4 Ways to Have an Amazing, Affordable Summer

It’s hitting 90 degrees here in Georgia and the temperature keeps rising. This has been a very busy summer for me and the kids, but we have to slow down and enjoy all that summer brings.

I have a few things planned including catching a couple of Braves baseball games and hitting Lake Lanier. I got a deal on tickets at work which comes in handy. This will be far from a boring summer. I hope your summer is fun and exciting too. If you are having trouble getting it started off I have a few tips to make it memorable.

Here are my tips for how to have an amazing summer with the kids that is affordable and fun:

1. Plan your activities ahead of time

Back in February I began planning the summer activites for my kids. I knew I needed to start early because in my area, being last minute means you lose out. Summer camps book up early, especially if they have a reputation of being high quality and affordable.

In my neck of the woods, the PAL or Police Activity League summer camp is both. So I enrolled my son and paid for the entire 8 weeks in advance. I got a discount for doing that and relief from the stress of having to worry about paying a fee every week. I used my tax refund to fund his summer experience.

2. Get Discount Tickets at Work, Through the Grocery Store or Online

I am allergic to paying full price for attraction tickets. I will search high and low for a discount or a deal. Inflation has brought about high prices but there is always a way around them if you are willing to do the research.

My tickets for the Braves games and Lake Lanier (a local water park attraction) came at a great time. I got a package deal that gives me free and half price tickets so we get to go at least two times for the price of one full-priced ticket.

If you can’t get tickets at work go to Publix, Kroger, or your local grocery store. Here we can get discount tickets to Six Flags Over Georgia.

Another source of discount tickets is Half-Off Depot, GoldStar, or Groupon.

3. Take a Weekend Getaway

Staying home all summer long can get boring and what are summers for if you don’t get away at least one weekend, right? Your trip doesn’t have to be too far away or too expensive. Drive two hours in any direction to get to a fun place to explore.

Living in Atlanta gives me many place to explore in the surrounding state. I can get to South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island, North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Chattanooga Tennessee, and parts of historic Alabama in just a few hours. Stay at a moderately priced hotel that has a kitchenette to save on eating out, find free places and spaces to play in the city, take lots of pictures, and create new memories.

4. Enjoy a Picnic and Free Concerts/Movies at Your Local Parks

If you can’t get away, why not go on a picnic one weekend. The local park is perfect for spreading out a blanket under the trees, throwing a frisbee, barbecuing or eating sandwiches, munching on homemade cupcakes or cookies. Don’t forget the bug spray!

Hopefully that same park is hosting a free concert or movie night. Many cities bring in great music acts and movies to give families something to do during the long summer days. Visit your city’s website to see what they offer.

Your summer can be amazing with a little planning and creativity. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to make it a great time. There is nothing more important in your family life than making memories for a lifetime. Get out there and have fun!

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Disclaimer: I received and got to try the above products at no cost to me.