Summer is in full swing – what are you and the family going to do to stay active and engaged? Here are some fun cheap and free summer family activities to consider! Plus, check out Upparent and enter your zip code for even more events, programs, and fun ideas in your local area.
- Summer Camps: These are a fun way to get the kids out of the house and learning with their peers! Check out these 14 free and cheap summer camp options to find the best ones for your kiddos.
- Tech Virtual Summer Camps: Are your kids tech-savvy and curious? Microsoft and Apple both offer virtual summer camps!
- Roller Skating & Bowling: Don’t forget about the fun skating and bowling programs offered for FREE!
- Movie Theaters: Lots of theaters offer super cheap summer programs for the entire family.
- Museums: Check out Museums 4 All to find free, cheap, and reduced priced tickets to many popular museums around the country!
- Virtual Museum Tours: Too hot to venture out? Check out these FREE museum tours you can take virtually with the family, without traveling: The Louvre, The Met, Guggenheim, The British Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, The National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, Uffizi Gallery, NASA Glenn Research Center and The Hubble Telescope.
- Zoos & Aquariums: Many local zoos and aquariums offer free admission, fun events, and discounted prices on certain days of the week. Check with the AZA website to find some in your area!
- Virtual Zoos & Aquariums: If museums aren’t your thing, maybe a virtual zoo or aquarium is more your style! Check out these fun live webcams: Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Aquarium, San Diego Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Atlanta Zoo.
- Workshops: Home Depot has a fun DIY Kids Workshop for super cheap that lets your kids learn with some hands-on fun! Lowe’s also offers a great summer series of workshops to kids.
- Library Programs: Besides the awesome reading programs for kids offered every year, you can check with your local library to see what free programs they have running this season!
- National Parks: Explore the beauty of America! Check out the Every Kid Outdoors program, and get more activities, information and ideas from the National Parks Service.
- Pick Your Own Farms: Get out in the sunshine! Find Pick your Own Farms in your local area! Many offer special discounts on specific days, and allow kids to pick for free!
- Splash Pads, Play Fountains & Water Parks: Cool off and stay active by bringing the family to a splash pad, play fountain or water park this summer. Check with your local attractions for summer discounts, events, and specials.
TRY THESE HOMEMADE IDEAS, TOO!
- Classic Picnic: grab a blanket, basket, and an outdoor game! Fill your basket with fresh fruits, light sandwiches, and snacks for a great day!
EVEN BETTER: pack up beach towels, stuff a laundry hamper full of snacks, and bring some cards or a football from home for a FREE picnic!
- Nature Walks: score some handheld magnifiers and bug traps for the kids, and a nature collection book for leaves, bugs & flowers. Take the family for a walk around your neighborhood or local lake to discover nature!
EVEN BETTER: print this FREE Scavenger Hunt in Nature printable and FREE Color Walk printable. Round up the kids and start walking while you explore and collect!
- Backyard Waterpark: create your own theme park in the backyard! Check out these fun sprinkler splashpads and accessories, and don’t forget the Slip n Slide! Water balloons and bubble wands would make it even cooler!
EVEN BETTER: turn on the sprinklers and run!
What are your fun FREE & CHEAP summer ideas!?
