The kids are out for the Summer! Looking for summer ideas you can enjoy for next to nothing? Look no further!
It’s officially summer – and if you’re a stay-at-home-mom like me, you are probably trying to fill your day with fun activities without breaking the bank (that’s a lot of day’s to plan). But before you start burning a hole in your pocket trying to pay for trips to the zoo, children’s museums and other pricey outings, check out these FREE and CHEAP summer ideas I’ve found to keep the little ones entertained!
Here are some awesome FREE and CHEAP summer ideas to do with your kids!
1. Parks and Playgrounds
As cheap as it gets! Going to the playground or local park is so convenient and a great place for kids to get their energy out (I try to head there before nap time). Usually there are a slew of playgrounds and parks to choose from, so you can always bounce around and try out a new one each time. For those living nearby, feel free to check out the parks in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
2. Local Mall
Chances are, your local mall has a play area for the kids to run around and get their energy out – especially when the hot summer heat is too much to bear. This is always a go-to option of mine when I want to sit back and watch my son wreak havoc on a foam playground and meet new friends. I just grab myself an Auntie Annes pretzel and enjoy the madness.
3. Farm
Heading to the farm is always an adventure, as there is always something to do. From swinging on the tire swings, checking out the farm animals, picking strawberries, playing on the playgrounds – the farm is a fun and not-always-thought-of idea to check out during the summer.
4. Community Pool
For a low cost, the community pool is a great option for summer fun. We always make a point to spend time at the pool and invest in a few swimming lessons for our son, as he gets more comfortable with the water each year.
5. Library
For brushing up on your reading, while still having fun, consider going to the library! Our local library hosts many events for children, such as scavenger hunts, live music, book readings and more. Some libraries might even offer “Lunch at the Library“, providing free and nutritious lunch services for families.
6. Beach
A summer favorite (and usually free)! We love packing up the car and hitting the road for some fun family time at the beach. Endless waves, playing in the summer sand and digging for crabs – the life.
7. Pet Store
Maybe I’m too obsessed with animals, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who does this. What do you do when you walk by the Petsmart and see an adoption event going on? I head straight over! Then, after learning about the adoption organization (and after a few puppy kisses), we head inside and check out all the fish, cats, hamsters, snakes and more. If I could leave with all the animals in the store, I would, but that wouldn’t be cheap!
8. Kids Bowl Free
It took me until this year to learn about the Kids Bowl Free program, which offers kids 2 free games of bowling all summer long as a way of providing a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend their time. Just go to their website and look for participating bowling centers near you and then sign up.
9. Free Movies
One of the great things about our local move theaters – and others across the country – is that they offer free movies for kids and their families on select days and hours during the summer. AMC, Regal and Cinemark are a few of the cinema chains that actively offer free summer movie programs, and even if those are not near you, it is worth looking at your local theaters schedule to see when and where they offer these free viewings.
