The perfect summer costs a mouthwatering $43,154, according to new research.
Featuring six BBQs, restaurant dinners, five movies, beach outings and two overseas trips, the ultimate summer is set to leave most people out of pocket as Americans take to the road to enjoy the sun.
The beach was the top family activity, followed by visiting either a water park or amusement park and having a backyard cookout.
The average family will travel nearly 600 miles together over the summer, according to the poll, with most vacation destinations between four and five hours away by car.
Most – 85 percent – look for vacation activities within their home state, with parents in the West most likely to take their children overseas. Those in the Midwest were least inclined to do so.
When it comes to travel outside of mainland USA, the Bahamas and Australia are among the dream destinations.
The survey also revealed that parents are now looking to give their children experiences rather than gifts – and said their kids were 18 times more likely to benefit from an experience throughout their entire lifetime than a toy.
Groupon spokesman Greg Rudin said: “Many parents aren’t aware of the number of affordable local activities they can do with their children over the summer months.”
“By taking full advantage of the amazing things to do in and around their neighborhood, building long-lasting family memories can be done on just about any budget,” Rudin added.
Top ten essential summer activities
1. Beach
2. Water park/amusement park
3. BBQ
4. Out of state visit
5. Movies
6. Road trip
7. Hotel stay
8. Camping
9. National monument visit
10. Fishing
America’s top 10 dream summer destinations
1. Hawaii
2. Disney World
3. Bahamas
4. Australia
5. Washington DC
6. Miami
7. NYC
8. Virginia Beach
9. Canada
10. Japan
