Today’s post is brought to you by the folks at Play Outdoors.
Once the summer months start to shed light on the rainy, cold weather we’ve experienced throughout winter and spring, all we can think of is how to plan the most outdoor excursions possible to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
Striving to spend as much time outside as possible doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money on travel, gear or special events. Cheap summer fun can be as close as your very own backyard! Here are some simple ways to enjoy time outdoors this summer.
Run Through the Sprinklers
This might seem silly, but sometimes silly ideas are the best. On the next 95-degree day, wouldn’t it be fun to be splashing through the sprinklers with your family in the comfort of your own grass? Grab the kid’s swimsuits (and yours too!) and run around the backyard together.
The in-ground sprinkler systems work great to soak everyone and the classic above ground lawn sprinkler is fun to run through and jump over together. If all else fails, chase the kids around with the hose. It will be like a trip to the water park in your own backyard!
If water conservation is a concern, limit sprinkler time to 15 minutes or less and keep the flow low. Your kids won’t notice the difference!
Enjoy Free Movies & Music in the Park
In many areas, local companies sponsor free concerts and screenings of family-friendly movies in the park, often at no charge. Check the local newspaper and event calendars for sponsored events in your area. You may even be able to make it a weekly family outing.
Pack a picnic and you’ve got an inexpensive way to fill a summer evening with outdoor fun. Don’t forget to check out the stars after the sun goes down!
Go Fish!
Head to the closest lake, river or fish-filled pond and teach the kids how to fish. The only equipment you’ll need is a pole and some bait. Your little ones will love casting a line just like mom and dad.
Fishing is just as fun from the shore or a dock, so don’t worry if you don’t have a boat. The kids will love fishing, picnicking and spending the day on the water no matter where you cast your line.
Splish, Splash in the Neighborhood Pool
Head to your local recreation center or neighborhood park for a swimming pool membership. Initial membership could cost up to $100, but you will have swimming access for the whole summer! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you and the kiddos can enjoy full days of swimming, diving and pool games.
Swim lessons and pool parties are also great ways to take advantage of the local swimming pool without committing to a full summer pass.
Take a Family Hike
Backcountry trekking all decked out with the ultimate hiking gear is great. And if you have the means and want to do this, by all means gear your family up with hiking packs, boots, shirts, shorts, socks and the like to hike any terrain.
But if you’re looking for a more inexpensive alternative, find a local river trail, butte or scenic park, put on the kid’s sneakers and sunscreen and hit the trails – or make your own! Bring snacks, water and comfy clothes and enjoy a fun family outing that’s practically free.
What’s your favorite way to spend a summer day outdoors with your kids?
Play Outdoors is an ecologically and socially-conscious retailer of kids performance outdoor clothing and gear. Founding partners Sarah Laufer and Justin Rae are parents, outdoor sports professionals, and business-minded entrepreneurs. With a goal of inspiring families with children to get outside and play together, Play Outdoors represents products that are real-kid tested, proven to perform and made with sincere caring.
Melissa, loved the photos of Big Roo's water day!<br /><br />Sarah, I agree! Summer is meant to be about simple pleasures like sunny days, water fun and great food. Bring it.<br /><br />Cath, what a great addition! Popsicles as they're called here in the States are a summer staple! 🙂
All such great fun! I'm going to add eating icypoles, which is always an outside activity for us, because then there is no clean up.
These are great ideas! We were surprised how much fun our three year old had splashing in the little inflatible backyard pool and using the hose. Sometimes less is more!
Great tips! I tried to get the kiddie pool out the other day but instead Big Roo ended up spraying the dog with water for an hour. Much fun, except for drying off the dog.