Search
Close this search box.

Share what kind of mom you are!

Get to know other mom types!

5 Fun Summer Activities for Under $10

Sometimes I make the mistake of thinking summer break is also a break in spending. No school lunches or field trip fees. No new shoes or teacher gifts. But within a couple of weeks of the start of summer, costs start popping up, like camps that run $300 a week and lunches out with friends. Some expenses are unavoidable, but there are other fun summer activities that can be done on a budget.

It’s nice to have a few go-to ideas for those days when it seems the only choice you have is between screen time or boredom. So stockpile what you’ll need (it’s not much) for our 5 ways to have summer fun for under $10!

1. Water Balloon War

This one will cost you about $6 for a couple hundred water balloons and the all-important water balloon spigots. Believe us, the spigots are worth it; they fit on a hose and make filling up the balloons easy. If your children are old enough, let them fill the balloons and tie them. If they’re not dexterous enough to tie the balloons, go ahead and fill and tie them ahead of time. Then, open the door, point them to the baskets of balloons, and let the fun begin!

Don’t want an all-out war with the kids throwing the balloons at each other? Draw targets on the fence or trees with chalk. If you live somewhere that really heats up, here are more water war ideas.

2. Freezer Pop Play

Grab a fiver or two and pick up a box of flavored ice pops. A hundred of these cool treats will set you back about $9. What can you do with a freezer pop? Plenty, but be forewarned, this is gonna get messy.

  • Draw with them. Yep. Grab any type of white paper, cut open the pop, and let your kids draw with the melting ice.
  • Hold ’em. Slide the frozen pop out of the bag and see who can hold theirs the longest. You’re guaranteed to get some laughs out of this.
  • Before you freeze the pops, set aside a few to use unfrozen. Snip them open and let your kids dye their hair, toes, or t-shirt!

3. Small Pool, Big Fun

Even if you have a big swimming pool, spring for a little one for about $10. Fill the pool with water and play these games.

  • Fill the pool with water and ice. See who can stand in the cold water the longest without jumping out.
  • Toss pennies into the water. Start about a foot away from the edge, and then have the kids step back. See who can make the shot from the farthest away.
  • Use some food coloring from the kitchen and let your kids color the water.
  • Blindfold the kids and have them sit in the water. Scatter small items around the pool. Have your child feel around to find them, and then tell you what it is.

4. Plant It

Kids Plant LabelGardening with kids encourages them to eat healthier, builds a sense of confidence, and improves focus. You’ll have to mix in a little delayed gratification for this idea, but, hey, that part is free! Buy a small bag of potting soil for about $3. Pick up some seed packets with fast-growing plants and veggies like sunflowers, zinnias, radishes, or lettuce. Use our cute plant labels, follow the seed packet instructions, and get growing!

Gardening with kids encourages them to eat healthier, builds a sense of confidence, and improves focus. Click To Tweet

5. Crazy Kitchen

Some fun summer activities do double duty and cooking is one of them. It’s fun and filling! Some foods are more exciting for kids to get their hands on in the kitchen. Try maifun noodles. They’re the kind that expand when they hit the oil. You’ll have to supervise, of course, but these noodles are fun to cook and eat. Banana sushi is a treat every kid enjoys. Slice your banana into chunks and roll it in honey and then your topping of choice—crushed peanuts, coconut, chocolate sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar. Chopsticks are optional! And for a fun snack, grab some Jiffy Pop. It’s a campfire staple and was the go-to “instant” popcorn before microwaves were invented. Your kids will love to watch the foil dome expand as the corns pop. Here’s a tip: better to set the burner at a temp that’s a little too low your first time. The first time we made Jiffy Pop, the burner was too hot and it scorched the popcorn.

What are some other fun summer activities when you’re on a budget?

ASK YOUR CHILD...

What kind of flower or tree are you most like?

Get daily motherhood

ideas, insight, &inspiration

to your inbox!

Search