Summer is finally here where I live in Western New York! Let’s take advantage of this time, and save a penny or two in the process! Here are my TOP TEN ideas, in no particular order, for a low-budget and high-fun summer!!
1. THE BEACH
When I think of summer, I have a beach in my mind. My husband definitely does, being from Ecuador! Locally, we have been to Olcott Beach and Niagara-on-the-Lake beach in Canada (pictured above). Olcott Beach and Carousel has the most quaint environment with rides and games for kids that cost only a quarter each (photo below); if you haven’t checked out this gem yet, put it on your list! Niagara-on-the-Lake is an enjoyable ride over the Canadian border, passing gorgeous vineyards and countryside. It’s a small beach but incredible view of Lake Onatario. I’ve also heard Durand Eastman Beach in Rochester, New York is quite lovely. Sometimes I over-think a beach trip, and yes, you do need quite a bit of preparation with four kids to have a successful (which means enjoyable) time there! Make sure you have the essentials such as sunscreen, water bottles, a few snacks, beach towels, and bathing suits. If you need to, make a pit-stop on the way to grab a couple sand-pails and shovels for digging and constructing your prize-winning sand castles! Then, make a day of it, and if you’re really adventurous you could bring a few hot dogs to roast while you’re there. Also, plan on going in the water; make this a time to remember and re-live your childhood memories too!
2. SPLASH PADS
Some summer days are so hot, you have to be in water to be content! I know splash pads are known gathering places for families with children, but I have seen other adults show up, especially women, just to get cooled off on a hot night! Oppenheim Park locally has a great one, with a playground on the side.
3. DOWNTOWN
If you don’t live downtown, but have a city near you, visit every once in awhile! Our downtown in Buffalo, New York has been recently renovated over the past few years, and offers a family-friendly experience during the summer! Free games along the boardwalks and a make-shift beach are popular hang-outs. You can even attend free outdoor weekly exercise and dance classes in the city, which always looks like a blast (I am one of those crazy people that can’t help but move, no matter where I am, if I hear a good beat)! In addition, visit the Naval and Military Park, museums, and some other attractions if you have some money to spare. Just strolling around a city-environment, if you aren’t in one all day, can be a lively, healthy and welcoming change of scenery! (Below is a picture of my husband and his dad with our three boys downtown).
4. PLAY-DATES
Both new and old friendships can blossom over summer play-dates! Getting together with fellow moms uplifts me, as I see others who are in a similar same stage in life as me. We can “do life together,” watching our kids grow up and develop into unique persons. If you aren’t invited to a play-date very often, start by being the one to invite others! You can always begin by meeting a friend or family member at a park to break the ice. Don’t be an isolated mom, turn to a play-date routine while your kids are home!
5. NEW & OLD LOCAL PLAYGROUNDS
One of our go-to activities at night is a playground, letting the kids get that last bit of energy out before bedtime, right?! We’ve discovered a lot of playgrounds over the years, and have a few that are “the favorites.” We have one playground that we termed, “Ninja Warrior” because of all the monkey bars, high-bars and ropes! Another playground we call “Superman” because it has a long zip-line that kids can sit down and go across. Come up with some invigorating names for the parks you visit that your family will remember, and make those simple and long-lasting memories!
6. A GOOD HIKE OR WALK
We live in a forest-covered area, so you can find parks with trails in many places. Choose a day or evening, put on some bug & mosquito repellent, and explore. This is a great time, if you have kids in particular, to go EXTRA SLOW. Don’t rush them through, let their curiosity be aroused at the different sights and sounds along the way. You could even bring binoculars, a small magnifying glass, and a backpack to keep special findings!
If you aren’t into hiking as much, take a nice stroll by the water if you live near some, or in a scenic area of your city. I love Niawanda Park locally, because I can enjoy walking along and gazing at the Niagara River. Being in nature has a way of bringing my focus back to God, as I see His breathtaking creativity all around me.
7. BBQ WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY
Hospitality doesn’t have to be expensive! How about a pot-luck BBQ? You cook the meat, friends or family bring the side dishes and/or the drinks? Everyone loves being invited to a cook-out, and they won’t mind helping you out if you are doing the cooking! This can be a great way to invite neighbors, new friends, family or re-kindle old friendships. God can use non-threatening opportunities like this to be a light for Christ in your community!
8. STAY AT HOME & WALK AROUND THE BLOCK
In the summer I can be quick to rush out, not wanting to miss the fun “out there”! I forget that in my own backyard there is “fun” too! It may be an evening playing soccer together, a card game while you hang outside, walking around the block, bike riding through the neighborhood, or watching a movie while sipping some root beer floats. Enjoy where you live, another way to practice contentment and hospitality towards your own family!
9. MUSEUMS & ZOOS
On a rainy summer day, an inside museum could be a practical option! The Niagara Power Vista is a local museum showcasing and explaining the energy generated by Niagara Falls; it containing the most impressive interactive displays I have ever seen, and it’s completely FREE! If you have memberships to the zoo, which where I live can be a little pricey, make sure you use them here and there so you get your money’s worth! If not, there are always “free days” for certain museums; in Buffalo they offer free days for people/families in both the art and history museums once a month with special activities geared towards kids on those particular days as well. Look up your options ahead of time for these free days, and enjoy!
10. FRUIT & VEGETABLE PICKING
Last but not least, strawberry picking is by far the most popular to start off your summer where I live; it can become a yearly tradition! Find a farm that has a hayride too, if possible, as that adds to the whole experience! We have also enjoyed picking raspberries, cherries, and apples together. Try picking a new fruit or vegetable when it comes into season! The local farms have online listings of what and when you can pick, or a phone number to call and find out.
Take it easy, relax, and take in all that this splendid summer season has to offer where you live! Feel free to share one of your favorite summer activities, leave a comment here!
God bless each of you.
So glad you have the same idea: simple and lasting memories can equal affordable and even free! If you have any more ideas for other great spots for summer, feel free to share. Thanks for posting my dear 🙂
I love all of your ideas, and we do all of these things! It makes for a great summer, with lots of wonderful experiences and memories.
Oh, I always need a new idea for entertaining the kids! Thanks for sharing the "car wash" with their riding toys idea! I can picture all kids loving that for a good while!
God bless you my dear:)
Yes and we can't wait to do all the "green adventures" here in Buffalo with YOU and the family! 🙂 Spending money doesn't have to happen to have fun, that's for sure! God bless you dear. 🙂
I agree! It truly is the simple and cheap things in life that seem to matter most to young children! ( and adults) 😀 I enjoy all those activities as well! Just the other day when I was feeling low energy and not up to an outing I filled a bucket with dish soap, got out a couple sponges and had my boys do a "car wash" with all their riding toys. That plus the sprinkler made for an entertaining afternoon!
Love! Your ideas. You have a great point. In order to have a great time we don’t need lots of money. We only need some great tips like yours and plan every day accordingly.
Family, friends, great disposition , adventurous spirit, fruit , water and some sandwiches will do it.
The places you mentions seem so nice, clean, not crowded, green, looooove it! Thank you for sharing it does makes a difference.