We are half way through summer vacation and I am sure there are plenty of parents and grand parents looking for more activities for the kids to do to keep them active. Summer breaks can be hard for everyone, or fun, depending on what you find for them to do. With budgets tight, cheap summer activities are just the ticket so I compiled a list of some kid friendly activities you can try with your younger ones.
Affordable Summer Activities for Kids
* Go for Walks in the neighborhood
* Nature Walks
* Visit different local Parks
* Visit Local Zoos
* Family Bike Rides
* Join a local Pool
* Swimming Lessons
* Picnic at different locations
* Arts and Crafts Projects – look for local classes or at home
* Mini Golf
* Go Bowling
* Family Outdoor Games – Nerf, Frisbee, Badminton
* Science projects like building wood race cars, rockets, etc.
* Water Balloon Fights
* Play in the Sprinklers
* Visit the Library – story time
* Day trip to a nearby lake or beach
* City tours
* Go Fishing
* Cheap or Free Movies at the Local Theater
* Visit Family
* Visit Museums
* Swap play days with another Mom
* Summer Concerts in the Park
* Go Camping
* Back yard Campouts
* Build a fire ring and make toast marshmallows, hot dog
* Street Fairs
* County Fairs
* Scavenger Hunts
* Build a Fort
These are some of the things that we did with my son and when we were little too. All of these are cheap or free and there are so many more activities you can do too! Check the local papers and community boards for fun activities your kids would enjoy. I think every town has affordable activities for the whole family. Share with us some of your favorite things to do with the kids that are cheap. Have a fun summer!
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great ideas, we do a lot of crafting and Pinterest is our best friend
This is a great list, since I work full time outside the house there is not a lot of time to fill with activities. These would be great for the weekends.
Great list. Whenever I find awesome kiddo activities on the cheap, I pin them for inspiration. Lots of them on the Mom blogs. I’m always amazed at the inexpensive ways to keep kid’s engaged.
This is a really great post full of great ideas! We already do Library storytime, we enjoy my family’s pool for free, we visit the zoo as much as we can. I am wanting to go bowling with the kids before school starts!! Thanks for some great ideas!
Great timing. In a month I will have my two grandkids for a week. I want to keep them entertained, but everything can be so expensive. I am a librarian, and the library offers wonderful options from books and movies to check out to story times to library programs. Many book stores also have story times. Check movie theaters for their cheaper movie times or even $1 kids movies. Good reminders on things you can do in your own yard. Bubbles and side walk chalk can be hours of fun. Draw a hop-scotch area or an obstacle course and get them moving.
Great ideas too Sherry! Have fun with the grandkids!
Our library has great summer programs for kids. Read and earn prizes. All for free.