Looking for a way to entertain the family over the summer? For families that need to stick to a budget and keep kids busy all summer long it is important to have a plan to keep everyone busy. These frugal summer entertainment ideas will help keep your family having a great time all summer long without breaking your budget.

Backyard movie night

If families have a cheap projector backyard movie nights are a great way to spend summer nights. While a projector is an initial investment it can be split between friends and family to make it affordable and usable for years to come. A simple thick white sheet can make a fairly decent screen backdrop. This is a great activity to get friends and family together for a backyard activity streaming a video from a service you already own or renting a new video so everyone can watch for much less than a trip to the movie theater. Check out our Movie Studies.

Go on a family hike

Most areas have a state park or two nearby where there are hiking trails that can be used by families. Some of these trails have some allaying offerings like historical sites you can visit along the way or breathtaking views to remember. Check for local walking trails and parks near you to go on an adventure.

Take your hiking trip up a notch and give Geocaching a try for some fun. Geocaching is a great way to teach your kids how to read a map and be a bit more observant on your walks through the trails. If Geocaching isn’t your thing you can paint rocks before you go and leave them alone the way to brighten someone else’s day.

Camping

If you have or can borrow camping gear this can be a frugal way to have a vacation with your family. Camping is full of amazing experiences for your children that they will remember when they are all grown up. Camping takes you away from the stress of the world allowing you to enjoy some truly quality family time. Because the main cost is gear as long as you have access to the gear already camping is a highly frugal summer activity. Take along our Camping Numbers Activity Pack for your little ones!

Make a shady reading nook

Summers are just made for reading in the shade swinging in a hammock relaxing. Families can encourage reading for their children by setting up a cozy reading area in a shady spot. This doubles as a great place for parents to relax and read to set a good example for their kids.

Go swimming

Go find a beach, lake, or river where it is safe to take the kids swimming. Pack food and drinks to avoid having to spend money at concessions or eating out after the beach when everyone is hungry. National and state parks are frugal places for go swimming as they simply charge an entrance fee and often offer year-long passes you can use to make it a regular activity for just a few dollars for the entire summer.

Pack up a picnic

Picnics are still amazing ways to spend quality time as a family and they don’t cost much as tall. Simply pack up your lunch and a large blanket then head out to relax at the local park or beach for a relaxing family picnic. This is a great way to get up and away from the stress of the world and enjoy a nice sunny day.

Try foraging with your family

Foraging is a great sill to learn and a fun frugal activity to do with your family. You can use a simple printed foraging guide with photos or try a website like FallingFruit.org to help make finding foragables in your area easier. Not only is this a fun activity it can be a great way to find new and interesting foods like wild mulberries, elderberries, and other interesting things that grow locally.

Plant a garden

Gardening is a great frugal activity that helps feed your family and gives your children some amazing learning opportunities. Start a square foot garden bed or two for a fun way to keep the kids busy digging in the dirt and having fun and giving them the experience of learning how food goes from seed to table. Don’t miss this FREE Plant Life Cycle Lapbook.

Have field day

Gather odds and ends around the house to put together an obstacle course or some small sports activities for your family to participate in. This is a great way to get kids to get up and get active off of their devices on a nice summer day while making memories as a family.

Get crafty

Gathering cheap craft supplies makes it easy to keep the whole family busy and having fun. Take messy art like painting and glitter outside to your backyard where you can let things get crazy and not worry about the clean-up. This is a great way to let your kids be creative without stressing you out.

More Summer Themed Resources

Summertime is a great time to relax and have some downtime, but there can also be some fun learning involved. Check out all these ideas from my friends around the homeschool blogging world.

Frugal Summer Entertainment Ideas for Families	Summer Math Fact Game	American Flag Mini Unit Study
S’mores and Camping Unit Study for Early Learners	How To Pack The Perfect Backpack For Autism Summer Adventures	Cheap Summer Activities for Kids
40+ Fun Summer Camp Ideas You Can Do At Home with Kids	Hands On Activities for Upper Grades Homeschoolers	Summer I Spy Free Printables