I feel so fortunate that for the summer I dropped down to 4 days a week (versus 5 days) in order to spend more time with my kids this summer. I miss my kids when I am at work more so during the summer months. Since I am off an extra day during the week, I try to look for fun summer activities for the kids & I. But taking the kids out in the town can get pricey. Taking the kids to a kid friendly museum or attraction can cost a minimum of $40 in my area not including lunch. So I try to look for affordable alternatives for summer fun activities.
One thing we can always count on for summer fun is the beach. Since I live so close to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I try to take the kids to either Waveland or Gulfport/Biloxi Mississippi Beaches whenever possible. The beach is free so we can invite friends or other family members to come with us for some fun in the sun. On this trip we brought my mother since. I packed a picnic lunch for my family and an ice chest full of waters the morning of our trip. We loaded up my minivan with towels, sunscreen, and our beach umbrella for some added shade to beat Mississippi Heat!
Waveland is a quiet area in Hancock County and just a short drive from my doorstep. We hit the beach on Beach Road then head over to Buccaneer State Park for our picnic lunch. Buccaneer State Park has a great pavilion right behind their upgraded children’s playground. Whether you have younger preschool aged children or older school aged children like I do, there is something to keep your children entertained. They have recently reopened their wave pool & waterpark.
Having spent the morning & early afternoon at the beach then enjoyed out picnic lunch, my kids were wore out. Great thing about the entire day is that I spent ZERO MONEY!! The money we saved we were able to do another family activity on Saturday when my husband had his day off. If you are ever traveling in the area or happen to live in the area, don’t forget to visit Waveland’s Beaches. The water is not crystal clear but its a fun, cost efficient way to spend the day with the kids.
Is there a location in your area that is free and full of family fun?
We are very into free entertainment, so we love spending our weekends at parks and playgrounds. Maybe we’ll go exploring free beaches next!
It looks so beautiful there! We love to go to our local zoo, which is free (but donations accepted of course!)
That extra day off with the kids must have been so nice. It looks like you’ve been making the most of it!
I haven’t spent much time in that area aside from when my dad was doing some training at Keesler, but it looks like there’s a lot to do!