Groupon’s secret to a memorable (and affordable) summer for families
A new survey shows parents are prioritizing experiences over toys. Explore how Groupon is supporting this shift with budget-friendly activities.
With economic hardships facing the entire nation across increased taxes and tariffs, inflated prices on regular, household essentials and everything in between, it is no surprise that shopping and spending habits for many have changed over the last few years.
Summer 2025 has placed significant financial and emotional pressure on American parents who are trying to balance budgets and curb screen time while offering memorable experiences for their children. This dynamic is reshaping family spending and showing a strong shift toward dining, travel, entertainment and in general, more meaningful activities over toys and other material items.
A recent survey commissioned by Groupon and conducted by OnePoll of 1,000 Midwestern parents reveals the challenges families are facing this summer. The survey highlights that 56% of parents have reduced outings due to increased costs, and 53% worry their children won't have a "good enough" summer.
Groupon is playing a major role in this cultural shift by curating a range of quality, affordable experiences that help to make summer 2025 special without the financial strain.
From mini golf and boat rides to museums and arcades, Groupon highlights trusted, family-friendly activities that are vetted for value and fun. The online platform makes it easy to discover local adventures tailored to different interests, schedules and budgets, removing the stress of planning and making great experiences more accessible.
In fact, Groupon has reported that in North America, the Things To Do category, which includes local adventures, attractions and family-friendly outings, has seen double-digit growth in billings for five consecutive quarters as of Q1 2025.
Popular local Groupon offers for summer 2025
- Saratoga Springs, New York: 23% off Kidz Bop Live Certified Bop Tour
- Langhorne, Pennsylvania: Save 63% on Sesame Place Philadelphia Tickets
- Monticello, New York: Save 39% on the admission to The Kartrite Hotel and Indoor Waterpark
- Atlanta, Georgia: Save up to 15% on access to the Georgia Aquarium
- Binghamton, New York: Save 28% on the Ross Park Zoo admission
- Tampa, Florida: Save up to 60% on tickets for Busch Gardens
As more Americans shift their spending toward experiential purchases, Groupon is helping lead the way, making it possible for families to explore more, stress less and create moments that truly matter.