Sometimes, we do need a list to keep from getting bored during the lazy hazy days of summer.

We typically throw the schedule out the window a few weeks every summer. We stay up late, sleep in late, eat whenever.

We don’t like to blow a lot of money on ephemeral experiences or stuff to stave off the summer sadness.

The kids often ask for chores or ideas to make some money.

Messy activities are best outside and summer is the perfect time for those!

I’m not counting down “the summers I have left” with my kids.

I don’t need more guilt.

I look back on the pictures and memories and I think I’ve done a pretty damn good job giving my kids balance, fun, joy, experiences.

We’ve traveled lots of places, gone camping, fished, painted, created, hiked.

I love spending time with my children and telling them stories about my childhood and recreating some of those experiences – like catching crawdads and fireflies, exploring the woods, creek, pond, and birdwatching.

We don’t have a pool, but their friend down the street does!

They feel too old for splash pads and never really enjoyed them.

I think the best summer activities are frugal and close to home. We make memories together and enjoy each other.

50 Frugal Summer Outdoor Activities

1. Lemonade stand. We did this when we moved in and met our neighbors!
2. Bird watching.
3. Bug collecting.
4. Gardening.
5. Leaf or flower pressing.
6. Cutting the grass. lawn mower. scissors. whatever.
7. Look for tadpoles and frogs in the pond.
8. Seek crawdads in the creek.
9. Water balloons. Make sure to clean them up!
10. Play in the sprinklers.
11. Car wash.
12. Bike or scooter wash.
13. Ice painting. or finger painting.
14. Tie dye party.
15. Mud pies.
16. Nature music. Find stumps, sticks, dandelion whistles.
17. Lawn games. We love cornhole and horseshoes.
18. Fairy house.
19. Play in the rain. (as long as there’s no thunder or lightning!)
20. Concerts in the park.
21. Bike ride. or scooters. or roller blades.
22. Hiking.
23. Clean up a public outdoor area.
24. Jump rope contest.
25. Hula hoop contest.
26. Watch the sky. sunrise. clouds. sunset.
27. Kites.
28. Watch or catch fireflies. Make sure to let them go soon!
29. Photo scavenger hunt.
30. Sun prints.
31. Rainbow walk. Collect nature items the color of the rainbow!
32. Play sand.
33. Climb a tree.
34. Yard sale.
35. Picnic.
36. Visit all the farmer’s markets in your area!
37. Make a mosaic or stepping stone.
38. Field day.
39. Stargazing.
40. Search for a four-leaf clover.
41. Chalk art.
42. Watch butterflies.
43. Movie night at the park or drive-in.
44. Skipping stones.
45. Bubbles!
46. Fishing.
47. Geocaching.
48. Sparklers and/or PopIts.
49. Bonfire and roast.
50. Race boats or cars.

What’s your favorite summer outdoor activity?