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.
Cheap Summer Activities for Kids
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.
Search for a Regal Movie theater near you.
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 8 movies over 8 weeks for only $8! Here are the details.
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. (We also have a list of free and cheap kids activities by location too!)
18+ Simple Activities to do together
This list of 8+ simple cheap Summer activities are great for rainy days or when you just want to do something last minute that takes little prep time.
Here are 10 more free or cheap Summer activities to spend some quality time with your children-the Petsmart idea is so smart! (Definitely save that idea for a rainy day!)
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,
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
This is a huge resource of summer-themed coloring pages you can print off for free! That is a great activity for multiple ages at one time…especially on a bad weather day. It is relaxing for moms to color too.
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 eligibility requirements).
You can locate museums in your area that are participating in the Blue Star museum Summer program.
Free National Park Entry
Only 127 of the 400+ National Parks in the US charge an entrance fee.
Home Depot 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
What are your favorite free activities to do with the kids during Summer? Let’s add to this list!
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!