Summer Fun Without the Spending Stress

A few summers ago, I found myself hunched over a calculator in the back of our hotel room, mentally deducting every ice cream, museum entry, and taxi fare from our already stretched budget. While my kids were busy building sandcastles, I was building anxiety. That was the moment I realized: enjoying summer shouldn’t mean financial regret come September.

Vacations—whether at home or away—boost our mood, health, and family bonds. But they don’t have to break the bank. Here are ten practical tips to keep summer joyful and affordable:

1. Home Exchange: Swap homes with a family in Israel or abroad. It’s a smart way to skip accommodation costs and live like a local.
2. Museum Memberships: Consider purchasing a seasonal or annual family pass to a nearby museum or science center. These usually pay for themselves in just a couple of visits and often include special workshops and children’s activities.
3. Hike the Israel Trail: Discover nature with your kids. Choose manageable sections, download maps, and enjoy the scenery.
4. Camping Fun: Cheaper than hotels, and infinitely more memorable. Israel has countless scenic spots.
5. Smart Food Planning: Cut back on restaurant bills by minimizing dishes ordered—kids rarely finish a full plate. Instead, pack snacks and drinks bought in advance from a supermarket. Better yet, make mealtime an activity by letting kids help prepare picnic lunches or simple dinners.
6. Travel Together: Go with other families. It’s more fun for the kids and easier on your wallet.
7. Discounts & Coupons: Look online, or check your credit card or workplace benefits for venue discounts.
8. Staycation Style: Be tourists at home. Plan outings, treat meals, and themed movie nights.
9. Save Forward: Back from holiday? Begin saving for the next. Even small amounts add up.
10. Holiday Treasure Hunt: Create a DIY scavenger hunt wherever you go—park, beach, or city. It costs nothing but adds fun and adventure. Give kids a list (shells, red sign, park bench) and a small reward at the end. It turns a Enjoying Without Overspending

The best family moments don’t come from how much we spend, but from how present we are. Children remember giggles in a tent, shared sandwiches on a trail, and nighttime stories under the stars far more than hotel breakfasts or theme park tickets.

By approaching summer with creativity and intention, we can make space for connection and joy—without the anxiety that often follows a splurge. These small, thoughtful choices create not only great holidays but also lasting habits that strengthen our relationship with money and each other.

This summer, try trading some extravagance for experience. You might find that what you give up in cost, you gain tenfold in memory.