Summer is THE time to get outside! I hope these activities help you and your family have fun and grow closer together.
Do you feel that heat wave? Summer is here! Don’t just lounge by the poolside or hide away in the shade. Enjoy it!
For us, summer means peak growing and preservation season. The days are long, and there’s a lot of work to do. But since we work hard, that means we need to play hard!
Did you know my husband and I run an urban homestead in our backyard? I have a whole blog dedicated to it! You can read more about our journey at The Learning Life.
Luckily, I spend my winters dreaming of being outside again, so I always make a mental note of the fun things I want my family and I to do during the summer. As my children get older, I look forward to seeing what their interests are and letting them plan our activities, too!
Here are 50+ free or cheap summer family fun activities!
Free or Cheap Summer Family Fun Activities
Anytime I’m coming up with activities, I’m always looking for something my whole family can do. So when you go through these ideas, I hope you can see that you can get your entire family involved!
And I’ll mention a few times there are free activities in your area – you just have to find them! I’d like to remind you that summer isn’t the only time to find free activities or take part in a free program. Be sure to check into what’s available year-round!
Visit a local park
A friend of mine took her two boys to every park in our tri-county area! Needless to say, they know which parks are the best.
Take the time to research family-friendly parks in your area and see which one is the best! For a tank of gas and a packed lunch, that’s a great way to spend your morning before the summer afternoon gets too hot!
Host neighborhood scavenger hunts
Join a summer reading program at your local library
My area library begins its reading program in May. When does your program begin?
Go out for ice cream
Learn how to make ice cream
There are a few different methods for making homemade ice cream. You can use the ice cream in a bag method, or invest in a reasonable ice cream maker and have a delectable treat ready by the end of the day.
Go for a family bike ride
Need more ideas? Check out my summer bucket list!
This FREE printable gives you 10 family-friendly ideas you and your family can complete this summer! I’ve also included bucket lists for spring, fall, and winter. I’ll email it right over. Enjoy!
Go for a picnic lunch
A picnic lunch doesn’t have to be planned! We have been out running errands and stopped by a fast-food restaurant before taking our lunch to a local park. I love this picnic idea. The clean-up is so easy!
Visit your local state park
How many state parks do you have? Arkansas has 52!
Go to a splash pad
Support your area farmers’ markets
Go to a water park
A water park is an all-day adventure. So if you have little ones like I do, opt for a splash pad!
Visit a historical site
A historical site makes a great day trip or staycation idea! Be sure to check out the end of this blog post where I give you other staycation ideas.
Camp in your backyard
Go tent camping – bring sleeping bags!
A camping hack is blow-up mattresses! Skip sleeping on the ground and opt for comfort. Use a portable, battery-powered fan for this camping trip!
Host a family game night
Your family doesn’t have to be the only family present! Create some friendly competition by inviting your friends.
Take advantage of free admission days – 5 bonus ideas!
In my area, three places routinely offer free admission days – aquariums, art galleries, and children’s activity centers. See what’s available in your area!
Is there a tumbling gym in your area? Is there a pottery or art class in your area that offers free children’s classes?
There are so many free programs offered nowadays. Do some research, call around, and enjoy your summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular outdoor activity?
According to Statista, running, jogging, and trail running are the most popular outdoor activities during the summer.
What is the number one hobby in America?
According to Statista, baking or cooking is the foremost hobby in America.
More Family-Friendly Activities for Summer
Build a time capsule
There are so many variations on a time capsule. For summer, you could include ticket stubs, photos, and programs for all of the activities you did! If you’re feeling extra crafty, you could head to your local craft store and pick up supplies for a scrapbook.
If you want to broaden your time capsule, consider building one at the beginning of the year! Store your treasures, notes, and knick-knacks in a mason jar or shoe box. You can store your completed time capsule with your Christmas decorations. Every year, reminisce! What a fun family tradition!
See a matinee at the movie theaters
Attend an outdoor movie theater
A drive-in movie theater is simply classic! It’s also a great spin on a familiar activity.
Enjoy live music at summer festivals
Take advantage of your state’s free fishing weekend
Here in Arkansas, our free fishing weekend is usually in June. And all of our state parks welcome fishermen! You can find entry-level fishing poles from your local farm supply store or big chain grocery store for under $20. Grab something rated for mid-size fish and hit the streams!
Pet farm animals at your county fair
Submit pieces to an art show at your county fair
Do you participate in your country fair? Outside of art, you can submit baked goods, cross stitches, and quilts!
Join a free summer program at your local bowling alley
Create a backyard obstacle course
This is a great way to get your children involved and let their creativity shine!
Go geocaching
Hike your local state park
Forage for berries and herbs
Is there anything better than a sun-ripened strawberry? I didn’t think so.
Summer is a great time to learn about what’s poisonous and what’s not. But we normally apply that learning to animals and leaves. We don’t think to apply it to food!
While you’re at your library this summer, pick up a book on foraging and another on plants in your area. Put your knowledge to use when you go foraging!
Make your beauty products
This is a great way to use some of your foraged herbs! Learn how to steep herbs in oils. And when they’re finished, you may be able to use them on something like a burn or a scrap you sustained from your summer fun!
Did you know I make my beauty products? You can start by using my own tried and true recipes! I have everything from DIY sugar scrubs to beeswax lip butter. Let me know which recipe you try this summer!
Learn how to birdwatch
Learn about a new sport
This is an incredible way to bond as a family! Now that the days are longer and there’s more opportunity for family time, pick up a new sport!
Bike riding and rock climbing are both popular in my area.
Jumping rope, hula hooping, and hopscotch were all popular in my youth. Such a great way to bond with your children by teaching them something you’re already familiar with!
Basketball, tennis, soccer, and football are commonly played in public schools. If you’re already familiar with them, this is another great way to bond with your children.
Activities for Your Backyard
Host a bonfire – don’t forget the s’mores!
If your children have an early bedtime, this also doubles as a great in-home date night idea!
Build a tree house
Your tree house doesn’t have to live in a tree! Build a small play house with your kids. Such a great way to spend a Saturday!
Water balloon fight
Nature study
This pairs perfectly with foraging for berries and herbs. Do you have any of these things growing wildly in your backyard?
Plant a vegetable garden
Grill out
Make tie-dye shirts
Run through sprinklers
Go stargazing
Create a backyard water park
We were able to purchase a large, family blow-up pool for an affordable price. Throw in some pool toys, lounge chairs, and snacks and you have your day at the pool!
Create a bubble station
There are so many ways to DIY bubbles. From the wands to the soapy solutions you use, don’t miss out on the fun! When we’re finished playing with bubbles or the dirt, I like to throw my kiddos into the tub with some popsicles. It’s always a fun way to end an exciting activity!
More Expensive Ideas
If you can’t afford these ideas now, don’t dismiss them! File them away for next summer and revisit them with fresh eyes.
What ideas would you add to this list?
Staycation – 3 bonus ideas!
History
Have you ever wanted to take a trip to Washington DC or the surrounding states to learn about the first American settlers?
The good news is you don’t have to travel that far to experience history! Do some research on your hometown and plan a day trip to the historical sites closest to you.
Art
What art is local to you? Go experience it! If you aren’t familiar with the local art galleries, check in with your area colleges and see if the music departments host summer performances. If they don’t, check back for semester performances. They may even be free!
House Swap
If you’re like us, you live closer to rural parts of your state than you do the city. Swap with friends you trust and experience the other side of life!
While you’re in the city, experience a walk through downtown and the most popular restaurants. While you’re in the country, visit a farmer’s market and take a drive through the countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people plan a staycation?
The best part of a staycation is the cost savings. If you’re watching every penny like we are, the idea of a lengthy trip away from your bed just isn’t appealing because you know that means it will be expensive!
Another reason for a staycation could be time. If you are saving your paid time off or you simply don’t get a lot of downtime, planning a local trip will help you save time on travel.
What are the disadvantages of a staycation?
A staycation doesn’t offer the same grandeur a vacation offers. You don’t get a folded-down bed with complimentary chocolates like you would in a hotel.
A staycation also doesn’t afford you the same opportunities to meet new people and experience new cities.
More Family-Friendly Activities for Summer
Go on a road trip
Take a day trip
Art classes
I love learning more about art! In my area, there is a studio that works directly with homeschool families. They teach painting, pottery, and sewing classes regularly. They also open their studio up for free time during the week.
Is there an art studio like that in your area?
Painting pottery also makes for a fun date night or girls-night activity!
Attend summer camp
While the idea of summer camp can be controversial, it’s also expensive. Consider the cost of travel and necessities (like gear your children may need at camp and smaller items like toiletries and comfort items) they will likely need as well.
Take swim education classes
Swim education is so important! Especially for small children. Consider taking classes this summer and keeping their skills sharp throughout the year.
What fun summer activities do you have planned this year?
Summer is the perfect time to spend quality time as a family! It’s a universal time of rest from work and school. So take advantage of it!
Are you staying close to home this summer? Are you trying to watch your pennies and move a few of them into savings? I understand – we are too!
My favorite way to save money is to make things myself. For instance, I use plastic popsicle molds to make my own mixed berry Greek yogurt popsicles for my kiddos. I also do things like scour thrift stores for second-hand furniture and clothes.
During the holidays, I love to make my own Christmas cards and focus on creating beautiful, handmade gifts!
If you’re looking for other ways to save money, besides staying at home this summer, be sure to check out Smart, Frugal Ways to Save Money as a Homemaker! I talk more about tricks I use, but I also touch on ways you can watch your household expenses and even change your insurance policies. All tips you may not have heard of before!
Are there frugal living tips I’m missing out on? Share them with me! You can find me on Facebook and Instagram. I love talking about ways we can all save money!
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[…] I love how summer can bring a family together. For a list of 50+ free or cheap activities you can do with your family this summer, check out this blog post! […]