Civilian, Veteran, and military families will always look for something to do during summer, especially since this is the time when families can create memories. One of the options is to list the best summer vacation activities before packing the bags. It’s a perfect time for the family since the kids are out of school and the weather is nice. However, if you are on a tight budget, it would be a challenge to plan a fun activity. So, how can you enjoy fun activities without breaking the bank? Here are some live-saving tips to get you started.
How to Start Planning Your Summer Vacation Activities
Suppose you are on your last minute family vacation and can’t decide where to go. In that case, you can head to your local installation Morale Welfare and Recreation office, precisely the information, ticket, and tours office.
You can find the latest events, such as athletic games, concerts, discounted tickets, and more. Some Morale Welfare and Recreation offices even rent equipment like boats, bikes, campers, grills, and kayaks.
Furthermore, if you need your kids to be occupied during their downtime at home, the MWR also offers various programs. They are running the “Have Book, Will Travel.” However, it is best to consult with local MWR as such programs may vary.
11 Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation Activities
1. Go on a Road Trip
If you want to change scenery, a road trip is the answer to your last minute family vacation. You can also plan to see your friends, events, family, and even remarkable monuments. It would be the perfect getaway if you hate catching up with plane schedules, plus it’s easier to be spontaneous on the road. Besides the gas and food, you can set up camp or sleep in your RV or van; just be creative to have a good time.
2. Aquarium Getaway
Several aquarium parks offer discounts for military families. This is a perfect way to include them in summer vacation activities. The New York Aquarium offers a free general admission ticket plus 50% off the ticket for three family members. SeaWorld parks give out four free tickets for active duty military members. But this is limited to one time per year.
Discounts are also available at these locations: Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., Downtown Aquarium in Denver and Houston, Birch Aquarium in San Diego, and Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach.
3. Visiting National Parks
Enjoy outdoor fun by visiting a state or national park for a short hike and picnic. The Parks Service offers a free pass to service members and their dependents in the Navy, Marines, Army, US Reserves, Coast Guard, and Air Force. The annual pass lets you access the Fish and Wildlife Service parks, Forest Service, National Parks Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation sites.
4. Amusement Parks
Let this be on your summer vacation activities bucket lists, especially if you have little ones or grandkids. Many even provide military discounts, such as Hershey Park, Kings Island, Cedar Point, Six Flags, and more. Some offer free admission to Veteran or active military members, and up to three family members once a year. These include Williamsburg, Sesame Place in Langhorne, and Busch Gardens in Tampa.
5. Stay at a Military Camp Ground
Recreational vehicle sites and campgrounds across the country are available as a service for the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs. This site offers Veterans and their families an affordable destination.
6. The Blue Star Museum
When the day is scorching hot, you can visit a museum that perfectly combines fun and education. Blue Star Museum has a special offer to Veterans and their families. You can get free admission to over 2,000 museums, exhibits, and art centers. This can be availed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, it is still good to visit their website if there are any changes.
7. Try a Staycation
Planning summer vacation activities should make it easy to have fun. If you’re on a tight budget for a trip for the whole family, why not be a local tourist instead? The options are endless: relax in a pool, visit your local park, have a family picnic, or play board games. Make a taste tour of your city; there might be some places you still need to visit. Look for upcoming events, like local concerts, gatherings, or festivals.
8. Summer Camp
If you want to spend time alone with your wife or husband, you can send your kids to summer camp. There are many opportunities for military children to attend reasonable camps that allow them to bond with each other through their similar experiences.
Also, the DOD of Family Policy office offers Teen Adventure Camps for ages 14 to 18. Don’t worry about the cost—these are free, including transportation. Plus, there are more than 40 camps across the country that your teen will love. Some of the camp’s activities include kayaking through the Florida Keys, caving, rappelling, and rock climbing in Kentucky.
Another highlight of the camp is that it revolves around fun. The camp provides military children with skills to cope better with deployment cycles, whether their parents have just deployed recently, are about to deploy, or recently returned from deployment.
9. Visit Theaters
Why not consider the theaters when you’re having a last minute family vacation? Just like museums, there are many discounted or free admission theaters for military families. Plus, there are many options to choose from. With 160 participating locations, you can see all kinds of plays, from children’s theater to Shakespeare.
10. Cool Crafts and Arts
Suppose you wanted to have more downtime for the whole family. Switching to arts and crafts is the best way to spend your last minute family vacation. You can search for DIYs that you and your family can do together. You could also create a shed or a treehouse that your kids or grandkids will enjoy.
11. Take the Time to Reconnect
One of the best ways to include in your summer vacation activities is to reconnect with friends and loved ones. This is the opportunity to host a dinner party for everyone to enjoy, and is the time to catch up with cousins, aunts/uncles, or grandparents. It doesn’t have to be fancy; a simple gathering with creativity will do.
No matter how you spend your vacation this year, it is best to spend it with family. Make the most of it, enjoy the moment, and try to laugh in unique situations.
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