End of Summer Budget-Friendly Bucket List
A recent study reported that in 2018, the average American family spent $1,200 per person per year on vacations. As we return to some normalcy after COVID quarantine, you may be on the hunt for more budget-friendly family-fun, closer to home. May we suggest you check out these eight low-risk activities the whole family can enjoy:
8 Tips For Making a Splash Without Breaking the Bank
1) Check Groupon and LivingSocial.
This time of year, local recreational businesses post stunning deals on family activities. You can find discounts up to 75% on theme park tickets, outdoor adventures, and concerts. If there is an activity you’ve been wanting to try, avoid paying pay full price by searching for these deals.
2) Mobile Scavenger Hunt.
Grab another family (or two or three) and create a scavenger hunt of local attractions, monuments, or points of interest. Then see which group can find all of the locations first! The losing family buys ice cream!
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3) Organize a Neighborhood Clean-Up.
Get your neighbors together and plan a neighborhood, park or beach clean-up. You’ll get some exercise and social time while helping the environment.
4) Host A Cartoon Movie Marathon.
Invite your family and friends to spend an afternoon or evening watching 2 or 3 family-friendly movies. Make it a potluck to save money on take-out. You can also move the party outdoors and have a movie under the stairs or floating in a pool! But whatever you do, don’t forget the popcorn!
5) Tour a Local Police or Fire Station.
Most police and fire stations offer free tours. Bring the kids to learn more about our first responders and thank them for their service.
6) Build a Giant Box Fort.
Thanks to COVID, a lot of us have been utilizing home delivery more often. Put those boxes to good use! Gather all your old, empty boxes and design a giant box fort that the whole family can enjoy. Create hangout spaces and mazes, or even host a sleepover in it. Search “cardboard forts” on pinterest.com for some great ideas.
7) Create a Water Blob.
Use plastic sheeting and Duct Tape to create a “blob” that can be filled with water. Kids can bounce, slide and roll around on the blob while staying cool on those hot summer days.
8) Make Homemade Ice Cream.
Beat the heat by making your own ice cream. No need for fancy equipment. Find easy recipes online that you can customize for everyone’s tastes using the supplies in your kitchen. Then the fun starts. Make sure everyone gets a turn to churn! Invite some friends over to do a taste test, or create a sundae bar with lots of toppings.
Next Steps
There are many resources available from PenAir to help you take steps to securing your financial future. Here are just a few: