As parents, we are constantly looking for fun things to do with our family during summertime. Unfortunately, most fun things involve big expenditures on our part. But, ever since the economic crisis spread globally, every family has found some creative ways to spend their summer affordably.
Where we live, we are fortunate enough to have a little bit of everything within, or near our surrounding areas, we are talking about serious fun in the sun, water, wind and snow. Here are some of the fun things we have discovered along the way as we search for creative ways to spend our family’s summer vacation without breaking the bank (completely)!
1. San Francisco Museum of the Modern Art: We took our children here and we were not disappointed. There were plenty of fun, interactive things to do. You can pack your own lunch, too. Aside from the admission fee, everything else is free. If you don’t want to pay for an admission fee either, you can get in for free on certain days of the month. Simply go to their website to find out more about it.
2. Golden Gate Park: This park has a lot to offer aside from the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. If you are into nature walks, trail hikes and bikes or pedal boating, then Golden Gate Park is the place to go. Admission to the park is free; for minimal fee, there are some attractions you can go to that your family would surely enjoy.
3. California Academy of Sciences: This beautiful museum is inside the Golden Gate Park and the one you surely don’t want to miss if you are in San Francisco. It is fun, educational, interactive and entertaining to the young and old alike. Like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, there are certain days in every month where you can get in for free, simply go to their website to find out more.
4. Santa Cruz Beaches: Famous for its Boardwalk, Santa Cruz has plenty of things to offer for everybody. Admission to the Boardwalk, making sand castles, playing in the sand, people watching and hanging out at the beach are all free. The only things you will have to pay for are boardwalk rides, food and souvenirs.
5. Attending local festivals in your area. Summer is the best time to attend local festivities for free or minimal fee. Not only are you saving your family some serious money, you are also creating a sense of unity between you and your community.
6. Kite flying at your local park: This is an all-time favorite if you have little kids in the family. All you need is a trip to your local store and grab some kites, pack some snack and head out to your favorite local park and start flying your kite, given it is a perfect day to fly one.
7. Visiting a nearby State Park: Going to state parks are one of my favorite things to do with my family, not only are you spending quality time with the people you love; you are also learning a little bit of history in the process. Where we live, we have tried Yosemite State Park and Tomales Bay State Park, and both of these state parks are unbelievable; from magnificent waterfalls and pristine beaches and coves; and if you happen to be in Northern California, I would recommend for you to go visit one or both of these places.
8. Volunteering in your town. This is my own version of “Volunteer Vacation,” where you travel abroad or outside your city to make a difference while vacationing at the same time. Well, you don’t have to travel far or spend thousands of dollars to do just that, if you look around, your town can use you and your family’s help. Simply check with your local non-profit organizations and find out if they have any volunteering opportunities that you can sign up with.
9. Going to a local theme park. If you can’t afford a Disneyland trip, who says you can’t have fun at all? Where we live, two of our favorite theme parks to go are Discovery Kingdom and Gilroy Gardens. They have fun rides, interactive activities, shows, food, games and plenty of entertainment to offer.
10. Zoo trips. A trip to a zoo is not only fun, you are also helping non-profit organizations in saving these wonderful animals. Our local favorites are Sacramento Zoo and San Francisco Zoo. Check them out if you happen to be in Northern California.
