Fun Summer Activities for Kids that are Completely Free
Free Family Activities to do When the Days are Long and Hot
Free Summer Fun for Kids and Families
I love summer. I love long, slow, days. Sometimes, however, it can be hard to find activities to do as a family when the days are that long and hot. And, it can be even harder to find activities that are FREE. So, of course, this made me determined to find a nice long list of activities that families can do during the summer that won’t cost them anything, except maybe gas, but I’m not counting that. If you are looking for ideas to do in the summer to stay cool in your own backyard, look here. This list is specifically for activities to do that are not at your own house. A great tip is to make sure you are on Facebook to ‘be in the know’ of local events and activities that you might want to do that are free.
A List of Free Summer Activities
- Picnics! Each of these activities could probably become a day trip if you plan and bring your own food.
- Visiting local swimming holes, creeks. Our kids LOVE doing this, even if they can’t swim. Our littles enjoy throwing rocks into the water, splashing, looking for creatures, and so much more.
- Fishing. Same concept, but bring your fishing gear and see what you might catch.
- Library programs. Most libraries have so many programs during the summer for all ages. Music and reading times for littles, craft times, and some libraries have Lego and Stem activities for older kids. If you need help finding a library near you, look here.
- Libraries also frequently have passes that are loaned out to nearby museums and national/state parks. Some even loan out camping gear if you are planning a camping trip.
- Since we are already talking about libraries, check out any reading programs your library has over the summer. Most libraries have some sort of a summer reading challenge that you can earn prizes for. These prizes are frequently food, ice cream, tickets to events, or free activities.
- Toddler Tuesdays at Chick-fil-A. This varies by location, so definitely look up your nearest one. But during the summer months, crafts and free food are available.
- Enjoying the outdoors. Hiking, biking, scooters, playgrounds, etc. Go early in the morning or at dusk to try and beat the high heat.
- Community events. Get on Facebook and check out your local community events. Frequently there are free movie nights, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, or fairs.
- Geocaching. This can be done just with your phone and a geocaching app and is great to do a as family to get you outdoors and finding new areas you might not have known about.
- Lakes and beaches. Sometimes there is a parking fee. But, if you are willing to walk a bit, you could try parking further away and enjoy the lake or beach without paying for parking.
- Taking favorite hobbies outside. Try reading, painting, etc at a local park!
- Musuems4all. This is a great website that will tell you what museums take EBT cards for free or very inexpensive entry.
There are honestly so many free things to do in the summer time. Summer vacation doesn’t have to be expensive, or dig into your budget at all! Just get creative and resourceful and get to know your local area better.
