Fun and Frugal Family Summer Fun

When the summer months arrive, so does the heat. The scorching summer sun can sometimes put a damper on your excitement and anticipation. Despite the heat, you can still make the most of your time during the summer and have a rocking good time with these fun and frugal family activities.

Indoor Activities

Thankfully, summer fun means more than basking in the sun and withering in the heat. Beat the heat with these indoor activities:

1. Go shopping. Head to a local mall or nearby shopping center. You can get your exercise in the air-conditioning and skip the sunburn. Even if your wallet is empty, you can enjoy a walk with friends, window shop, and dream. BTW, this is actually a good time to pick up on summer sales and begin your Christmas shopping!

2. Plan fun activities at home. Spending family time at home can be a lot of fun with some creative thinking. Plan special activities that you can do at home, such as games and crafts. Make it a family night, or invite your friends for a memorable evening playing games and laughing together.

3. Go out for cool drinks. Coffee shops provide a relaxing atmosphere for a casual date or visit with a friend. Grab an iced coffee or flavored drink and spend the afternoon reminiscing about old times.

4. Go to the library or a museum. Chances are good that there is a hidden gem in your hometown. Get a library card and travel the world through books. Or visit a local art gallery or museum to enrich your understanding of your local culture.

5. Go Bowling–for free! Click here to see if your local bowling center is participating in this special summer program offering 2 free games a day with the purchase of a discounted family summertime pass.

Outdoor Activities

While you can always beat the heat indoors, the sunshine and outdoor fun are what you’ve looked forward to all year long. If you take the proper precautions, your time will be pleasant and you’ll avoid the miserable feeling that comes from being ill prepared for the summer heat.

Is there a favorite park or beach in your town, or close by? Plan outdoor activities like picnics, family reunions, or just wander around with your camera on the local nature trails and take some great pictures.

Enjoy yourself in hot weather by taking these precautions:

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Keep drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially during exercise. If you’re feeling thirsty, it means that your body is already partially dehydrated. Keep water or other clear fluids with you at all times while you’re outside.

2. Go swimming. Swimming is great exercise, and it’s easier to stay cool in the swimming pool. Remember that you still need to keep yourself fully hydrated while swimming. You can often exercise for longer periods of time and stay out later in the swimming pool than you can during other summer activities in the sun.

3. Play in the water. Set up a homemade water park in your yard. It is super simple and super inexpensive. All you need is a hose, a great sprinkler, a slip and slide and a few water toys like water guns. Have fun with it!

4. Take frequent breaks. Give yourself a break at every opportunity. Instead of pushing through the heat when you feel short of breath, stop and take a breather. Pace yourself and listen to your body’s signals. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, get inside and cool off as quickly as possible. Find shade wherever you can.

5. Dress appropriately. Wear light, breathable clothing when you’re outdoors in the heat. Wear a hat or visor to protect your head and face. Apply a strong sunscreen to protect your skin against sunburn. A little common sense can go a long way in protecting your body against heat exhaustion.

Whether you choose to spend your time indoors or outdoors, you can have a blast this summer despite the scorching heat. All you need is a little common sense and a desire to make the most of your time to create summer memories that will last a lifetime.