Free Summer Fun

Short on money this Summer? Not to worry, Summer can be just as enjoyable on a tight budget. Below are some of the best free activities that the whole family can enjoy.

• Library
The public library system is such a wonderful resource that nobody should waste. Many public libraries now offer dvd's in addition to books. Many libraries also offer weekly story hours for kids by age group. Getting your kids interested in books is one of the best things you can do for them.


• Playground
Even small towns usually have parks. Don't know of any playground near you? Try doing a web search for your county to find great local parks. If all else fails, elementary schools have playground so head over to your kids school this Summer for some playground fun.

• Picnics
Pack a lunch and head to the park for a picnic, this activity goes hand in hand with going to the playground. You could have a picnic at the playground. Take a good book or magazine along to enjoy while the kids are playing.


• Lemonade Stand
Oh the memories, I sold so much lemonade as a child. Iced tea or any cold beverage would work as well. Have the kids make a fun sign and tape it to the front of a small outdoor table or a tv tray. If the kids make any money, you could take them for ice cream as a special treat!


• Nature Hike
Pack some healthy snacks and drinks then head over to the nearest park with trails and go for a walk. Take time to listen to different birds, inspect bugs, and enjoy nature.

• Bike ride
If the whole family has bikes this can be a lot of fun.


• Obstacle Course
Perhaps not for the faint at heart, but the kids will love you forever. Take a big box and cut off the flaps so it makes a tunnel to crawl through, use a small kiddie pool, sprinkler, hula hoops, balls, laundry basket. Anything you can dream up, let the kids in on thinking of ideas. Perhaps they have to crawl through a box tunnel, run and jump through the sprinkler, stop under the tree and blow bubbles, crawl over to the jump rope and jump 10 times, back through the sprinkler and to the finish line.

• Treasure Hunt!
Firstly you need to make a map, then bury or hide some items around the yard. The items could be anything at all, got an old spatula that melted or a broken toy? The map you could make in a paint program on the computer and print it out, or simply draw on a piece of paper. You don't need to be an artist, they'll get the idea.


• Scavenger Hunt
Similar to the treasure hunt, but for this fun game you write clues on pieces of paper. You start them off with the first clue, and it will lead them to the next clue where an item is awaiting them and so on. You can make this as simple or elaborate as you wish.

• A Musical or play
Help your kids write their own musical or play and act it out in the backyard. Neighbor kids may want to get in on this too. And if you wished, you could have brainstorming sessions, rehearsals and so on. The kids could even help make props for the performance. This activity is yet another one where it could take an hour or two, or stretch over a weeks time depending on how much effort you want to put into it.

• Camp in the yard
If you have a tent collecting dust in the basement or garage put it to good use this Summer. Kids will love to camp out, and doing so in your own yard is a safe and free alternative to going to a campsite. Make fun snacks, use flashlights to make shadow puppets on the tent walls, and tell scary stories. The kids will never forget how much fun they had!

• Public Beach
If your lucky enough to live near the ocean, one of the great lakes or another large lake take advantage of public beach access. Be sure to take along cool drinks and your sun protection gear!

• Garage Sale
If you have tons of clutter and are in need of some cash, a garage sale may be the answer. Remember the old saying one mans junk is another mans treasure? Having a garage sale is very easy! You can list it on your local Craigslist with directions and a brief list of what your selling. The kids could have a lemonade stand or bake sale at the garage sale also. You can use masking tape and a marker to make price tags.

• Festivals, parades, fireworks
 Look in your local newspaper for the best activities this Summer. Your city or county's website is another great resource to find out what's happening.

• Star Gazing
The Summer sky at night is filled with stars. You can look online for free star maps to get your family started.

• Catch Lightning Bugs
Give your kids glass jars with holes poked in the lid and let them run free, catching lightning bugs or fireflies. Once they have their jars aglow watch them set the bugs free again.

• Craft Projects
Crafts can be a lifesaver on a rainy Summer day. Look online for ideas or check out some books from your local library. There's plenty of books out there that are filled with kids craft projects using simple items found around the house.

Here's a few of my favorite activity/craft books for Summer, write down the titles for the library or buy.
       

Hopefully this list will give you and your family a great start to a fun and budget friendly Summer!

Find local, state and national parks in the US

Do you have some other great Summer activities that are free? Leave a comment below or email me and I'll add it to the list. Thanks!