7 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Summer Family Fun

Credit: Style My Soul | Family Fun, Travel Ideas on a Budget

Looking for budget-friendly summer activities for your family? We’ve gathered fantastic recommendations from founders, relocation advisors, and outdoor experts. From embarking on a hike and road trip adventure to exploring a nearby city on a budget, these experts share their top picks for memorable family experiences.

Hike and Embark on a Road Trip Adventure
As an avid adventurer and outdoor enthusiast, I’m excited to recommend embarking on a memorable hike along a remote trail. Exploring lesser-known paths not only offers a unique and exhilarating experience but also allows you to witness breathtaking sights away from the crowds. Consider turning this into a road trip adventure, where the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination. Pack some snacks, crank up the tunes, and hit the open road, creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Embrace the beauty of nature, bond with your family, and create unforgettable moments while immersing yourselves in the great outdoors.
Diane Howard, Founder, Esthetic Finesse

Discover the Stunning Vallnord, Andorra
​Vallnord, in the picturesque Pyrenees Mountains of Andorra, is a perfect choice for a budget-friendly summer trip for families of four to six people. With its stunning natural beauty, Vallnord offers a range of activities suitable for all ages. Explore the well-maintained hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of lush valleys and majestic peaks. For biking enthusiasts, the resort offers dedicated mountain biking trails that cater to different skill levels. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the adventure park with ropes courses, zip-lining, and climbing walls. Scenic lift rides provide panoramic vistas, and designated picnic areas allow families to relax and refuel amidst nature. Vallnord promises a memorable and fun-filled experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Guy Sharp, Relocation Advisor, Andorra Guides

Experience Beach Camping
For a budget-friendly summer trip that’s fun for the whole family, I highly recommend beach camping. Not only is it a great way to bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories, but it’s also relatively cheap and easy to do. Find a nearby beach that allows camping, set up your tent, and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. You can swim, build sandcastles, have a bonfire and roast marshmallows, go fishing, and much more. Plus, being able to fall asleep to the sound of the waves is a magical experience that your family will never forget. Just follow all beach and camping regulations for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Jefferson McCall, Co-founder and HR Head, TechBullish

​Enjoy Myrtle Beach Activities
Make your way to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina if you and your children enjoy the beach. A sunken pirate ship, three on-site pools, five water slides, and a lengthy lazy river can all be found at resorts like The Breakers. There is a cornhole, a shuffleboard, and a large chessboard. If mini-golf is your family’s thing, there are nearly 50 courses at this beach resort. - Axel Hernborg, Founder and CEO, Tripplo.com

Have a National Park Camping Adventure
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience breathtaking natural wonders on a budget-friendly camping trip in one of the many National Parks across the country. With a family of four to six, you can split the cost of camping gear and enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. National Parks offer a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching that are suitable for all ages. The National Park Service offers free admission days throughout the year, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. Stay at one of the many campsites and enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort, as many campgrounds offer modern amenities like restrooms and showers. - Basana Saha, Founder, KidsCareIdeas

​Forage for Mushrooms in the Woods
Go foraging. Wait until a day after it rains, and then head into the woods and look for mushrooms. Don’t go intending to consume the mushrooms. While there are many wonderfully delicious wild mushrooms, ensuring which ones are safe to eat takes research and help from experts. But you can have a blast finding mushrooms, taking pictures of them, and trying to identify them. As a mom of five children, foraging is one of my favorite memory-building activities. If you haven’t looked for mushrooms, you’ll probably be surprised by how many you find when you are intentionally searching. Mushrooms can grow just about everywhere, but if you’re having trouble finding your first one, focus on and around dead trees.
Melanie Musson, Outdoor Expert, TheAdventureFamBam

​Explore a Nearby City on a Budget
Take advantage of the attractions, museums, and parks in a nearby city. Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore the city’s landmarks, visit museums and cultural institutions, and enjoy the local parks and recreational areas. Use public transportation or walk around saving on transportation costs. Many cities offer free or discounted admission to museums and parks, making it a budget-friendly option. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in a park or find affordable dining options in the city. Research local events and festivals happening during your visit to make the most of your trip. By exploring a nearby city, you can have an exciting and budget-friendly family adventure with no extensive travel or accommodation expenses.
Roy Lau, Co-founder, 28 Mortgage