While it can be easy to find adventures that cost a lot of money, finding budget-friendly outdoor activities can be a challenge. We’ve put together a list of our favorite affordable options that’ll be fun for the whole family.
Many cities and towns have art installations and murals that you can explore. Oftentimes, a mural organizer will have a map of locations that you can tour on your own - making it free! Research what’s available in your town, or the next town over, and make a day of it. Pack a picnic and look up other historical sites that you can visit in the same day.
If you have the space, you can use household items to create an obstacle course in your yard that the whole family can enjoy. Use items like pool noodles, tunnels, stumps, sports equipment, and more to create challenging stations. Plan challenges that test agility, speed, or balance. Be mindful of the abilities of your family when creating an obstacle course. Setting up the challenges and keeping score is a great way to get younger kids involved if they don’t have the ability to complete the course.
You don’t need a ton of expensive equipment to get your blood pumping outdoors! Going for a run, taking a hike, or even going swimming have cardiovascular benefits to keep you in tip-top shape. Fortunately, you’ll need minimal gear to get started, too. For running or hiking, a good pair of shoes is all you need. Research local trails or paths that suit your activity level and head outside. If you’re planning on taking up swimming, a swimsuit and monthly pass to your local pool will have you swimming laps in no time.
Geocaching is an outdoor activity that uses a GPS to help you find hidden stashes of objects and is a great activity for the whole family. Using a website like geocaching.com, you can find different areas to explore and find a geocache. Share what you’ve found with others on the site or make a plan to set up your own geocache to share with others.
Local markets are a great way to support your community and farmers while getting all the perks of summer goodies! Oftentimes, these are located outdoors, and many hold festivals throughout the year. Gather up the family and explore all the offerings at your local farmers market. Everyone can take turns picking out new produce they’d like to try. When you get home, try your hand at a new recipe using all the items you’ve picked up that day.
From exploring your town to staying home, there’s always a fun, affordable outdoor activity for you and your family to enjoy. For more money-saving tips, visit our WalletWorks page.