Summer: Cost Saving Tips

🎒 1. Camp Costs (and the Hidden Fees)

The Surprise: You budget for camp tuition — but what about the $20 t-shirt, $50 supply list, or $75 field trip fee that shows up a week before?

Save Smart:

Look for local parks & rec programs or church-sponsored camps — often 50–75% cheaper.

Swap specialty camps for DIY summer themes at home (e.g. “Science Week” with dollar store experiments).

Plan a neighborhood camp share — rotate days with 2–3 other families.

🍕 2. Food — All. Day. Long.

The Surprise: Kids are always hungry. You’re refilling the fridge every three days and hearing “I’m starving” 10 minutes after lunch.

Save Smart:

Create a snack bin system — one bin in the fridge, one in the pantry with pre-portioned snacks they can grab without waste.

Make popsicles, smoothies, and lunch kits at home — it’s fun and saves a bundle.

Shop in bulk with other parents — split giant boxes of snacks or drinks from warehouse stores.

🏖️ 3. Spontaneous Outings & Entry Fees

The Surprise: One zoo trip. A water park here. Mini golf there. Suddenly, you’ve dropped $150 in a weekend.

Save Smart:

Search for “free family activities + your town” — many cities have free museum days, outdoor movie nights, or nature programs.

Invest in a season pass to one favorite local attraction instead of bouncing around.

Keep a list of free or cheap boredom busters: scavenger hunts, DIY obstacle courses, library events, splash pads, etc.

🧴 4. Sunscreen, Swim Gear & Summer Clothes

The Surprise: They outgrew everything. And sunscreen? Somehow you’re on bottle #6 already.

Save Smart:

Stock up on sunscreen during spring sales or use store-brand versions (same protection, half the price).

Host a clothing swap with other parents.

Buy end-of-season clearance for next summer — shop big and save ahead.

📱 5. Screen Time Battles (and Unexpected App Purchases)

The Surprise: You’re trying to limit screens, but they’ve somehow racked up in-app purchases… and now they “need” a tablet for travel.

Save Smart:

Use free educational apps and games with strong parental controls.

Download library audiobooks or podcasts for long car rides.

Build a simple screen-time schedule — structure often reduces whining and impulsive purchases.

Final Thoughts:

Summer doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget. With a little planning, creative thinking, and community sharing, you can give your kids a summer full of memories — without the surprise credit card statement.

Want more tips like these? Follow us for family-friendly savings, DIY summer fun ideas, and kid-approved boredom busters