Efficient, resourceful, and creative—they’re three words that describe a mom who wants to make the most of summer vacation without breaking the bank or exhausting herself and the kids. If you’re nodding in agreement, try making this a 3-in-1 summer. Three-for-1 fun is when you pack three special activities (they can be little activities) into one day at one location. My children and I recently put some 3-in-1 summer fun ideas into action. Here’s how our day went: First, we chose an overall destination. We have a beautiful beach just over an hour away, so we set out for the shore. Once we got there, we went for a swim. Our next activity was a picnic lunch while the kids fished off the pier. Our grand finale was a round of putt-putt golf.
Granted, this was a big 3-in-1 outing for us, but the rest of the week was more laid-back, like a trip to the library or just vegging on the couch. If you’ve got a few days off of work and you’re really ambitious, you can shoot for a 3-in-1 outing every week. Here are more great 3-in-1 summer fun ideas to get you started!
Efficient, resourceful, and creative—they're three words that describe a mom who wants to make the most of summer vacation without breaking the bank or exhausting herself and the kids. Click To TweetCity Dwelling
Take a drive to the biggest downtown within a half tank of gas. It might be your own city’s main street. Do your research ahead of time and find three activities you can do within walking distance of each other. In my downtown, my kids and I can visit a museum (they have a free day each week that we’ll take advantage of), have a picnic lunch in the park, and tour one of the skyscrapers.
Thrifty Treasure Hunt
Start the day by having everyone pick three things to donate, like toys or clothes they’ve outgrown or rarely wear. Take the items to the Salvation Army (or your favorite thrift store). Give everyone a $10 budget and the challenge to find the silliest or most stylish item within the budget. Wear the items you’ve picked to lunch at the closest place with cheap eats. This 3-in-1 activity includes giving, creativity, and humility!
International Explorer Day
Who says you need to hop on a plane to see the world? Hop on Pinterest instead, and download a cute passport template. Let the kids decide what country to “visit,” and search online for some destinations in your town. If your kids pick Mexico, look for the closest market with Mexican foods and grab something to add to your pantry. Then pick up lunch from an authentic restaurant, and head home to cue up a movie with Mexican or Mexican American characters like “Coco” or “The Book of Life.” Don’t forget to stamp their passports and write the name of the country you journeyed to. Turn the page and repeat next week! Where to this time?
Give us your best idea for 3-in-1 summer fun in the comments.
