Summer vacation is here, and it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag to be memorable. At ARK Financial Wellness, we believe some of life’s best moments are the simplest, and most meaningful. That’s why we’re sharing ways to make the most of your summer without breaking the bank. Whether you’re soaking up time with your kids or just looking to slow down and savor the season, you don’t have to sacrifice fun for your savings.
We’ve gathered inspiration from one of our favorite local resources, St. Louis Mom, whose mission to support and connect moms and families aligns perfectly with our own. They’ve highlighted some amazing ways to enjoy summer in the St. Louis area – and we’ve expanded on them here with a few tips of our own to help you create lasting memories on a budget.
Explore Local Parks and Playgrounds
Nature is one of the most affordable playgrounds, and St. Louis offers no shortage of green space to explore. Pack some snacks, a blanket, and some sunscreen, and you’ve got yourself a full day of free entertainment.
- Citygarden: Located in downtown St. Louis, this urban sculpture park is full of art, fountains, and open spaces.
- Drace Park: A hidden gem tucked just off Clayton Road and 270, this quiet spot is great for peaceful walks and outdoor play.
- Forest Park: A classic favorite, home to the Variety Wonderland Playground and Turtle Playground – ideal for kids to explore and let their imaginations run wild.
- Millennium Park: With two distinct playgrounds, a seasonal splash area, and wide-open fields, it’s the perfect backdrop for a budget-friendly day of fun and connection.
Affordable Learning Experiences
Who says summer can’t be educational and fun? These local treasures offer enriching experiences that won’t drain your wallet:
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Offers discounted admission for St. Louis City/County residents.
- Louis Zoo: One of the best in the country and a must-do summer experience!
- Louis Science Center and Missouri History Museum: Free admission and full of hands-on, interactive exhibits.
- Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis: A great spot to spark creativity in your kids (and yourself).
- Gateway Arch National Park: Experience the views, explore the museum, and take in the history – it’s a quintessential St. Louis adventure.
Attend a show at The Muny
Nothing says summer in St. Louis like a night at The Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Get ready for a magical night and enjoy Broadway-quality theatre without the Broadway price. This year’s lineup includes:
- Bring It On: The Musical (June 16–22)
- Come From Away (June 26–July 2)
- Disney’s Frozen (July 6–14)
- Evita (July 18–24)
- Dear Evan Hansen (July 28–August 3)
- La Cage aux Folles (August 8–14)
- Jersey Boys (August 18–24)
Cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals
If your family loves sports, a trip to Busch Stadium to see the Cardinals is a memory-maker. Look for weekday game specials, family value packs, or even nosebleed seats—you’ll still feel the excitement of the game and the atmosphere! It’s an iconic summer outing in the Lou, especially if it’s your child’s first visit.
Family Movie Nights
Movie night is a classic for a reason, and there are so many ways to enjoy it affordably. Whether you stay home with popcorn and pajamas or head out to a Free Family Movie Night in Vago Park hosted by Revelation Church STL, it’s all about quality time together. Upcoming Vago Park movies include:
- June 27 — A Goofy Movie
- July 25 — Toy Story
- August 29 — Inside Out
Bring your lawn chairs, favorite snacks, and a few glow sticks for the kids, and you’ve got yourself a magical summer night, all without spending a dime.
At ARK Financial Wellness, we know how important it is to find joy in the season without financial stress. That’s why we’re here, to help families like yours stay financially grounded while still living fully. Whether it’s planning ahead for bigger goals like college or retirement, or simply figuring out how to stretch your summer budget, we’re here to walk with you through every season of life.
Disclaimer:
This work is powered by Advisor I/O under the Terms of Service and may be a derivative of the original.
The information contained herein is intended to be used for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but are intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.
This content not reviewed by FINRA
ARK Financial Wellness, LLC is an independent firm with advisory services offered through Blackridge Asset Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Blackridge Asset Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm.