As summer approached, I began to search for day camps and activities to keep my kids entertained. I was overwhelmed by the costs, realizing that I either had to send my kids to camp and face financial ruin or find budget-friendly ways to keep them busy for ten weeks. I opted for the latter!
To prevent my kids from being glued to screens all summer, I knew I needed a solid plan. So, I thought I’d share my list of fun, inexpensive ideas to keep our summer lively. Here we go!
- Discount Movie Days: Many theaters offer half-price tickets or early morning shows for just a dollar.
- Car Wash Fun: Fill a bucket with soapy water, hand out sponges, and let the kids wash the car—or their toy cars! Water + kids + a hot day = pure fun, plus a cleaner vehicle.
- Kids Bowl Free: Sign up for this program to get free bowling passes for kids all summer. Just register online!
- Free Roller Skating: Kids under 12 can enjoy free skating passes with Kids Skate Free.
- Shaving Cream Art: Spread shaving cream on a table or in the bathtub and let the kids get creative (or messy).
- Bubbles Galore: Bubbles are always a hit! Try long tubes with wide wands for easy blowing, or get a bubble machine for even more fun.
- Library Events: Check your local library for free activities and programs for all ages.
- Free Zoo or Museum Days: Many places have special free days—keep an eye out for them!
- Beach Day: Enjoy seashell hunting, sandcastle building, and splashing in the waves.
- Grandma’s House: Drop the kids off at grandma’s for a night. They’ll have a blast, and you’ll get some peace!
- Animal Shelter Visit: Spend some time at a local shelter—just be prepared for the possibility of adopting a new furry friend!
- National Parks for 4th Graders: All national parks are free for fourth graders, so take advantage of this!
- Sidewalk Art: Get some chalk or sidewalk paint and let your kids unleash their creativity.
- Disassemble Old Appliances: Pick up some used appliances and give your kids screwdrivers to take apart and explore.
- Outdoor Dance Party: Bring out a radio for a dance-off in your backyard.
- Backyard Luau: Host a tropical-themed party with limbo contests!
- Inch Hike: Create a fun challenge by searching for things that are one inch or smaller during a walk.
- Water Balloon Fun: Set up a water balloon toss—but remind them to keep it contained indoors!
- Random Day Trips: Pick a spot on the map and discover what’s there.
- Senior Center Visits: Brighten the day of seniors at local nursing homes.
- Jewelry-Making Party: Teach your kids how to create friendship bracelets or lanyards.
- Assemble Care Packages: Put together backpacks for the homeless or care packages for kids in the hospital.
- Pen Pals: Start a letter-writing exchange with someone new.
- Obstacle Courses: Set up fun courses in your backyard or nearby parks.
- Scavenger Hunts: Create exciting hunts in your living room or yard.
- Rock Painting: Collect rocks and paint them into fun designs.
- Juice Carton Boats: Craft boats from empty juice cartons and race them!
- Water Table Fun: Set up a water table with spray bottles and water guns for endless entertainment.
- Lemonade Stand: Kids will love selling lemonade and counting their earnings.
- Family Barbecue: Grill up some favorites for a casual family meal.
- Field Day: Organize fun games like jump rope, hopscotch, and dodgeball.
- Board Game Day: Have a day dedicated to playing board games outside.
- Nature Hike: Go for a simple hike—don’t forget the bug spray!
- Backyard Camping: Set up tents and camp out in your own backyard.
- Picnic: Pack a meal and enjoy it at a local park or in your yard.
- Sprinklers or Hoses: Turn on the sprinklers or let the kids spray each other with the hose.
- Mini Golf: Check out local mini-golf spots for affordable fun.
- Slip ‘N Slide: A classic summer activity that requires supervision but provides tons of laughter.
- Photography Project: Give your kids a phone to explore nature through photography.
- Community Pools: Look for affordable community pools where you can take the kids for a swim.
- Garage Sale: Hosting a sale can be a fun way to declutter and earn some cash—just be honest with the kids about what’s going!
- Tie-Dye Fun: Grab a kit and create colorful shirts together—just remember to do this outside.
- Frozen Treats: Make homemade snow cones or popsicles for a refreshing summer snack.
- Stargazing Night: Stay up late to watch the stars and share spooky stories.
- Hula Hoop Contest: Challenge each other to see who can hula hoop the longest!
- Store Events: Check for free craft events at places like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
- Library Reading Programs: Sign up for reading challenges that often come with prizes.
- Science Fun: Conduct simple experiments, like making slime or a volcano eruption.
- Free Concerts in the Park: Look for local concerts to enjoy as a family.
- Scary Story Night: Dim the lights and share spooky tales with each other.
And remember, leaving some time unstructured is just as important. Those moments of boredom often spark creativity and lead to some of the most cherished summer memories.
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