summer family fun
Whether your summer plans include backyard adventures or passport stamps, meaningful family memories don’t have to come with a huge price tag. Some of the best summer moments are the simplest ones — sticky popsicle fingers, late sunsets, roadside ice cream stops, and discovering somewhere new together.
Here are budget-friendly ways to make the most of summer, whether you’re staying close to home or heading out on the road.
Don’t forget: In honor of Mother’s Day / my birthday, we are offering a 25% off any product in our shop with code “TRAVELMOM”.
if you’re staying at home…
You don’t need expensive camps or packed schedules to create a memorable summer. Slowing down and making ordinary days feel intentional can be just as magical for kids. Here’s some more fun ideas!
Create a “Yes Summer” Bucket List / adventure board
Sit down together and let everyone add a few ideas — especially the kids. Keep it simple and affordable:
Backyard picnic dinners
Water balloon fights
DIY lemonade stand
Nature scavenger hunts
Library reading challenges
Sunset walks
Movie nights outside
Visiting a new playground each week
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating anticipation and connection.
We do this in a different format and we call it an Adventure Board. We built a template for you to steal, grab it in our Store.
Basically, you need: markets, a poster board, glue, scissors, construction paper or other opaque paper, the template.
What you do: Grab a couple of the headers that appeal to you. Some examples are “day trips” and “foodie adventures.” Then start thinking about what specific kinds of adventures you want to have. Maybe a day trip to a nearby town, foodie adventure at a cool new restaurant. Write those down on a note card. Then you glue the notecards in a vertical line under each heading. Last, cover up the note cards with construction paper or something else so you can’t see the words.
How it works: Anytime you have a free day / weekend, uncover one of the adventures! Built in, pre-approved FUN.
Explore your own city like a tourist
Families often overlook the hidden gems close to home. We had the best time doing this in our own town! If you want some more day trip ideas and you’re local to the DC area, check out this blog post.
Pick one day each week to explore somewhere local:
Farmers markets
Free festivals and concerts
Hiking trails
Splash pads
Local museums with free admission days
Small-town main streets
State parks
Make slow days special
Not every summer memory has to be an event. Some of the best moments happen at home when you intentionally unplug. Especially if you have school age kids, they are going to want to relax!
Try:
Reading together after breakfast
Using our convo cards to plan an upcoming trip!
Cooking a meal from another country
Hosting themed nights (“Italy Night,” “Beach Night,” etc.)
Letting kids help plan the day
Saying yes to messy play outside
Summer doesn’t have to be packed to be meaningful.
Use memberships strategically
If you plan to stay local, one well-used membership can save a lot of money over the summer. We just got a Baltimore Aquarium membership because it is SUCH a good value for our family size.
Consider:
Zoo memberships
Children’s museums
Pool passes
State park passes
Many offer reciprocity programs that work in other cities too — especially helpful if you end up taking a short trip later in the summer.
if you’re traveling…
Traveling with kids during summer can get expensive quickly, but there are ways to make it more affordable without sacrificing the experience.
Book with a travel agent!
We can get you deals, perks and save you major $$. If you want to chat, my door is always open!
Choose Fewer Destinations
One of the easiest ways to cut travel costs? Slow down.
Instead of trying to see everything, stay longer in one place. You’ll save on transportation, reduce stress, and often enjoy deeper experiences.
Kids usually prefer:
More pool time
Playground stops
Familiar routines
Unhurried days
Not three cities in five days.
Stay Close to Home
Find a cool spot closer to home (within 3 hours) you have been meaning to check out. This will cut down on driving time, whining, gas / flight cost.
Prioritize experience over luxury
Family travel doesn’t need five-star resorts to be memorable.
Some of the most-loved travel moments are:
Street food dinners
Public beaches
Train rides
Local bakeries
Renting bikes
Exploring neighborhoods on foot
Focus your budget on experiences your family will actually remember.
Travel Midweek When Possible
Flights and hotels are often cheaper:
Tuesday through Thursday
Early morning departures
Shoulder season weeks
Even shifting your travel dates by a day or two can make a big difference for families booking multiple tickets.
Pack More Than You Think You Need
It sounds simple, but overpacking essentials can save a surprising amount of money. Try our packing lists to manage this!
Bring:
Reusable water bottles
Snacks
Small entertainment for transit days
Swimsuits in carry-ons
Basic medicines
Laundry pods for longer trips
Avoiding airport snacks and convenience purchases adds up fast.
If it’s free, it’s for me!
Some of the best travel experiences cost almost nothing.
Look for:
Public beaches
National parks
Walking tours
Outdoor markets
Cultural festivals
Scenic drives
Free hotel activities for kids
Children are often happiest with simple freedom to explore.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable. Whether you’re staying home and rediscovering your own town or traveling somewhere new, the moments kids remember most are usually the ones filled with connection, flexibility, and joy.
The best family summers aren’t about doing the most.
They’re about being together — consistently, intentionally, and with a little sense of adventure.