Five ways to have affordable fun in the Sun
Summer is still in full effect and many kids have a month before they go back to school. That means all of us wonderful parentals must still make this summer vacay as memorable as possible and if you haven’t noticed the recent financial situation, affordable. For the ones that are already back in school, you will find some amazing ways to get started for next Summer. 😎 So how can you achieve this with the cost of things sky rocketing and we still have to provide the basic necessities. This is going to be time to be frugal and if you don’t know what that means, it means you are less friendly with spending money. Being that no matter the size of your bank account we are all getting hit, we thought about some things we have done and many others are doing to cut those extra cost while still making sure our kids are able to enjoy their breaks but not “Break” the bank. Before we jump into these things we encourage to have a conversation with your family about the changes you are making and why. We want our kids to be responsible with spending money and understanding that just like anything else money has a season and we cannot at all times continue to spend the way we have before. This allows them to also be apart of the changes and want to help be better spenders as well. You don’t have to stress them out and tell them we are “flat broke” or it’s a “economic recession” or “we are going to lose the house if we don’t change”. Simply tell them we have to make some changes as the economy is changing and discuss those with them. Ok enough of that, I’m sure you know your children and what and how to say it so lets jump right on in to these bargain saving ideas for ensuring you are still having fun for the “low”.
1. State/local Parks: Yes I know, the state park. Yes and they are one of the most underused outdoors venues. Many parks have different things from carousels, skating areas, water amusements, rides, hiking trails, tennis court, basketball courts, pavilions, grills and more. The best part about them is they are free. Lets go back to some of our favorite memories in Warner Park (Chattanooga, TN) pool or even now with the splash park not to mention the power house where you could get a good work out in. Oh and don’t let me forget Chester Frost Park with the grills, water and mini illusions of a beach where you can also pull a overnighter and go campling. The point is there are lots of things to do in some parks in your city or nearby that offer the same entertainment as a SixFlags but for little to no cost. The key to having fun is setting up your budget for what you can do and then executing on finding the places that can offer you what you and your family needs. Local in the Chattanooga or Surrounding areas here are a few great places to take advantage of…
Coolidge park (Carousel, water area, picnic and trail)
Chester Frost park (Closest thing to a beach with sand, grills, water and playground equipment
Warner Park ( Zoo, Playground, Tennis Courts, Pools, Water Park area)
2. Kids bowl free: May not be directly in the sun but its free, it requires you getting out of the house and a great way to cool down after a long day. Oh, you didn’t know that kids could bowl for free? Whew chile, yes and it is one of my families favorite ways to have some free fun. There is a catch you do have to pay for your bowling shoes $5 and you do have to pay for a family pass for the grown members but i would gladly take that cost any day. What’s the normal cost? Well lets say a family of 4 would run about $60 to get admission 2 hours of bowling and shoes. 1 time per month for 3 months and that’s $180 vs. $39.99 family membership $60 bowling shoes cost that’s $99.99 for the entire summer and now that is much more affordable you can go more often and double the value. Want to save even more money, get the shoes during Amazon Prime day next year or Cyber Monday for $19 and up and then save even more for next season. Want to get your family set up for next year visit this link now and find the bowling alleys in your city that participate.
Live in the Chattanooga Area and want to stay up to date on all the affordable, fun, and amazing places in Chatt, Follow one of our favorite bloggers Chasney’s Travels for the hidden gems… Chasney's Travels
3. Top Golf. Yes sir/maam. Top golf can have the good deals if you know about them. Did you know that you can get free Mini Golf from Top Golf on Mondays? Well neither did I until someone also told me about it. Another great way to have some fun and keep the cost really low. Although the cost is relatively low it can be a game changer for savings and allow you to plan family outings based on the deals. Mondays in our house are now going to be Topgolf because we get a free game. Being that we are also homeschoolers, what better way to reward the kids for a day well learned then with free golf. Learn more here: TopGolf
4. Hiking: The freeest most calm adventure you can do. If you can throw some comfortable shoes on, pack a lunch, grab some family and friends, gas up the car and hit the highway a few miles, then you are in for a treat. There are so many places you can go to Hike in the Scenic City area that a lot of people don’t know about. One that we are going to cast a light on today is called “The Blue Hole”, smack dab in the heart of Soddy Daisy at the Big Soddy Creek Gulf. Not only does it offer the ability to wonder the hiking paths, this is a popular place for a lot of locals to go and take in the scenery while taking a dip in the beautiful water below. Once you get there, you will understand why this is a locals favorite and why the name Blue hole fits so perfectly. Check out this list of other great possibly free adventures in your area. Top Hiking
5. At home pool. Sounds expensive but can be a great way to have some major fun in the sun without leaving the comfort of your home and if you can hit up some of our favorite shopping places NOW you can get your entire set up for less than $300
Aldis has 12 x 30 pools they are clearing out right now for $40. Another great place to look is Biglots. Lots of people sleep on Biglots but not me just 2 years ago I was able to get my 14 x 30 Summer waves pool for $120. Although I doubt they are that price now they have really good prices for their pool items. If you missed Aldis or Biglots, Amazon has them right now for $145 that is 65% off the normal price and still an amazing deal to get started for next summer. Here is a link to get you started.. Amazon Link
Pool opening Kit are starting to go on sale and although sounds like it may be a lot can be as little as $39.99 and you can find one on Amazon here
Pool Filters: These can get high depending on where you buy them, I have found the best price, even beating Amazon, goes to Biglots and Walmart. Biglots has a pack of 2 for $7 and Walmart for around $10, which is still much cheaper than the other competitors. Now I could be wrong though so if you find something cheaper, let us know we love sharing the great deals to help you and your family save money.
Pool Chairs: Although this is NOT a necessary part of a pool setup, it can really bring the illusion of a vacation to your backyard. The best prices for this item goes to once again……………………….. Aldi. Yes, I’m fixing to wake yall up to Aldis as most people only think food or they don’t even go at all. This store is a gem if you have never been and they don’t just carry food and yes paying the quarter to get your buggy is well worth it. I can guarantee you that me and my family have had lots of fun for cheap using Aldi. Not to mention the food. Ok back to the pool chairs because I could go on all day. If you have every searched for pool chairs, then you know that they can get expensive to get a good chair. Save your money if you are thinking you can just buy the cheap ones as you will be replacing them the next year or sooner. Some good chairs start around $89 or higher and if you can get to a store now 🏃🏽♀️, you can get them as low as $34.99. Stay in the loop for your hometown Aldi location and deals here: Aldi Locator
