25 Cheap Ideas for Summer Fun

If you're like me you're wondering what to do now the kids are out of school. Maybe a big vacation isn't in the budget this year! Even if it is you still need something for the kids to do the remaining 18+ weeks of summer! Here's a list of free or almost free activities to get your summer off to a fun start.

1. Summer reading program. Our local library conducts a Summer Reading Program every summer. Goals are set and prizes are awarded to each child who reaches them. The program is free if you borrow the books and return them on time.
   
2. Story time. Most libraries and major bookstores also conduct weekly story hours. Larger cities may even have a daily story hour. Check with your local library or bookstore for details.
3. Visit a bookstore. Major bookstores have a variety of services you can utilize for free...as long as you stay away from the coffee bar! The bookstore in my hometown even has a small movie screening room where classic/educational movies are shown at no cost.
4. Biking and hiking. Many state, city, and community parks offer free biking/hiking trails. Remember to put trash in the designated areas to help preserve nature's beauty.
   
5. Museums tours. While large museums can charge a hefty price for entry, many small community based museums operate on a donation basis. Also check with the larger museums for discount days and special events targeted for summer activities.
6. Pitch a tent. Camping doesn't have to cost anything. Pitching a tent in your back yard or living room can be a special treat for even the biggest of kids. The convenience of a bathroom and your own groceries makes this a virtually free activity. If you camp in an RV, here's a listing of places to camp for FREE or almost free.
   
7. Hit the playground. Playgrounds are free and there's usually one in every community.
8. Go to school. Many schools open their gym doors during the summer months to encourage youth activity in the summer. Check with your local school for details.
9. Watch a movie. While going to a movie theater can easily break the bank, there are great ways to significantly reduce the cost. AMC theaters offer special promotions on food, showtimes, and bulk ticket buying. Drive-ins, matinee's, and theater specials are a great way to enjoy a movie at a low cost. If the theater isn't in the budget, renting movies can be much cheaper with the many $1 rental options these days. Be sure to check for free rental codes for Red Box online.
10. Hunt for Geocache. This is a relatively new sport utilizing GPS coordinates to hunt for treasure. If you're cell phone is already equipped with GPS then you're ready to go. Many state parks (including all Minnesota State Parks) are getting in on the sport. They provide free handheld GPS units for use on park premisis. Check with your state's park website for details.
    
11. Search for benchmarks. If geocaching is a little intimidating for you or you don't have access to GPS unit then benchmarking may be for you. Simply stated, it's a hunt for survey markers and/or landmarks. We did this last year after moving to Hallock to help get to know the area better. It worked!
12. Fun at festivals. Summer time is the time for festivals but be forewarned some charge at hefty price while others are totally free so be sure to call ahead for pricing.
13. Go swimming. Lots of community pools are free (or nearly free) to it's residents. Our local pool offers FREE swimming classes courtesy of the Red Cross and the school district.
    
14. Visit your state's parks. Summer is when state park's kick things into high gear. There's special programs from hiking to swimming to camping to fishing to horse back riding. Most of these programs are low to no cost and family friendly. Minnesota helps pay for park improvements and maintenance through parking passes. A daily pass is around $5 while an annual pass is $25 which is well worth it if you plan to visit a park several times. Be sure to check with your state's park website for schedules, pricing, and details.
15. Get in the garden. Grab some seeds and dirt then get dirty. We're growing watermelon seedlings on the counter till their big enough to put in the garden but you can plant any seed to see what happens. Grow them in the garden, pots, vases, or any container you have lying around the house.
16. Make music. Pull out pots, pans, cereal boxes, empty flower pots, shoe boxes, or whatever you have around the house and beat the tune of a different kind of drummer! Try filling wine glasses with different levels of water to see if you and your kiddo can make music by rubbing the rim of the glass.
    
17. Get artsy. Take art outside with sidewalk chalk. Paint a flower pot, bench, or section of wood for a decorative addition to your front porch. Grab leaves, flowers or twigs to paint with or make a nature collage.
    
18. Bike Rodeo. Organize a bike rodeo or neighborhood ride with the neighbors and their kids. Make sure everyone's knows to wear the proper safety equipment when riding. If you're organizing a rodeo then you'll need a liability waiver.
19. Sew something. If you need a break from the great outdoors then, organize an indoor sewing activity. Yarn, carboard cereal box, and a hole punch can make for hours of fun for a little one. For older kids, sew up a nifty drawstring bag.
20. Get cooking. Kids are ALWAYS hungry during the summer months so make it easier to feed them by getting their help in the kitchen. Here are some fun snack ideas kids can make with a little help from you!
21. Take a tour. Many businesses, factories, farms, etc offer free tours to the public. Check online or call for details.
22. Go on a bug hunt. Grab a magnifying glass, camera, bug book, and a journal for a fun backyard activity guaranteed to keep the kids busy all summer.
23. Bird watch. If birds are your thing, then have the kids put out a few bird feeders and identify birds that visit your yard. A cheap bird feeder can be made with wood or a pinecone smothered in peanut butter and coated with birdseed. Make sure to hang them near windows so you can enjoy the view.
24. Water Water everywhere. Grab a sprinker or water guns for some water fun to beat the summer heat. To avoid increasing your water bill, use collected rain water to refill water guns.
25. Get sporty. Join in a football scrimmage, soccer game, baseball team, tennis, volleyball, etc to keep the kids active all summer long. Make sure everyone stays properly hydrated and check for pricing before signing up.

What are a few of the things you have planned this summer?