Tariffs Got You Worried? 6 Cheap Ways To Enjoy Your Summer Anyway
Written by
Jamela Adam
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Summer should be about relaxing and making memories, not stressing over rising prices at the store. With tariffs and inflation making everyday things more expensive, a lot of people are cutting back on big vacations and pricey outings this year.
That said, you can still have a fun and memorable summer while staying within your budget. Here are six affordable ways to enjoy the season without breaking the bank.
Transform Your Backyard Into a Water Park
If you don’t have the budget to take your family to a water park or if you don’t have a pool at home, you can still cool off with a cheap sprinkler or plastic kiddie pool. You can usually find them for under $20 at big-box stores or online.
Another creative way to transform your backyard into a water park is by getting a tarp and spraying it down with the hose to make your own slip-and-slide.
To make the whole experience feel even more like a summer getaway, put on a summer playlist, bring out lawn chairs or beach towels, and pass out popsicles or cold drinks. You could also set up a snack table with easy finger foods or homemade lemonade.
Host a BBQ
BBQs are another great way to enjoy your summer without spending thousands of dollars on flight tickets to Europe.
BBQs can be pretty inexpensive if you use affordable ingredients like hot dogs, burgers or grilled veggies. To save even more money, you can buy these in bulk at Costco or ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert.
You don’t have to spend tons of money on supplies, either. A folding table, some paper plates and a cooler with drinks are more than enough to get started.
Make Movie Nights Special at Home
Movie tickets now often cost more than $10. And if you have a big family, it’s normal to spend close to $100 each trip to the movie theater, if you add in snacks and drinks.
Instead of spending that kind of money every time you go to the movies, turn your living room or backyard into your own personal theater. Pick a family favorite or something nostalgic, pop your own popcorn, and set the scene with blankets, pillows and dim lighting.
You can make it even more fun by theming the snacks to match the movie. For example, if you’re watching “Moana,” serve pineapple ice cream and mocktails. And if you pick something like “The Addams Family,” go for Halloween-vibe candies or anything spooky.
Plan a Picnic
The best summer moments are often the simplest ones, like a nice outdoor picnic. Pack a few homemade sandwiches, some fruit and a couple of drinks in a cooler, then head to a park or beach. A picnic for two to four people might cost around $20 to $40 total, depending on what you already have in your kitchen.
You can also bring a Frisbee, a card game and a Bluetooth speaker for music.
Explore Free Local Events
Many towns and cities offer free events during the summer, like outdoor fitness classes, street fairs, farmers’ markets, concerts and craft days at the library. These kinds of events don’t always get a ton of attention, but they’re a fun and easy way to get out of the house without spending much.
If you’re interested in these kinds of local events, keep an eye on community bulletin boards, local Facebook groups or your city’s website to find what’s happening nearby.
Camp Out at Home
You don’t have to drive hours to have a fun camping experience. You can recreate almost the same experience by pitching a tent in your backyard or building a blanket fort in the living room.
A backyard camping setup can cost next to nothing if you’re using items you already have. Even if you decide to buy a basic tent or fire pit, you can often find affordable options at stores like Walmart or on Amazon for under $50.
And instead of roasting marshmallows at the beach, you can toast them over a backyard fire pit or use the stovetop if you’re staying inside. A bag of marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate usually runs under $10 total.
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