Cheap and Free Summer Fun For the Whole Family

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I don’t know about you, but in the summer, I try to get the kids out of the house without breaking the bank. Cheap or free summer fun is the goal. For the most part, our summer splurge is a pool pass. We have a pass to the local Science Museum too. Even with those things my kids get bored! If left to their own devices they would play video games all day. Unfortunately for my kids they have a super mean mom that limits their tech and forces them to play outside! Gasp! I know, I’m a monster. Thankfully there are plenty of inexpensive ways to entertain the crew during the summer, sans tech.

1. Local Parks. Local city and metro parks have free and low-cost programs during the summer months. Parks offer something for nature lovers of all ages. Some also allow geocache/letter boxing. Others offer a variety of sports too. Some may have free movie nights and a concert series. Parks aren’t just for hiking!
2. Museum discounts. Check out the websites of your local museums. Many have a free or discount day. Also check and see if any of your credit cards or other memberships give you a discount to the local museums. A Bank of America, Merrill Lynch credit or debit card will give card holders weekend access to museums around the country. I know our science museum does the same with many museums and zoo’s around the United States. If you have one check and see if yours offers any additional perks.
3. Cooking Classes. Williams and Sonoma and Whole Foods offer low cost cooking classes for children. Call your local store for classes and times. Also check your local YMCA and Recreation Centers.
4. Spray Park or Splash Pad. These are free! Look at your local outdoor mall or city website. They will usually tell you if your area has free fountains and sprays for the children to play in.
5. Outdoor Mall. Check out your local outdoor mall’s events page. They are usually filled with free family friendly concerts, movies, and activities.
6. AMC, Cinemark, and Marcus theaters all have a summer movie series. Check eat website for days, movies, and start times. Some offer discounted snacks too! Fun tidbit, AMC, offers Sensory Friendly showings of select newly released movies.
7. Crafting Classes. Michael’s Craft stores offers Creativity camp and classes for kiddos and adults starting at a nice and cheap $2! For crafting a little closer to home, JoAnn Fabrics has partnered with Creative Bug to bring crafting online. Hobby Lobby also offers a variety of crafting projects that can be accessed. Home depot also offers kids classes on the weekends.
8. Reading times. If you haven’t signed up for the summer reading program at your local library, head there now! Summer reading programs are a great way to earn prizes while discovering new books. Many libraries offer summer classes and reading circles that go along with their reading program theme. Most classes are free. For those of you that have been there, done that, or simply want more reading fun, Barnes and Noble offers free story times. Scroll down and click on Visit Your Local Store and discover reading times and author events.
9. Kick Ball. With summer upon us and the sun setting later spending time outside with the kids and other families can be a great way to take advantage of the season. Organize a kick ball game with several family friends and their kids. With school, out of session and elementary school open field or baseball field is the perfect place. Bring a cooler of Popsicle and you are set for an inexpensive night of fun that will be remembered. When my kids were younger, we did this every Wednesday all summer long with our group of friends!
10. National Wildlife Refuges. Visit U.S. Fish and Wildlife service to find the wildlife refuge in your state. Use the website to put together a scavenger hunt to help engage the kids even more in what the wildlife refuges purpose.
11. Bowling. Kids Bowl Free is a program that partners with area bowling alleys to offer two free games a day per child that is signed up. When the weather is too hot to play outside or too rainy, bowling is a fun way to say active.
12. Apple. The Apple store has daily offering for kids. They also have a program called Apple Camp. Check your store for details.
13. Pick Your Own. Picking your own fruit is one of our favorite things to do. With most of the United States having a warm winter many things are expected to be ready for harvest earlier this year. Prices for fruits will vary. Most of the U-pick farm websites I’ve used, tell the price per pound. On the rare occasion I’ve had to make a phone call.
14. Feed the Ducks. There are many public ponds and water ways that ducks like to inhabit. You probably even know of a place. Instead of feeding them bread, which is bad for their system, grab a bag of cracked corn. The ducks will love it!