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We May Not Have Fancy Summer Camps or Exotic Vacations, But We Still Have a Blast
As summer rolls around, my social media feeds get flooded with stunning selfies taken on sun-soaked beaches and extravagant family getaways. I see gleaming tan lines and beaming smiles, along with the occasional grumbling about the logistical nightmare of packing for a family of seven. I wade through this sea of humble brags and click “like” on each one.
While I’m not resentful, I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy for my friends indulging in luxury. It’s tough knowing I can’t provide my kids with the same experiences their peers enjoy. I don’t want my children to feel the sting of social envy because our finances are tied up with student loans and a mortgage.
Our family may not have the budget for summer camps or lavish vacations, but that doesn’t stop me from working hard to craft unforgettable summers for my kids. A Disney Cruise? No problem! We have a huge kiddie pool and some paper umbrellas for our fruity drinks. Dreaming of a transatlantic family trip? I can dust off my college-level German and introduce my kids to the wonders of sauerkraut. Whatever the latest all-inclusive vacation package may be, I’m ready with a staycation plan to create fun memories. Sure, we might not have fireworks, but our s’mores are legendary!
Actions speak louder than words, so I strive to teach my kids that having fun doesn’t require a hefty price tag. Here are some free or incredibly affordable activities we indulge in during summer vacation:
- Swimming in a local lake or river
- Epic squirt gun battles
- Backyard camping adventures
- Watching sunsets and counting stars
- Creating colorful sidewalk chalk masterpieces
- Crafting musical instruments from recyclables and junk
- Throwing lively outdoor dance parties
- Making mud pies and launching them at each other (remember those?)
- Cooking over an open fire
- Exploring nearby parks
- Taking advantage of free museum days—many federally funded venues offer free entry at certain times
- Utilizing birthday party freebies; we save “free lesson” coupons from parties for rainy vacation days
- Setting up our own drive-in movie night with a borrowed projector and a white sheet
- Gardening together
- Climbing trees
- Pitching a tent outside, filling it with pillows, and taking lazy afternoon naps
- Skipping stones at the lake
- Crafting newspaper kites and flying them
- Building forts with pillows and sheets, whether in the woods or the living room
- Creating gigantic bubble wands with string and cookie sheets
- Collecting bugs and researching them online
- Organizing neighborhood scavenger hunts
- Requesting free tours at local attractions like fire stations
- Constructing soapbox derby cars from upcycled materials
- Setting up a classic lemonade stand for the kids to earn some pocket money
Summer becomes a time for creativity and imagination for my children. They’re encouraged to redefine fun by being fully present and discovering the hidden gems in our community. They understand that our family isn’t one to hop on a plane for a week in an exotic destination. Still, they also know that summer can be magical for us; we just have to think outside the box.
The state of my bank account shouldn’t dictate my kids’ happiness. Although we aren’t in a position to book lavish vacations or summer camps, we are definitely rich with ideas for enjoying a summer full of smiles.
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In summary, while my family may not experience the traditional summer vacations, we embrace creativity and resourcefulness to create unforgettable memories.