hiking trails that are worth exploring. After a thrilling day of hiking, you can wind down in a hot tub.
• Roast marshmallows: Another idea for a fun activity to do during summer is to roast gooey marshmallows and flatten them between graham crackers and chocolate. With a fire pit in your backyard, you can roast away and enjoy these yummy treats while gazing into the sky.
• Run through the sprinklers: Want to get your kids offline and outside? Turn on the sprinklers and jump through the water with them. After all, you can’t let the grass and plants have all the fun!
• Decorate the pavement with sidewalk chalk: You can channel your creativity as a family by cracking open a box of chalks and crafting colorful designs on your sidewalk or driveway. As a fun activity, you can also use the chalk to delight in games such as hopscotch and tic-tac-toe.
• Dance it out: As one of the most legendary summer activities to enjoy, put on your favorite playlist, get the family together and show off your best moves. Who knows? Maybe it will turn into a memorable dance contest.
• Hone your florist skills: If you have a garden full of blooms or a local shop where you can purchase inexpensive flowers, try your hand at putting together a few bouquets. Showcase them as home decor or gift them to your friends who could use some color to help brighten up what could be an otherwise drab day.
• Go cloud hunting: Cloud hunting is another summer activity you can enjoy with your kids. Rather than stretching your budget, relive your childhood and let your imagination run wild as you identify clouds shaped like an animal or other items.
• Go for a scenic drive: Your hometown might be peppered with undiscovered places worth exploring. Taking a drive with your family to explore the sights and sounds of the area is one of the most adventurous and free summer activities you can do.
• Plant an herb garden: Are you on the quest for a fun and cost-effective idea that can shave some extra bucks off your grocery bill? Then an herb garden is right up your alley. Additionally, it’s a fun activity to involve your kids in as they can learn a skill and gain a better understanding of what they eat.
• Play with water balloons: Even the older kids will find the giggle-inducing, goofy task of throwing and trying to dodge water balloons irresistible. During summer break, you can turn your yard into a massive water balloon fight. Worried about the mess? No problem. Offer the kids a popsicle for helping clean up.
• Craft a birdfeeder: Gain insight into the birds that are native to your area by creating a birdfeeder. The perfect combination of craftiness and a few simple household items can convert your backyard into the perfect place to birdwatch and enjoy what nature has to offer.

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