This summer you and your family may be looking for ways to have fun while also staying close to home and on a budget. You may be running out of ideas of things to do, so below I have several fun ideas for you and your family to do this summer. I encourage you to make these ideas your own and in a way that fits and benefits your family best! 

What are some fun things my family can do locally and cheap?

Stay-cation 

Have a family challenge/competition day.

• Do something fun at home like a LEGO build-off, bake-off, or even a scavenger hunt. Try something that involves the whole family and is very interactive. 

• Try having a Backyard Olympics. Make relay races, water games, or even fun minute-to-win-it challenges. Then have a medal ceremony and a celebration! 

• Have a Family Game Day. Instead of just playing one board game, dust off all the games for a big competition. Then have a special prize for the winning team! 

Family Movie Night/Day.

• Pick out your favorite movies or series and set up a special popcorn and snack station.

• If you have a projector (or can borrow one, transform your backyard into a movie theater.

• Look to see if you have a local drive-in movie you could visit!

Try camping out in your own backyard. Get out the tents, grill by the fire, and make smores all from your own yard.

Camping

There are tons of local places to go camping in our area. If you don’t have a tent and sleeping bags, check with a friend to borrow theirs.  

Bonus: if you know someone with a camper see if you can borrow that! If you don’t know someone with a camper, you can always look into renting one for a week.

Pack up a cooler and pick a spot with hiking, finishing, or even other water activities. 

Most camping parks and hiking trails are starting to open again, so check to see what is available in your area.

Boats

If you own a boat now is the best time to take the family out on the lake! If you don’t own one yourself you can always ask a friend who does to borrow it or even look into renting one.

Lots of local marinas offer daily rentals of boats, kayaks, or canoes, so schedule one for the day of the week.

Visit Relatives Out of Town

Most of us are tired of being stuck in our own house, and kids are going stir crazy. A trip to a family member’s house out of town is an inexpensive way to get a change of scenery and make memories with extended family. Plus, gas prices are extremely low right now, making your drive inexpensive. 

During your trip, try local “stay-cation” ideas. You can also visit local zoos and other attractions close to your relatives. 

Now is also the time to ring up family and friends who have a vacation house or are going to be out of town. You could even look into doing a house swap with close friends or family. 

AIRBNB/VRBO

AIRBNB and VRBO are trying to get things booked, so try playing “Let’s Make a Deal!”

• Example: A friend rented a beach house for one month for the cost of what it usually is for one week during the summer due to lack of bookings. 

• Some AIRBNBs are participating in the “Enhanced Cleaning Initiative” including 24 hours between guests, or you can pack Lysol and plan to clean yourself upon arrival. 

• Look for beach or lake houses, as well as houses near additional outdoor activities, like hiking. Outdoor activities give you space to spread out.

Summer Camps/VBS Online

Clayton King Ministries is offering summer camp online for free! It’s called Crossroads: Hometowns and it was launched June 22nd. Click here to learn more.

• 5-days of free sermons, morning devotions, morning hype videos, activity ideas, and pre-recorded worship sets.

• Can help you customize your very own week of camp at home!

Take a Day Trip

Look for state parks, beaches (lake or ocean), or nearby spot to hike. Pick a spot that isn't overcrowded and be willing to wait for traffic to die down to start your day or hike. 

Check out local state or city parks for activities and places to visit.

Eat breakfast before and pack a picnic lunch/dinner.

Research local spots that offer curbside pick up for food if you feel comfortable eating out. 

Get Out There

During this time it is just important that you are using your time with your family wisely to make memories and to grow your family closer together. I know it is so easy to just feel stuck at home with nothing to do but the possibilities are endless. Even fun things to do right there in your own home! So I encourage you to use this time to grow closer as a family and make memories!