Summer is finally here! Whether you’re groaning about the humidity or soaking up the sunshine, it’s time to kick back and make memories with the people who matter most. But as any parent or grandparent knows, fun family time can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. From road trips to ice cream runs, summer adventures can add up quickly.

That’s where a little planning (and a lot of heart) can make all the difference. Here are 12 fun, affordable ways to enjoy summer with your family, and how Banterra can help make each one a little easier.

1. Plan A Road Trip To A Nearby State Park

Nothing beats a classic family road trip—windows down, snacks packed, playlist rolling, “Are we there yet?” repeating throughout the journey. But you don’t have to go cross-country to have an adventure. Some of the best memories are made just a few hours from home.

Tips:

  • Pack your own meals to save money or consider sharing meals at restaurants or researching promotions in advance.
  • Don’t forget your reusable water bottle – skip buying bottled waters
  • Look for state parks with free or low-cost admission
  • Book campsites early for better rates

Banterra Tip: Open a Banterra savings account just for travel. It’s a simple way to stash money away weekly for a weekend getaway. Bonus: It’s a great way to teach kids about saving, too.

2. Host A Backyard Movie Night

Turn your backyard into a summer cinema. All you need is a white sheet or projector screen, a few string lights, and a movie your family loves. A good-quality projector can be an investment, but can be used for family and life events for years to come.

Ideas to make it fun:

  • Let the kids create a “concession stand” with snacks that can be themed to match the movie
  • Vote on a “feature film” each week
  • Invite neighbors and make it a mini block party

Banterra Tip: Use your Banterra Visa® Credit Card to earn rewards on your movie night snacks and gear—including getting a nice projector screen. Redeem points later for more summer treats. Don’t have one? It’s super easy to apply. Compare and apply for credit cards online now.

3. Take A Weekend Staycation In Your Town

You don’t have to go far to have a great time. Sometimes the best experiences are in your own backyard—literally and figuratively. Look at your town through tourists’ eyes.

Affordable local ideas:

  • Visit the local zoo or museum
  • Find splash pads, walking trails, or historic sites
  • Try a restaurant you’ve never experienced

Banterra Tip: With Banterra’s mobile banking, you can set a summer “fun budget” and track your spending in real-time, even on the go.

4. Try A New Water Activity Together

Cool off and enjoy the great outdoors with something a little different like paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. It’s active, affordable, and perfect for all ages.

Where to look:

  • Local lakes or reservoirs often have gear rentals
  • Community parks may offer free splash zones or events

Banterra Tip: Book gear rentals with your Banterra credit card to earn rewards while you explore. Those points can add up to fun bonuses for your next outing.

5. Start A “Family Fun Jar” Challenge

Make family time even more exciting by turning it into a weekly surprise. Have each family member drop activity ideas into a jar and draw one out each week.

Budget-friendly jar ideas:

  • Ice cream night
  • Bike ride + picnic
  • Library scavenger hunt

Banterra Tip: Want to take it a step further? Open a separate Banterra savings account for family fun and contribute just $10–$20 a week. It adds up fast and keeps your budget on track.

6. Visit A Local Farmers Market Or Food Festival

Summertime means fresh produce, artisan goods, and tasty treats you can only get this time of year. Make a morning out of it. Bring your kids’ wagon stroller to transport the produce or goodies you get (plus, the kiddos can hop in if they get tired).

Pro tip:

  • Give each child a few dollars to choose their own snack or craft
  • Look for seasonal “kids’ days” or entertainment

Banterra Tip: Use your Banterra Visa® Credit or Debit Card to track your local purchases—perfect for budgeting and cashback rewards.

7. Volunteer Together

Teaching your kids to give back can be one of the most meaningful ways to spend time as a family.

Family-friendly volunteer ideas:

  • Help out at a food bank or pet shelter
  • Join a park cleanup day
  • Donate goods or make care packages together

Banterra Cares: We’re proud to support causes throughout the communities we serve. Volunteering isn’t just good for your heart... it’s good for your community, too. Learn more about what we do.

8. Explore A New City On A Budget

Pick a day-trip destination within a few hours’ drive and make it an adventure.

Ways to keep it affordable:

  • Bring your own food and drinks
  • Look for city passes or free attractions
  • Take advantage of hotel loyalty programs or weekday discounts

Banterra Tip: Use your Banterra Visa® Credit Card for gas and lodging to earn points—then redeem those points on your next mini vacation.

9. Take An At-Home DIY Adventure Day

Not every summer memory requires leaving home, especially on days when it’s too hot to even consider it. Create your own adventures in your living room or backyard.

DIY ideas:

  • Create an obstacle course with household items
  • Have a cooking challenge with mystery ingredients (time to use up that Worcestershire sauce that’s been in your refrigerator.)
  • Set up a “restaurant” where kids cook and serve the adults

Banterra Tip: These low-cost days can help balance out more expensive outings, especially when you’re tracking spending with Banterra’s online banking tools.

10. Plan A Nature-Only, No-Screens Day

Keeping the kids off the screens can feel like a full-time job on its own. Take a break from the devices as a family and head to a local lake, trail, or forest preserve. Bring a sketchbook, binoculars, or even a picnic. It’s refreshing, free, and surprisingly fun—especially if you make it a family challenge.

Extra ideas:

  • Let kids “guide” the hike or act as the family’s nature photographer (no filters allowed)
  • This is a great opportunity to swap your phone for a Polaroid camera or other camera that’s been collecting dust

Banterra Tip: Budgeting for snacks, gas, and entry fees is easy with Banterra’s online banking features. Track and plan your spending right from your phone.

11. Try A Family “Olympics” Tournament

Pick a Saturday, create silly games and challenges (water balloon toss, backyard races, mini obstacle courses), and compete as teams.

Added Tips:

  • Let each family member design one event to keep everyone involved
  • Order cheap medals or ribbons online to hand out for added fun

Banterra Tip: Save receipts from gear or supplies and track them using Banterra’s online tools—budgeting isn’t just for vacations.

12. Get Ahead On Back-To-School Shopping

Yes, it’s still summer, but getting an early start on back-to-school supplies can save your wallet (and your sanity).

Early-bird benefits:

  • Take advantage of end-of-summer clearance
  • Spread out costs over time
  • Skip the August crowds

Banterra Tip: Soccer, swimming, football, dance, band, choir—the list of activities your kids may be involved in seems to never end... and neither do the expenses. Use your Banterra Visa® Credit Card to earn points on supplies for classes and extracurriculars. Some cards offer bonus points on office supplies, gas, and groceries which is perfect for this season.

Set Your Summer Budget With Banterra

Planning ahead doesn’t just help your finances—it actually makes the fun more fun, because you are not stressed about how to pay for it.

Here’s how Banterra can help you get more from your summer:

Not sure what’s best? Give us a call, we’re here to help.

Contact Banterra Bank for Help

Fun, Family, And Financial Confidence

Summer is short, but the memories you make with your family will last a lifetime. Whether you’re traveling across state lines or just enjoying a staycation in your backyard, Banterra is here to help you make the most of every moment.

We’ll help you save smarter, spend wisely, and even earn rewards while you’re doing it.

So go ahead—pack the cooler, grab the sunscreen, and let the summer fun begin.