Summer Gratitude

If your family is thinking about cutting back on expenses, Summer may be the easiest time to do so. With Summer re-runs on television, it may be the perfect time to consider pulling the plug on the cable and spending more time outdoors. Instead of going out to eat at a restaurant, pack up a picnic dinner and go to a nearby park. Planting a garden may help lower your grocery bills, and if you’re tempted to shop there are usually plenty of Summer yard sales where you can find all sorts of bargains.

Here are some of our family’s favorite frugal things this Summer.
  1. Free Summer Concerts — Contact your township’s recreation center or check your local newspaper for free concert listings. We can usually find a free concert to enjoy about once a week during the summer months. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Sometimes we pack up a dessert or snacks like Homemade Granola Bars to enjoy during the show.

  2. Fresh Organic Vegetables and Herbs from the Garden — I love cooking with fresh organic vegetables, but they can be very costly at the grocery store. This year, we planted our first garden and already we are enjoying fresh organic broccoli, lettuce, onions, peas, cucumber, and peppers at just a fraction of the price we would pay at the store.

  3. Free Summer Movies — Regal Cinemas, AMC, and several other theaters offer Family Film Festivals featuring free or very low-cost admission to movies during the summer months. Days and times may vary, so check with your local movie theater.

  4. Homemade Bubble Solution, Bubble Wands, and Sidewalk Chalk Paint — These are an instant hit with kids of all ages, and they are super-easy to make!

  5. Impromptu Nature Hikes — Our family enjoys nature hikes quite often, and Emily enjoys her nature pack and field guides. Nature hikes help foster a sense of appreciation for nature, promote healthy exercise, and instill the motivation to conserve resources. And they are free!
What free or inexpensive activities is your family enjoying this Summer? I would love to hear about them! Leave a comment and share your ideas with us!