Last month, as I was exploring various day camps and activities to entertain my kids during the summer break, I nearly had a heart attack from the prices. It was either enroll them in pricey camps and face a summer of financial hardship or get creative and find inexpensive ways to keep them engaged for ten weeks. I opted for the second choice.
If it were up to my kids, they’d spend their entire summer glued to their screens, so I knew that if we wanted to avoid a summer filled with boredom (for them) and frustration (for me), I needed to do some serious brainstorming. Here are some ideas for fun, budget-friendly activities to enjoy with your kids this summer. Enjoy the list!
- Discount Movie Days: Many theaters offer half-price tickets or morning screenings for just a dollar.
- Car Wash Fun: Grab a bucket of soapy water and some sponges. Let the kids wash the car or their toy cars. Water + kids + a hot day = loads of fun and maybe a cleaner vehicle!
- Free Bowling: Sign up for Kids Bowl Free, where you can get free bowling passes for two games a day throughout summer at various locations.
- Roller-Skating Fun: Kids Skate Free provides complimentary roller-skating passes for children under 12 during the warm months.
- Shaving Cream Art: Spread some shaving cream on a table or in a kiddie pool and let your children create their masterpieces or enjoy the sensory experience.
- Bubbles Galore: Bubbles never get old! Use bubble wands or machines for endless entertainment.
- Library Events: Check your local library for free events tailored for kids of all ages.
- Museum & Zoo Adventures: Many museums and zoos have free or discounted days—just be prepared for the occasional unexpected schedule!
- Beach Day: Enjoy seashell hunting, sandcastle building, and splashing in the waves (just try to avoid getting sand thrown in your face).
- Grandma’s House: Let the kids spend a night with grandma. They’ll enjoy treats, and you’ll get some well-deserved quiet time!
- Animal Shelter Visit: Explore an animal shelter; just be cautious—you might end up adopting a new furry friend!
- National Parks: If you have a fourth grader, they can get free admission to all National Parks this summer. Check it out!
- Sidewalk Art: Get creative with sidewalk chalk or sidewalk paint—both are favorites around here.
- DIY Projects: Pick up some old appliances from thrift stores, give your kid a screwdriver, and let them take them apart.
- Outdoor Dance Party: Bring a radio outside and dance away!
- Backyard Luau: Host a luau with fun games like limbo.
- Inch Hike: Create a measuring gauge for an inch and go on a nature walk looking for things that are an inch long or shorter.
- Water Balloon Fun: Kids love water balloons! Just remind them to limit the fun to designated areas to avoid a massive cleanup.
- Random Day Trips: Choose a place on the map to explore—who knows what you’ll find!
- Visit Seniors: Brighten the day of seniors at a local nursing home or community center.
- Jewelry-Making Party: Organize a jewelry-making session where kids can create lanyards and friendship bracelets.
- Assemble Care Packages: Put together backpacks for homeless shelters or care packages for kids in hospitals.
- Pen Pal Project: Find a pen pal and start corresponding through letters.
- Obstacle Courses: Set up fun obstacle courses in your backyard or local park.
- Scavenger Hunts: Organize scavenger hunts in your yard or home.
- Rock Painting: Collect rocks and paint them, turning them into adorable critters.
- Juice Carton Boats: Create boats out of empty juice cartons and set them afloat.
- Water Play: Set up a water table with spray bottles and water guns for hours of exciting play.
- Lemonade Stand: Kids love setting up lemonade stands, and you’d be surprised how much they earn!
- Family BBQ: Enjoy a simple family barbecue with delicious food and good company.
- Schoolyard Games: Play classic games like jump rope, hopscotch, and dodgeball together.
- Board Game Day: Have a family board game day or trivia night—outside for added fun!
- Nature Hike: Go on a short hike; it doesn’t have to be far. Just remember to bring bug spray!
- Backyard Camping: Set up a tent and camp out in the backyard.
- Picnic Time: Have a picnic in the park or your backyard.
- Sprinkler Fun: Set up sprinklers or just let the kids play with the hose!
- Mini Golf: Find an inexpensive mini-golf course for some family fun.
- Slip ‘N Slide: These are cheap and provide tons of slippery fun—but parental supervision is key!
- Photography Project: Hand over your phone for a nature photography project. The kids’ll love capturing the world around them.
- Community Pool: Even if it’s crowded, a local pool can provide a day of splashing fun.
- Garage Sale: Host a garage sale, but make sure the kids understand that some toys will be sold!
- Tie-Dye: Get a tie-dye kit and create colorful shirts—make sure to do this outside!
- Frozen Treats: Make homemade popsicles, snow cones, or ice cream. It’s a fun way to beat the heat.
- Stargazing Night: Stay up late for a night of stargazing.
- Hula Hoop Contest: Who can hula hoop the longest? Challenge each other for fun.
- Chain Store Events: Look for free kids’ events at stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s for hands-on activities.
- Reading Program: Sign up for a summer reading program at your library or bookstore for prizes.
- Science Experiments: Try fun experiments like slime making or volcanoes—just be ready for some mess!
- Park Concerts: Most communities offer free concerts in the park—enjoy the music together!
- Scary Story Night: Turn off the lights, grab a flashlight, and share spooky tales.
And don’t forget, leaving room for unstructured time is just as important. Sometimes, the best summer memories come from moments of boredom, where creativity and spontaneity truly shine.
This article was originally published in a different format, but we hope this guide helps you make the most of your summer adventures!
Keyphrase: Summer Activities for Kids
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