This was such a big hit in past years, that I took the time to update it with this year's dates! Hope you enjoy đ
Are you living in the Okanagan or planning a visit there this summer? Since the Okanagan is the place Iâm lucky enough to call home, I wanted to put together a guide packed with fun and affordable things to do all summer long in the land of sunshine. My goal is to make this the ultimate frugal Okanagan summer activity guide! If you know of a great event, hidden gem, or must-visit spot, let me know and Iâd love to add it to the list.
Whether youâre planning a weekend escape or youâre lucky enough to call this region home, I hope this Okanagan Summer Activity Guide helps you make the most of every moment. From lake days to orchard visits to local markets to scenic hikes, thereâs something here for everyone to enjoy all summer long. Save this Okanagan summer activity guide for later and start ticking off your favourite experiences as you go. Summer in the Okanagan always goes by faster than we think.
Looking for deals?
Grouponhas a ton of local discounted restaurants, spas, things to do and more! Check it out for great savings on the things you want to do in the Okanagan.
Trying to organize your home without spending a fortune? You're not alone. Keeping your space tidy and clutter-free doesn't have to mean investing in expensive storage systems or custom organization solutions. In fact, some of the best organizing products are surprisingly affordable.
In a world where clutter seems to multiply overnight, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Whether you're organizing a small apartment, a busy family home, or simply looking for ways to make everyday life a little easier, affordable organizers can help you maximize your space while staying within budget.
From kitchen cabinets and bathroom counters to closets and entryways, budget-friendly organization products offer practical solutions for every room in your home. The best part? You don't have to spend a lot to get organized.
Below, you'll find 12 affordable organizers available on Amazon for $25 or less. These clever storage solutions can help reduce clutter, simplify your daily routine, and make your home feel more functional, all without breaking the bank.
(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)
I think one of these over the door organizers would be perfect for those kids who love knick knacks! Or for holding baby supplies. The option are endless, really. See it on Amazon.
We have something like this in our garage to wrangle the mop and brooms and I love it! This one from Amazon looks even better than what we have. I like that it has small hooks for hanging other small things! See it on Amazon.
If you have tea drinkers in your home, this tea bag organizer is going to be so nice to have! Say goodbye to stacking boxes that you have to individually move to get to the flavour you really want! See it on Amazon.
If you are short on space in your closets, these pant hangers could free up a lot of space for you! There are ones especially for skirts too. See it on Amazon.
This is advertised as a shoe organizer, but I think this you could store so many different things in one of these! May hair care, toys, gift wrapping supplies, office supplies and so much more! See it on Amazon.
This organizer would make a great addition to any entryway or kitchen. Use the hooks to keep track of car keys, spare keys, and other small items, and use the main compartment to keep track of your mail. See it on Amazon.
I have these all over our house! I've got them in our bathroom drawers, kitchen, the girls' craft desk... they are so good! These are interlocking and I find they slide around less than ones that aren't interlocking. See it on Amazon.
This is the first time I have seen one of these, but instantly I knew it could be very useful! My youngest has a bunk bed in her room and I like that she could have a place to put her water bottle, books and knick knacks. See it on Amazon.
I have a couple of these in our fridge. One holds yogurt cups and the other holds apples/oranges. I love that these ones have removable dividers, making them great for organizing snacks in the pantry. See it on Amazon.
These 2 tier under sink organizers are brilliant! I have one under our kitchen sink and one in each of the bathrooms! Highly recommend! This is a two pack on sale! See it on Amazon.
How amazing would these be for easy access of all the water bottles and travel mugs? No need to take everything out just to get the bottle you're wanting. See it on Amazon.
Getting organized doesn't have to come with a big price tag. With the right affordable organizers, you can create a more functional, clutter-free home while sticking to your budget. Whether you're tackling overflowing closets, messy kitchen cabinets, or crowded countertops, these budget-friendly storage solutions can help you make the most of your space. Start with one or two organizers that solve your biggest pain points, and you'll be surprised at how much easier daily life can become when everything has a place.
Want to see more of my affordable organization picks from Amazon? Visit my Amazon storefront to see more than 50 recommendations! (Not every item is under $25 though.)
Summer is the perfect time to make memories, enjoy the sunshine, and spend quality time with family and friends. But having fun doesn't have to come with a big price tag. Whether you're looking to keep the kids entertained during school break, plan budget-friendly family adventures, or simply make the most of the warmer weather, there are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy the season. From outdoor adventures and creative activities to local events and staycation ideas, these 45 free and cheap summer activities will help you make the most of summer while keeping your spending in check.
(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)
1. Bowl for FREE â Kids can bowl 2 games for FREE every day throughout the Summer. Visit KidsBowlFree.com to see which bowling alleys are participating.
2. Get a FREE Slurpee â July 11 is always FREE Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven. Take your family out for a free tasty treat that will help cool you off during the Summer heat!
3. Make Slime â Both my daughters and I have so much fun creating and playing with this Inside Out Sensory Slime. It's just so fun to see how it works.
4. Make Homemade Iced Tea â Try brewing a batch of my favourite sun tea. You'll have fun watching the water change colour and even more fun adding your favourite flavourings like lemons, mint or even raspberries.
5. Visit a Park â Why not visit a nearby provincial or national park that you've never visited before? You could explore the trails or just do some day camping by bringing along the hot dogs and marshmallows.
6. Visit the Beach â Living in the Okanagan, we have a ton of beautiful beaches at our fingertips. We like to grab a book or magazine and head to one to relax while our daughters play in the sand or on the playground.
7. Go Fruit Picking â One word. Cherries! We love to get out as soon as our favourite fruits are in season. U-Picks are a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family and are always much cheaper than the grocery stores!
8. Plan a Picnic â Picnics are one of our favourite things to do. We've got a system down to make things easy: It's always bunwiches with deli meat, cheese and pickles. I always throw in some fruit and veggies too. As a treat, I pack some cold pop and a bag of chips. Simple!
9. Fly a Kite â Â Well, I haven't flown a kite since I was a kid, but it still sounds like a fun idea! Donât own one? This one has great reviews on Amazon.
10. Pitch a Tent in the backyard â Give the kids a fun experience by pitching a tent in your own backyard. Build a campfire, or use a propane fire ring like we do (because of campfire bans) to roast marshmallows.
11. Make Art with Sidewalk Chalk â Sidewalk chalk is something I always have on hand so Sienna can go out to create some masterpieces on the sidewalk or the basketball court we have at our townhouse. This is something she likes to do on her own so I can get a little work done. đ
12. Plant Flowers â Now, you have to be careful with this one as buying "only a few" plants can really add up! (Trust me, I know!) Rather than planting an entire garden, you could concentrate on filling up a planter to keep costs down. While you're at it, why not create this Milk Jug Watering Can so the kids can help water.
13. Plant an Herb Garden â Another fun planting project is to plant an herb garden. Fresh herbs are so great to have on hand to make meals delicious. Growing your own herbs can also save you a bundle at the grocery store.
14. Plan a Scavenger Hunt â Want to get the kids outside? They can spend their summer outdoors with a fun scavenger hunt! Buggy and Buddy has 30 free printable options - you're sure to find something appealing!
15. Run Through the Sprinklers â Cool off in the backyard with sprinklers or even the garden hose. Even water balloons would be a blast! You can pick up water balloons at the dollar store or even one of these neat Fast Fill kits from Amazon.
16. Blow Bubbles â Bubbles are always a hit around here! When I see them for the first time in the spring, I'll pick up a few of those bubble wands that cost only $1. You could even try whipping up your own bubble solution for the kids to play with in the yard or at the beach.
17. Have a Garage Sale â Gather up all your unwanted items and host a garage sale one weekend to make some extra cash. Let the kids join in on the fun by setting up a lemonade stand for customers. Here are some garage sale tipsfrom Simply Frugal readers that you may enjoy!
18. Visit a local Festival or Event â Our city hosts regular free music events, movies in the park and even summer festivals that are fun for the whole family. These events are free for everyone to enjoy. Check your newspapers and city website to see what's being offered this year near you!
19. Visit the Library â The library is a great place to visit over the summer months. I believe most libraries offer reading challenges that are sure to encourage reading even while school is out. Check out this post for more ideas on how the library can save you money.
20. Head to the Farmerâs Market â Support your local farmers, and check out a couple of the markets in your area throughout the Summer. You really canât beat the quality of the produce and the neat homemade items. Here are 5 reasons to buy local produce.
21. Go Swim in the Pool â Since most of us don't have a swimming pool, head out to one in your community to cool off. Some may require a small entrance fee, but can be loads of fun for the kids.
22. Stop By a Splash Park â Another fun option for the especially hot summer days is to stop at a local splash park. We like to meet friends there since my daughter has a bit more confidence when she's not surrounded by strangers trying to get her wet. đ
23. Play on a Sports Team â Love to play sports? Why not gather a group of friends and put together a beach volleyball team? Or maybe ultimate frisbee? If you'd rather, you could sign up your group of friends for a weekend tournament instead.
24. Go to the Movie Theatre -Â Currently, Cineplex movie theatres are offering a discount on movies on Tuesdays. Take a look here for more details.
25. Snag a Daily Deal â Keep an eye out on Grouponand WagJag for deals and local activities for huge savings. You might be surprised at everything thatâs offered in your own city!
26. Go Hiking â Our family loves to go for hikes, they're not quite as long now that we have kids, but it's still an enjoyable activity! Visit a local bookstore for trail maps or check AllTrails for hiking trails near you.
27. Attend a Home Depot Workshop â The Home Depot offers these great FREE workshops where kids can build a different project each month. Check this page for the schedule.
28. Watch Fireworks â Canada Day is known to be a day where fireworks will be involved. Why not find a special viewing point to enjoy this year's show?
29. Take a Craft Class â Michaelâs Canada offers classes for adults and kids featuring all sorts of different projects. I have noticed that every once in a while they offer a substantial discount on classes so keep your eyes open for that.
30. Volunteer â Why not take some time to give of yourself this Summer? Volunteer at a local food pantry, woman's shelter, or soup kitchen. Ask around, I'm sure the opportunities are plentiful!
31. Find the Best Ice Cream â Go on an ice cream date once a week in an attempt to discover the best ice cream in your city. Places like Marble Slab have coupons often and locally owned shops may have daily specials for you to save.
32. Take an Evening Walk â An evening walk in the summer is just so, so nice. The temperature is somewhat cooler. Plus, there's just something so nice about the evening light.
33. Try Geocaching â Geocachingis an outdoor activity of searching for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates posted on a website. We thought this sounded so much fun, so we borrowed my parent's GPS to give it a try!
34. Do a Puzzle â Puzzles are a hit in our household. Both my husband and I enjoyed doing puzzles growing up and now our oldest daughter likes them too!
35. Learn a New Skill â Summer is a great time to learn something new, whether it be gardening, knitting, or discovering your artistic talent. Read 52 Things to Learn for Free to get started.
36. Start a New TV Series â Why not use Netflix to start a new TV series during the Summer, and catch up on all the seasons just in time for the Fall premieres. What shows would you recommend to someone looking for suggestions?
37. Do a Science Experiment â Help your kids learn about our fascinating world by trying their hands at a fun science experiment? KidsActivitiesBlog.com has links to a ton of fun projects!
39. Make Homemade Playdough â This is my current favourite no-cook recipe for playdough. My kids used to play for a long time making me "food" to eat. You probably have all the ingredients on hand already!
40. Go for a Bike Ride â Rather than walking, why not put those wheels to good use! Go for a ride around the neighborhood or ride along a nice path your city may have. You could make a day of it if you pack lunches and lots of water.
41. Make a Sock Puppet - This adorable monster sock puppet is anything but scary. Plus, it uses dollar store items to make for a cheap summer activity!
42. Sort Through Clothes â Maybe I'm weird, but I actually get a hankering to do more organizing projects in the summer. (Not just in January.) I find Summer is a great time to clean out my closet and donate what I donât wear anymore.
43. Paint Your Nails - Summer time means I must have my toe nails painted in pretty colors all the time! I don't normally put nail polish on my finger nails, but my toe nails are fair game for anything bright and fun. Why not have a simple spa time by giving yourself a pedicure?
44. Color a Picture - Coloring isnât just for kids anymore! Print off coloring pages for adults, and pull out the kidâs coloring books for a fun family time. Play some music for hours of good relaxing fun!
45. Have a Nap - Finally, why not have a nap? No better spot than outside in a nice shady area!
I also whipped up this printable Summer Activity sheet that you can print off and hang somewhere convenient so you're always full of ideas.
Summer doesn't have to be boring for anyone when you're armed with these summer activity ideas! Leave your fun and cheap summer activities in the comments below! Â
Free Printable Summer Bucket Lists for Kids and Families
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, make memories, and enjoy all the simple pleasures the season has to offer. Whether you're planning family adventures, looking for screen-free activities, or encouraging your kids to read more, these free printable Summer Bucket Lists are here to help.
This printable set includes a Summer Bucket List and a Summer Reading List, making it easy to keep track of all the fun things you want to do before summer comes to an end. From beach days and backyard campouts to library visits and reading challenges, these lists help turn summer goals into lasting memories.
Simply print the pages, hang them on the fridge, and start checking off activities as you complete them. Kids will love creating their own summer plans, and parents will appreciate having an easy way to encourage outdoor play, family time, and reading.
Download your free Summer Bucket Lists today and start making this your best summer yet!
I have also curated a whole bunch of summer things in my Amazon storefront. Find beach essentials, outdoor games, activity books & craft kits, summer reads and more.
What do you have planned for your summer? What's on your reading list? Let us know in the comments!
How to Pay Off Debt in Canada: 15 Strategies That Actually Work
If you're wondering how to pay off debt in Canada, you're not alone. Rising living costs, high interest rates, and unexpected expenses have left many Canadians carrying credit card balances, personal loans, lines of credit, and other forms of debt.
The good news is that becoming debt-free is possible. While there isn't a magic solution, there are proven debt repayment strategies that can help you take control of your finances and make steady progress toward your goals.
Whether you're looking for ways to pay off debt fast or simply want a realistic debt payoff plan, these strategies can help.
1. Create a Budget and Stick to It
The first step in any debt repayment plan is understanding where your money is going.
Track your income and expenses for a month and identify areas where you can reduce spending. Even small cuts can free up money that can be applied toward debt payments.
A budget gives every dollar a purpose and helps you avoid relying on credit cards to cover monthly expenses.
2. Stop Adding New Debt
This may seem obvious, but it's one of the most important steps.
If you're actively trying to pay off debt, avoid adding new balances whenever possible. Focus on using cash, debit, or money you already have available rather than financing new purchases.
Paying off debt becomes much harder when balances continue to grow.
3. Live Below Your Means
One of the most effective Canadian debt tips is learning to live on less than you earn.
Living below your means creates extra money that can be used for debt payments, savings, and future financial goals.
Avoid lifestyle inflation and focus on spending intentionally rather than trying to keep up with others.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades
Many Canadians fall into the trap of upgrading their lifestyle every time their income increases.
Before upgrading your vehicle, phone, wardrobe, furniture, or home, ask yourself whether the purchase is truly necessary. Delaying major upgrades can free up thousands of dollars that can be used toward your debt payoff plan.
5. Use the Debt Snowball Method
The debt snowball method involves paying off your smallest debt first while making minimum payments on all other debts.
Once the smallest balance is paid off, roll that payment into the next debt.
Many people find this strategy motivating because they experience quick wins that help build momentum.
6. Consider the Debt Avalanche Method
The debt avalanche method focuses on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first. This approach can save money on interest over time and may help you pay off debt faster.
Choose the method that keeps you motivated and consistent.
7. Never Pay Full Price
One of the easiest ways to free up extra money is to reduce everyday spending.
The money you save can go directly toward your debt repayment goals.
8. Increase Your Income
While reducing expenses helps, increasing your income can dramatically speed up your progress.
Consider:
Freelance work
Selling unused items
Pet sitting
Childcare
Delivery services
Seasonal employment
Online side hustles
Every extra dollar earned can help you become debt-free sooner.
9. Put Windfalls Toward Debt
When extra money arrives, resist the temptation to spend it.
Consider applying these funds toward debt:
Tax refunds
GST/HST credits
Bonuses
Work incentives
Cash gifts
Inheritance funds
Large lump-sum payments can significantly reduce your debt balance.
10. Automate Your Payments
Automatic payments help ensure you never miss a due date.
Obviously, missing payments can lead to additional fees, increased interest charges, and damage to your credit score. Automation makes it easier to stay consistent with your debt repayment plan.
11. Lower Your Monthly Bills
Review your recurring expenses and look for opportunities to reduce them.
You may be able to save money on:
Internet service
Cell phone plans
Insurance policies
Streaming subscriptions
Banking fees
Simply saving $50 to $100 per month can make a meaningful difference when applied toward debt.
12. Build a Small Emergency Fund
Many people wonder whether they should save money or pay off debt first. Ideally, do both.
Having even $500 to $1,000 set aside for emergencies can help prevent new debt when unexpected expenses occur. Without an emergency fund, a single car repair or appliance breakdown can undo months of progress.
13. Sell Things You No Longer Use
Most households have hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of unused items.
Consider selling:
Electronics
Furniture
Sports equipment
Children's toys
Clothing
Collectibles
Put the proceeds directly toward your debt instead of spending them elsewhere.
14. Use Raises Wisely
Receiving a raise is exciting, but it's also an opportunity to accelerate your debt payoff journey.
Instead of increasing your spending, direct some or all of the additional income toward your debt.
Many people pay off debt years sooner simply by avoiding lifestyle inflation.
15. Celebrate Progress Without Spending
Paying off debt is a major accomplishment. As you reach milestones, find low-cost ways to celebrate your success.
Take a hike, enjoy a movie night at home, visit a local park, or spend time with family and friends.
Recognizing your progress can help you stay motivated while continuing to work toward becoming debt-free.
Final Thoughts on How to Pay Off Debt in Canada
Learning how to pay off debt in Canada doesn't require drastic measures or a perfect financial situation. Small, consistent actions add up over time.
Whether you choose the debt snowball method, debt avalanche method, or another debt repayment strategy, the most important step is getting started. Create a budget, reduce unnecessary spending, increase your income when possible, and stay committed to your debt payoff plan.
Every dollar you put toward debt today brings you one step closer to financial freedom, lower stress, and a more secure future.
What strategies have helped you pay off debt? Share your best debt repayment tips in the comments below!
Keeping kids entertained doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether you're looking for ways to fill a summer afternoon, survive a rainy day, or create lasting family memories on a budget, there are plenty of free things for kids to do in Canada.
We all know that exploring nature trails, visiting parks, spending time at the beach, and attending community events are great free activities for families. But today, I want to share six other fun and free activities for kids in Canada that you may not have thought of. If you're looking for affordable ways to keep your children active, engaged, and entertained, these ideas will help you create memorable family experiences all while staying on budget.
Bowling
Do your kids/grandkids love bowling? The Kids Bowl Free program is back this year! This fun program allows your children to enjoy two free games of bowling at participating bowling centres every day, all summer long! There are a lot of participating bowling centres too.
Did you know that The Home Depot offers free monthly Kids Workshops? These are such a neat and fun experience. Kids are given a kit that holds everything they need to build a wooden toy. They build it there with parent or grandparent help. The Home Depot also provides paint for the kids to paint their creation if they want. Highly recommend!
More recently, Rona has started offering free kids workshops as well! Our family hasn't tried these yet, but I bet they're a blast. They aren't monthly, but maybe about every two months.
This is so neat and I feel like it would be amazing to take advantage of for a unique way to travel! Children and youth aged 17 and under can travel for free in Economy class on VIA Rail when accompanied by an adult. Offer valid on Escape and Economy fares on all VIA Rail routes across Canada.
As part of the Canada Strong Pass, kids 17 and under, from June 19 to September 7, 2026, get free admission to national museums as well as select provincial and territorial museums and galleries.
Which of these free activities for kids are you excited to try first? Did I miss anything? Leave a comment letting me know and I'll add it to the list!
