This post may contain affiliate links
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GiantEagleSlashedPrices #CollectiveBias

Here’s how we plan to stay on budget and STILL make the most of our Summer!
1. Find community sponsored events for kids.
I did a simple google search of events going on in our area this Summer and the results were amazing. Not only does the city of Cuyahoga Falls offer Tot Time in the Park every day of the week (hellooooo, free arts, crafts, and playtime!); but there’s also a free Touch a Truck event in July that my kids will simply EAT UP.

2. Research free admission days.
Our local art museum, the Akron Art Museum, does free admission on every single Thursday — which is an awesome way to introduce children to art! There are always some hands-on exhibits, which the kids obviously love; but I’m forever amazed at how much they actually like to walk through the galleries!


Many of the big-box hardware and craft stores also do free build and crafting events on the weekends, so be sure to check those out (and sign up!), too! We’re already on the schedule for a build workshop and a LEGO workshop in the month of May!
3. Keeping our groceries on-budget with Giant Eagle’s slashed prices.
We have been keeping our family grocery budget in check with the competitive NON-sale, slashed pricing, at Giant Eagle! For us, this means we can still get all of the good stuff — the fruits, the veggies, and the meat — without breaking the bank. Even frozen goods and dairy have seen slashed pricing!



I had visions of how life would be as a mom. I thought “Oh, for sure if I plan this extravagant party my son will adore me forever.” Friends I’m here to tell you that this is not the case. Often times it seems that the more time and energy that goes into something, the more lackluster the response I will get from my children (insert eyeroll).
So instead of thinking of ‘amazing,’ pinterest-worthy ways I will keep my children occupied this Summer, I’m going the realistic route.


What’s your favorite budget-friendly activity for Summer??
And how are you taking advantage of price cuts at Giant Eagle?!

Great idea to look for community sponsored events and free admission days in our area. I’ll have to see what’s available near me! And I agree with you about keeping things realistic and not expecting Pinterest-worthy activities. I’m just not that talented, LOL.
These are seriously great tips, some times you really don’t have to spend a lot to have a fun day
I really want to save money this summer as well so this comes at the perfect time! I’m definitely going to be looking for community sponsored events. And expecting the unexpected is always important!
This is a great post! We are looking for ways to enjoy the summer and also save some money. I love the idea of looking for free/discounted admission prices.
OMG that carousel at the Akron Zoo might be the cutest I’ve seen! I’m glad you are checking out the city sponsored events. We have a ton in the Seattle area!
Free tot time in the park! That sounds like a dream! I wish our parks would do that! Good luck this summer mama!
I always forget about free admission days! Great tips.
This is a really great list. Although we live in Miami, there are loads of inexpensive things to do with the kids in our immediate vicinity. We always take advantage of reduced admission days at the zoo, and the neighborhood park and beaches fill our summers.
I am so excited for this summer. We got half priced pool passes on Black Friday, and the village offers free lunch to kids at the park district where the pool is all summer.
I love Giant Eagle & am so glad they’re becoming a little more affordable!
that s’mores display has me drooling!
Such great ideas!!! I love trying to save money for sure!
These are great ideas!! I stalk our grocery for prices like that!
This is good to know about GE…I’ve honestly been shopping more at Aldi but I’ll need to stop back in there! Agree with your sentiments on chalk and bubbles 100%:)