7 Budget-Friendly Ways to Have a Memorable Summer

Today is officially the first day of summer and I couldn’t be happier! I so enjoy the summer months and here in the Mitten the season just doesn’t seem long enough. I always try to maximize doing all the things to make it a great one. So today, I am sharing seven amazing ways to have a memorable summer. It’s also the day that some of my talented blogging friends are sharing some of their summer goodness with you too! So sit back, relax and take in all we have to share.

Before we get started, if you are coming to me from my friends, AnnMarie and Ann from Simply 2 Moms, wasn’t their affordable small porch decor SO good?! They are both so talented!

If this is your first time to my Cottage in the Mitten, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a Michigander through and through. You will find me sharing my home, DIY’s, family and a fun lifestyle with my readers. I would love for you to join me here and it would also be great to learn more about you!

Even though today is officially the first day of summer, I’ve been working on all things summer for quite some time. If you missed my recent post on my Bright Summer Patio, I would love for you to check it out!

Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.

Summer Memories: Priceless and Lasting

If you live in a place where you experience all four seasons, I can tell you that summer is a fleeting one. However, the memories you create with your family and friends can last a lifetime. While some summer experiences involve grand adventures and exotic destinations, the truth is, you don’t need a big budget to experience a summer filled with joy and connection.

Below is my list of budget-friendly ideas to get you started making memories, this summer!

Take a Road Trip

I love to do spontaneous things. In my opinion, everything doesn’t have to be planned out by the hour. There is so much adventure in the unknown! So why not “plan” an “unplanned” getaway? Pick a destination spot that isn’t super far from home. One you can do in a weekend. Then get in your car and drive!

Pack a Perfect Picnic Basket

When was the last time you were on a picnic? I mean a real picnic. Not the brown bag lunch on one of your kid’s field trips. I’m talking about a picnic with a real picnic basket and all the goodies in it!

My suggestion for this summer, find a park that you don’t typically frequent and plan what you’ll take in your basket. Picnics are great shared with your family for a date night or you could even make it a girl day with your favorite gal pals.

Big Al and I recently headed to the park after work. I filled the basket with simple snacks, beverages, some colorful melamine plates, and of course, some fresh flowers. I make blankets for a cause and I used one of the blanket tops that I never finished as our table cloth. If you don’t know about my cause you can read all about it in The Journey.

I found this cute picnic basket early in the season. Packing a traditional wicker picnic basket with your favorite picnic foods should definitely be on your summer bucket list!

If you need some ideas on what to pack, check out this Picnic Packing Checklist at Real Simple Magazine.

Something so simple can make a fun and memorable evening. Big Al and I had so much fun we plan to do weekly throughout the summer.

Beyond Fun: Make a Difference with Random Acts of Summer Kindness

I love this one!

In case you don’t know, I’ve served on multiple out of country and in country mission trips, over the years. I love serving and can honestly say that for me there is no better feeling than serving others.

There are so many places you can serve and many people who currently would benefit from a random act of kindness. It’s a great way to serve as a family and teach life-long lessons! The suggestions below can be done alone or as a group.

• Donate food
• Work at a food bank
• Clean-up someone’s yard
• Give someone a gift card for gas
• Make a meal for someone elderly or in need
• Pay for someone’s groceries

The options are limitless!

Catch Fireflies

Fireflies. When I was growing up we called them lightning bugs. I loved trying to catch them.

Truly, there was something magical about it. Being out late. Seeing the twinkle. The victory of catching one.

I’m sure most of you have a mason jar laying around. That’s all you need for this memory maker!

It’s that time of year when they arrive, so grab your grands, your children, nieces or nephews and head to the open fields!

I’ve got my mason jar ready!

Do you?

Create a Summer Playlist

I think we can all agree that there is no denying certain songs remind us of specific times in our lives. A song remembers when.

Right?

Each season deserves a new playlist and that is especially true for Summer. It practically begs for a killer playlist! There is nothing like listening to good music on a nice summer day! Whether you’re cruising down the road with the windows down or lounging by your favorite body of water, the right tunes can elevate every moment. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to create an epic summer soundtrack.

So get started on that new playlist. You’ll be glad you did when those memories start flowing in!

Pitch Your Tent for Adventure

Are you a camper? Do you prefer a tent or travel camper? I would love a travel camper but we have always been a tent family.

Camping is relatively inexpensive and you can do it easily on the weekend. Your meals don’t have to be extravegant. Take things like, bagels, cereal and donuts for breakfast. Sandwiches and burgers work great for the rest of your meals.

When our sons were little we would camp in our backyard. There is no rule book that says you have to head out to a park or campground. Camping in your own backyard is the perfect activity for those of you with small children. It’s also a great way to entertain your grands when they spend the night. They will think you’re the coolest ever and I know from experience they will always remember their backyard camping days!

Wherever you decide to camp…don’t forget the s’mores!!

Get a Bike & Ride

My family really enjoys a good bike ride. We always have. Here’s my pretty aqua ride! She doesn’t have a name, but I defintely think she should!

I love this ride from the basket, the fancy seat, right to the decorative fenders!

Believe it or not, our sons’ childhood bikes still hang on the wall in our garage. I can’t seem to part with them. Those bikes have so many memories attached to them and they love seeing them too! To this day, the boys still tell stories about them!

Good memories.

Biking is a great way to make fun summer memories. If you haven’t biked in a long time, no worries! You don’t have to go long distances. Just taking a nice casual ride is so good for you. It’s a great way to get out and about with your family and friends, too.

We have a 16 mile trail very close to our house. My family went for the first time last weekend and we promised to do that trail once a week throughout the summer. Stopping half way for a burger and beverage at an outdoor restaurant was fun, as well. That may be too aggressive for you and that’s ok! Do what you can and at your own pace. If there isn’t any place to bike near you, consider investing in a bike rack for your car. They are affordable and the perfect accessory to get you to where you want to start.

If you don’t have a bike or you are looking for a new one, I’ve shared some really great options below. They’re relatively inexpensive and remember, they are totally worth the investment.

7 Budget-Friendly Ways To Have A Memorable Summer

There they are! My seven suggestions to fill your summer with fun memories! I just want to give a big thank you to our host Pasha from Pasha Is Home, today!

I hope I’ve given you some great options to make your summer amazing. One full of memories with family and friends.

The kind of memories you wish you could relive.

The kind of memories music remembers!

Next on the tour is my friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse. She is sharing her DIY star neutral wreath. You won’t want to miss it!

Summer Inspiration from Eleven Talented Bloggers

Small Cottage Guest Bedroom, Vintage and Delightful // Dabbling & Decorating

Five Simple Things That Look Good on Your Summer Mantel // Robyn’s French Nest

Five 4th of July Party Ideas That Will Sparkle // Pasha is Home

DIY Summer Disco Ball Planter // Tater Tots & Jello

Lemon and Floral Summer Kitchen Decor // Willow Bloom Home

Five Minute Simple Summer Centerpiece // Midwest Life & Style

5 Affordable Summer Decor Ideas for a Small Front Porch // Simply 2 Moms

Seven Amazing Ways To Have A Memorable Summer // Cottage in the Mitten

DIY Star Neutral Wreath for Summer // The Pond’s Farmhouse

An Outdoor Summer Tablescape Using Blues and Terracotta // The Tattered Pew

5 Ways to Set An Everyday Summer Table // White Arrows Home

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