Low-Cost Summer Activities for Caregivers and Families
By TAEM Peer Ambassador Krista Riddle
Summer offers a great opportunity to spend quality time together, enjoy the outdoors, and create meaningful memories without spending a lot of money. Whether you're looking for a relaxing activity or a way to give back to your community, these ideas can help caregivers and their families connect, recharge, and have fun together.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Plant a garden, flower bed, or a few potted plants together.
Pack a picnic and spend the day at a local park.
Go for a family walk, run, or bike ride.
Explore a nearby hiking trail or nature preserve.
Visit a local botanical garden or enjoy the seasonal beauty in your community.
Give Back Together
Volunteering can be a rewarding way for caregivers and care recipients to spend time together while making a positive impact.
Home-Based Projects
Create handmade cards or write letters for hospitalized children, veterans, or seniors.
Knit, crochet, or craft blankets, scarves, or hats for local shelters.
Assemble care packages for military members, shelters, or families in need.
Community Activities
Participate in a community garden and help grow produce for local food banks.
Volunteer at your local library or Friends of the Library bookstore.
Visit an animal shelter and spend time socializing pets waiting for adoption.
Support Others
Participate in a telephone reassurance program by making friendly check-in calls to homebound individuals.
Whether you're spending time outdoors, volunteering, or enjoying a creative project at home, small moments of connection can make a big difference. These activities offer simple ways for caregivers and families to relax, build memories, and enjoy the summer season together.
Our ChanceTN is a part of a study funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services which is being conducted to determine how these pilot programs help people improve their economic well-being. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be randomly selected into one of two/three groups that receive a different mix of program services.
The Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative (TOPI) is brought forth by the Tennessee Department of Human Services and TANF Opportunity Act. This initiative will help individuals, families, and the state of Tennessee by creating a new vision for the Tennessee social safety net and is dedicated to helping low-income families grow beyond their vulnerabilities. TOPI empowers all Tennesseans by partnering with local organizations to reach deep into their communities and work shoulder to shoulder with individuals and families, growing their capacity to take on life’s challenges and reduce their dependence on the social safety net.