5 Free Family-Friendly Things To Do This Summer That Feel Like a Mini Vacation
A family of four spends an average of $7,964 on a one-week domestic vacation, according to Pacaso. But you can still get the vacation experience without paying vacation prices.
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You don’t need to book a flight or spend thousands on a summer getaway for it to feel special. Here are several free activities that can help your family have a mini vacation close to home.
Visit a Museum
Some museums are free, but many of them charge admission fees. However, there are various ways to go at no cost.
Library museum pass: Many museums offer free or reduced admission if you have a library card. Check your local library’s website to see if it participates in a museum pass program.
Free admission day: Many museums also offer free admission on select days and times each month or during special events. Check the museum’s website before you visit.
Blue Star Museums: Active-duty military personnel and their families can receive free admission to participating museums nationwide through the summer as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Over 2,000 museums participate in the program.
Always free: Some museums, such as the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., are always free.
Museums for All: Those receiving SNAP benefits can get free or reduced admission to more than 1,600 museums nationwide in the Museums for All program. All you need to bring is your EBT card and a photo ID.
Bank of America Museums on Us: If you have a Bank of America account, you can get free general admission to participating museums in the Museums on Us program during the first full weekend of every month.
Visit a Local Park or Splash Pad
You don’t have to travel very far to get the mini-vacation experience. Local parks and splash pads offer some outdoor fun, especially for the kids, at low or no cost. Many splash pads are free, but some do charge a small admission fee.
Before going, check your city or county parks and recreation website. Some communities have maps you can find online to make it easier to fund local parks, splash pads, playgrounds, trails and other activities.
Head to the Beach or a Lake
If you live near a beach or lake, pack up the car and make it a full day of swimming and relaxing by the water. And if you want to save money, don’t visit the most popular spots.
State parks, county parks, and smaller public beaches often charge lower or no parking fees and are typically less crowded than major tourist destinations. Some lakes even offer free public access areas with beaches and picnic shelters. And if you want to save even more money, pack your own snacks and drinks.
Attend a Summer Fair or Festival
According to the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), nearly 220 million people, or 64.8% of the population, attended a fair or fairgrounds in 2024. Some communities host free fairs and festivals throughout the summer with live music, local vendors, entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Before making plans, check if there are any fees or other costs on your city’s tourism website, parks and recreation department or community events calendar.
Ride Bikes on a Scenic Trail
According to the Adventure Cycling Association, there are over 24,000 miles of bicycle routes in 35 states and Washington, D.C. If you have bikes, a scenic bike ride can be an outdoor adventure for the entire family. Most cities have paved trails through parks, along rivers or through wooded areas. To make it feel more like a mini vacation, you can plan your trip along a specific route with picnic areas, a playground, waterfront or other amenities.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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