Here are the most up-to-date free or cheap activities to do with kids this Summer. There are 32 ideas here!
Summer vacation has started in our house, and I am ready to find some free or really low-cost fun for us to do with the kids. We keep things pretty relaxed in the Summer.
I love having all of my kids home…although there is more sibling rivalry and we get a little bit of cabin fever being home so much more without the school run, but I like that we get so much time together. It is important to me.
When I was researching free activities for kids to do in the Summer, I was finding a lot of links were dead or programs no longer exist. This is a list combined from that research with the most up-to-date. Here are 32 free or really inexpensive ways to have fun as a family this Summer.
Movie Theaters with Summer Events
Regal Movie Theatres Summer Movie Express
Each week of Summer, there are two movie showings to choose from. Movies start at 10:00 am and they only cost $1! You can go every week and not break the bank.
Cinemark Movie Clubhouse
You can purchase a movie ticket package (10 movies for $5) or pay $1 per show. Here are the
list of states so you can locate a theater near you for more info and movie schedules.
Harkins Theaters
If you have a Harkins theater near you, you can view 10 movies over 10 weeks for less than $1 per movie!
Here are the locations.
Summer Movies in the Park
Outdoor movies in the Summer are fun! If you are in the San Diego area check out the
full schedule for your closest movie in the park.
Not in San Diego? Do a Google search for “[Your town] Summer movies in the park” to see what is available where you live.
18+ Simple Activities to do together
Summer reading programs
There are twelve!
You can pick from your local library or a more national program, some even with free books as a reward, but each of these
Summer reading programs is a great way to encourage children to keep reading throughout the Summer months.
Free Bowling
Kids Bowl Free allows your child to register and bowl 2 free games on specific days. Check the map for locations in your area.
Free Printable Coloring Pages
Word Searches
This resource of
Summer word search puzzles is organized by difficulty level, so you can print them off for different ages, or try one yourself.
Free Books for Kids
You can download books for the Kindle or Kindle app for free
here.
Military Families Free Museum Admission
The Blue Star Museums offer free admission if you are military or a military family member (check for full eligibigilty requirements).
Free National Park Entry
Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
Kids can build projects for free. You do have to
register.
Farmer’s Markets
Let the kids helps pick out some fresh produce or dinner fixings. Look for the closest one to
where you live.
Kids Eat Free
There are over 5000 restaurants nation-wide that offer days when kids eat free.
Vacation Bible School
Just search “Vacation Bible School in [your town]” if you don’t have a home church. These programs are free and teach positive values in a safe environment.
Outdoor Recreation Areas
You can search for picnic areas, camp sites, beaches, and more.
What are your favorite free activities to do with the kids during Summer? Let’s add to this list!
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Awesome ideas! We go to this free splash pad near our home! And, we do the summer reading programs.
The splash pad sounds great. How cool that it is free!