Alright, summer’s almost here, and I’m practically bouncing off the walls! Give me all the lazy mornings, the endless daylight, and those perfect, breezy nights. But let’s be real: too much “freedom” can quickly devolve into chaos, and nobody wants to live with little humans who’ve gone full-on banana-pants. 😂
So, to keep everyone (mostly) sane and happy, I’ve cooked up a list that’s just structured enough to prevent total anarchy, without sacrificing that sweet, sweet summer vibe. Ready to dive into 65 Inexpensive Summer Activities to Keep the Kids (and Your Budget) Happy?
- Explore a new local park.
- Bring a picnic.
- Discover a new hiking trail.
- Find a new playground to explore.
- Swim at a local rec center.
- Fly a kite.
- Stargazing
- Camping.
- Find a local beach or lake to swim.
- Plant a garden.
- Plan a scavenger hunt around your house.
- Set up a tent in your backyard.
- Turn your slide into a water park.
- Make and bury a time capsule in your backyard.
- Do a “yes day” with your kids (within reason).
- Set-up a whiffle ball or kickball game with the neighborhood kids.
- Have a yard sale.
- Have a parent versus kid basketball match.
- Have a lemonade stand.
- Read in a hammock.
- Find a local outdoor movie.
- Go paddle boarding.
- Seek out free outdoor concerts.
- See a matinee movie.
- Visit the library for books, classes and more.
- Free museum days.
- Bookstore author nights.
- Free community events: runs, festivals and garden tours.
- Volunteer at a favorite local organization.
- Raise money for a good cause.
- Kid swap with friends and neighbors to enjoy a night without kids.
- Make cookies for an elderly neighbor.
- Visit a farmer’s market.
- Host a book club.
- Visit the local fire station.
- Start journaling with your kids.
- Get in a free work-out.
- Declutter and organize your home.
- Have dinner on your trampoline. I’ve never done this – let me know how it goes!
- Have each kid pick a new activity they want to try this summer.
- Have a family movie night.
- Have a family game night.
- Have a family slumber night in your living room.
- Go for a bike ride.
- Schedule one-on-one kid dates.
- Go bowling.
- Take a factory tour.
- Have your kids to a reading challenge.
- Have a sidewalk chalk mural competition.
- Build a blanket fort.
- Make homemade play dough or slime.
- Plan on the Home Depot free Saturday activities for kids.
- Do a clothing and toy swap.
- Have friends over for a potluck.
- Host an in-home spa day.
- Listen to a new podcast.
- Learn a new language.
- Have your kids make their summer bucket list.
- Visit a local water park.
- Teach your kids about personal finance.
- Have everyone in the house write down their 5-year plan.
- Have your kids make money mowing lawns, weeding gardens or babysitting.
- Have a chef competition with your kids to see what they can cook.
- Do a blindfold eating contest.
- Start planning for fall.
Good luck!!
