With summer break on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking of ways to keep them busy without shelling out tons of cash. Luckily, there are tons of free to cheap options that will keep them engaged and you in the black.
Bowling
Kids Bowl Free is a country-wide program that allows kids to, well, bowl free for the summer months. You’ll have to rent the shoes, and maybe throw in some bowling alley fries, but it is the perfect option for those hot afternoons when you need some free air-conditioning.
Free Movies
Regal Entertainment offers summer movies for $1 per person. The movies are usually about a year old, but kids don’t seem to mind when they are up on the big screen. Movies typically run on Tuesday and Wednesdays all summer long.
Scavenger Hunts
These are great for older kids who are looking for a little exploration independence. Grab some index cards and jot down a list of items for them to find. Provide each child with a bag {plastic grocery bags work great} and send them on their way. It will keep them busy, and if you make it a challenge to see who gets back first, they suddenly get really motivated.
Check Out Your Local Library
Most libraries have a surprising amount of clubs and activities available in the summer–and not all of them are centered around reading {in the event you have a child that’s “resistant” to the idea of summer learning :)}. Lots of libraries have started Lego clubs, Science clubs, etc. Their tween and teen programs involve video games, hang outs, etc. I feel obligated that summer pleasure reading is an option too ;)!
Cooking Lessons
Summer is the perfect time to teach those skills that you are too busy to during the school year. If your kiddos need a little motivation, setting up a Chopped style game out of learning cooking/baking skills seems to really motivate tweens and teens.
Go for a Hike
Most cities have at least a couple of easy to find hikes. AllTrails allows you to type in your city and find local hikes and trails. Head out into the great outdoors…get crazy and bring a picnic along.
Complete Weekly Challenges
You know I am all for 30 day challenges. They push me to see the world differently. Try a week-long challenge with the kiddos {let them help decide what you will be doing, it makes it easier}. Maybe a no-car challenge, a no-screen challenge, or a no-sugar challenge. You’ll be amazed at how ingenious they get {once they get over the 2-3 day hump}.
Camp in the Backyard
Set up a tent, the BBQ, etc. and have a night under the stars. Good news: you can sneak inside to use the bathroom, and you don’t have to pay a single campsite fee.
Garden
You know I have to mention this one! Let the kids each choose one crop to grow and put them in charge of their own little patch in the garden. Go HERE and HERE for more ideas on how to get them involved.
Hit a Local Orchard or Berry Patch
Get kids involved with their food. Let them pick berries or fruit straight from the source. Yes, you’ll have to pay, but usually at a fraction of the grocery store prices. It’s free labor disguised as fun.
Be a Tourist in Your Own City
Chances are if you spend a couple of minutes with your good friend Google, you’ll turn up touristy type activities in your own city that are cheap or free. Visit the local gardens, museums, and festivals. Trip Advisor is a great place to start researching everything your city or surrounding area has to offer.
Check Out Church Camps
Church {or YMCA, etc.} camps offer independence, peer camaraderie and a chance to get out into nature. Most camps offer need-based scholarships too–making them much more affordable. Good-bye boring lazy days, hello noodle necklaces and canoeing.
Start a Collection
Summer is a great time to start a bug collection, dried flowers/leaves collection or rock collection. Research types, teach kids how to press flowers, or display bugs. They’ll learn something {you probably will too} and have something to occupy their time.
Do you have any other activities to add to the list?
~Mavis
Laura says
One of the best things I have every done for my kids is to sign our family up at a local nature center for an annual membership. This local nature center participates in both the ASTC (Association of Technology and Science Centers) passport and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) membership. That one fee for our family gets us into hundreds of participating zoos, aquariums, and science museums around the nation for free or half price. A few places have some restrictions about reciprocity for places within 90 miles of your main membership, but not all do. It makes for very frugal attractions while roadtripping–and we have gotten to see some of the best science museums and zoos around the country for nothing!
Gigi says
We plan to visit at least one new park a week. Change it up from the usual park.