Summer is HERE! Entertaining Kids On A Budget

With the school year finally wrapping up, you’d think it’s time to exhale, kick back, and enjoy a well-earned break. In theory, summer should be the season of slower mornings, lemonade on the porch, and spontaneous family adventures. Right?

Not quite.

Reality has a funny way of sneaking in just when you think you’ve caught a break. Summer camps? Most of them were full by early spring. And the few that still have openings come with price tags that feel more like private school tuition than week-long childcare. The cost of stacking camp after camp can quickly climb into the thousands, which for many of us, just isn’t realistic.

So here we are—still needing to entertain the kids, still juggling work, and still trying to hold onto some semblance of sanity. If you’re anything like me, you’re working within a budget and trying to make summer feel magical without draining your bank account. And let’s be honest: if we don’t come up with a plan, the kids aren’t the only ones who’ll be throwing tantrums by week one.

Here are some tips for entertaining kids on a budget this summer. 

Local Library

First, check with your local library for great programs from reading to STEM projects and arts and crafts. Also, when entertaining your kids on a budget having someone else set a list of activities to choose from is a sanity saver. Create a schedule for going to the library on certain days for story time or just quiet reading. Check out a book of activities. Give kids a budget and have them find or shop for the materials needed to complete projects from the books. 

Craft Stores

Next on my list is a personal favorite. Michael’s is my second home. It would be a problem if it didn’t bring me such joy. Camp Creatology is a summer program for hour-long crafting sessions. I mean, is there anything better than that? Check your local store. If you don’t live near Michael’s, check your local craft store for what they offer or ask if they can offer a similar program. 

Standing Playdate

If there was one thing that saved my sanity last summer, it was the beauty of standing playdates. A group of local moms (truly heroes in leggings) launched a simple Facebook group and started organizing recurring meetups by age group—and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.

Each week had something lined up: a morning at the park, splash pad days, a tour of the local fire station. The best part? Everything was pre-planned. All I had to do was check the calendar, RSVP, and show up. No scrambling to make plans. No endless texting back and forth. Just built-in social time for the kids—and a mental breather for me.

If you don’t have something like this in your area, let this be your sign to start it. All it takes is a group chat, a basic calendar, and a few friends who are willing to invite others. Everyone contributes one or two ideas, and suddenly you’ve got an entire summer mapped out with little effort.

Invest in a Season Pass

I was looking into Science camps for my early elementary school kiddo. The price tag was $250/wk. PER WEEK! The annual pass for the Science Center family membership is $155…for the YEAR. We invested in this annual pass this year and it has been amazing. Pick a family favorite location and look into their annual pass. It may be more worth the price than you’d expect. 

Pick One Splurge

My last summer budget suggestion is a splurge. I know, it’s confusing. Take a look at your budget and if you or your kids have something specific in mind, both of my kids want to try soccer and one wants to do dance, see if your budget can handle one splurge for the summer. Ultimately, the drop off and more structured program may be a nice break for kids and Mom. 

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS…

Sprinklers, popsicles and good old fashion Florida fun in the sun! Or wait until the end of the afternoon rain showers and go splash in puddles. Pick a local beach you’ve never visited or a local Orlando splash pad your kids have been begging to try. Pack up lunches and water bottles to keep the cost low.