10 Fun Budget Friendly Indoor Summer Activities

   Summer is a season filled with plenty of outdoor fun, sunshine, and the joy of your kiddos being out of school! However, it can also pose challenges for parents who need to keep their little ones entertained at home. Balancing work, attempting a tidy home, and finding activities for kids that don’t cost an arm and a leg can be a daunting task. Don’t worry! We've got you and your forever energy-filled littles covered with a list of 10 budget-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained and create some fun lasting memories even when the weather may not be ideal!

1. Build a Blanket Fort:

Let their imagination run wild as they construct a cozy fortress using blankets, pillows, and furniture. It's a perfect hideaway for storytelling or having a picnic inside. If you want to get really crazy you can get some cheap fairy lights to really help your little fort look dreamy!

2. DIY Art Projects:

Encourage creativity with simple art projects like finger painting, collages, or making paper masks. Gather some recycled materials and basic art supplies to keep costs low! You can even give your littles an image to recreate in their own way with the supplies they are given. Dry beans, glue, ripped up food boxes- the possibilities are endless!

3. Indoor Obstacle Course:

Design an obstacle course using household items like cushions, chairs, hula hoops, toys, and you can use painters tape on the ground for some arrows/lines to direct them! It's a fun way to burn off some energy and get creative. Even let them design their own course!

4. Movie Marathon:

Host a movie marathon day with your kids. Choose their favorite films or introduce them to some classic family-friendly movies. You can even have each member of the fam pick their favorite movie and snack to go with it! Don't forget the popcorn! 

5. DIY Popsicle Creations:

Let your little ones experiment with their own popsicle creations. Provide various juices, fruits, and yogurt to make some refreshing and somewhat healthy frozen treats! Even frozen yogurt bite creations- those are a favorite in our house! Freeze your favorite yogurt with some cut up fruit in little balls, then enjoy! Or if you are looking for something extra sweet, once frozen dip them in some dark chocolate and freeze again! The perfect dessert.

6. Indoor Picnic:

Spread a blanket on the living room floor and have an indoor picnic! Prepare simple snacks and finger foods. If you’re feeling creative you can make it themed! Try your best to make shapes out of the food you have- cookie cutters with cheese and sandwiches are some of our faves! Get dressed up in your favorite BB outfit if you’re feeling fancy!

7. DIY Bird Feeders:

Craft bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. If you are wanting something a little more time consuming- you can purchase a birdhouse at any local craft store with some paints and brushes, this should still put you under $30! Plus the paint and brushes can be used for plenty more projects! Enjoy watching the birds come to your window and use the homes you and your kiddos made for them. SO fun! 

8. Science Experiments:

Explore the wonders of science with easy experiments like homemade volcanoes, baking soda and vinegar reactions, or creating slime. There is also homemade “cloud doh” which is equal parts cornstarch and hair conditioner mixed is a huge hit with ingredients you usually already have at home! Give your littles some small toys to play in the doh and watch them be endlessly entertained! It’s even simple enough to make it with them helping out.

9. Indoor Treasure Hunt:

Hide small treasures around the house and create a treasure map for your little adventurers to follow! You can include some riddles or obstacles along the way.  It's a fun and exciting way to keep them entertained and for parents to get creative! Rubbing some coffee and spraying water on some paper makes a super cool vintage map look- try it out!

10. DIY Mini-Golf Course:

Create a mini-golf course using household items like cups, cardboard tubes, and ramps. Let your kiddos design their own holes and enjoy a friendly competition! You can even use a cheap kids golf set or just use some ping pong balls!

With these 10 budget-friendly activities, you can turn summer into a season filled with fun, creativity, and laughter!  Whether you're stuck indoors because of heat or storms, or maybe even just hoping to get the kiddos away from some screens, these activities will be sure to be a household hit! Get ready for a summer filled with some imagination and endless entertainment that includes the whole family. Which one will you be trying?