Looking for free summer activities for kids? Check out this list of free (and nearly free) activities such as summer reading programs, DIY crafts, and more.
HUGE List of FREE (Or Nearly FREE) Summer Activities For Kids
Well, summer is almost here, and the kids will soon be out of school… you know what that means! Yep, brace yourself for choruses of “I’m bored.” Stave off the boredom by filling your calendar with cheap and free summer activities for kids.
This HUGE list of inexpensive and free summer activities for kids has something to offer everyone including indoor entertainment, learning opportunities, and outdoor adventures. Yep, no matter what the day is like, you’ll be able to find something exciting (and possibly educational) to keep the kiddos engaged (and out of your hair)! 😉
I’ve scoured the Internet, and here are the funnest, most awesome frugal and free summer activities for kids out there!
Let’s all go to the movies…
Movies are great low-cost or sometimes even free summer activities for kids. Plus, they offer mom a fantastic opportunity to kick back and relax for 2 hours! Here are some summer movie viewing options:
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: Okay, while this isn’t technically a free summer activity for kids, it’s darn close. The kiddos can enjoy 10 movies for only $5 which works out to just $0.50 per movie! The 2018 summer lineup hasn’t been announced yet… but keep checking back.
Classic Cinemas: Check out the Wednesday Morning Movie Series happening June 6th through August 8th. You and the fam can see G and PG rated films for just $1.
Harkins Summer Movie Fun: This nearly free summer activity for kids allows them to enjoy a movie a week for 10 weeks for less than $1 per film. Tickets are on sale now at participating locations.
Regal’s Summer Movie Express: This summer movie program is on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. meaning if you can’t make one show you have a second chance. Admission is $1, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute.
Tip: Looking for a totally free summer activity for kids? Turn your home into a movie theater complete with nutritious and delicious coconut oil popcorn.
Get Up and Go!
Help the kiddos work off some of that energy with these active free summer activities for kids!
AMF Bowling: Bowling at AMF locations is a frugal summer activity for kids that’ll allow you to beat the heat! Register your kids for the Summer Games program at AMF where they can bowl up to 3 games every day for one low price. AMF offers passes for kids AND Mom and Dad (if you want to get in on the fun). Kid’s passes are just $31.95 each and include shoe rental. The Summer Games program runs May 21st through September 3rd.
Kids Bowl Free: Find a participating “Kids Bowl Free” location and each of your kiddos can snag 2 free rounds of bowling each day. Please note that taxes and shoe rental fees apply and vary by location.
Kids Skate Free: Looking for free summer activities for kids that are guaranteed to wear them out? Look no further! Kids can skate for free this summer at participating “Kids Skate Free” rinks. Find a location near you now and sign your kids up to snag their FREE skating passes. Note: Fees (including skate rental fees) and age limitations vary based on location.
Tip: Need more outdoor free summer activities for kids? Here are 25 Awesome Outdoor Party Games for Kids of All Ages. Gardening can also be a fun free summer activity for kids. If you’ve got a green thumb and want to pass it along to your little one, check out the best plants for kids and get started now.
Be a book worm.
While it’s great to get outdoors and be active during the summer months, be sure to give your child’s brain a workout as well. Reading is the perfect free summer activity for kids.
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program: Free summer activities for kids can be fun and educational. (No, really.) Just take a look at this offer from Barnes and Nobles…. When kids in grades 1 through 6 read 8 books and answer questions (using the Summer Reading Journal) they can snag a free book! This program runs May 15th through September 3rd.
Scholastic Summer Challenge: The 2018 reading challenge kicks off May 7th. With the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge kids log reading time to earn rewards and unlock activities.
Sylvan Learning Book Adventure: This free summer activity for kids is great because it ensures they’re actually reading and absorbing the information. How it works is kids (K through 8th grade) select Sylvan approved books, read them (offline), and then take quizzes. Good “grades” on these quizzes can earn them cool prizes. Start this activity now as the book adventure is ending in June of 2018!
Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program: This free summer activity for kids is open to kids 14 and under (or 8th grade and under). During June and July, kids accumulate reading minutes (keeping track of their time using this reading log). Once they reach 300 minutes, they can turn their log in at participating Half Price Books® locations to earn Bookworm Bucks.
Pottery Barn Kids Book Club: Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., join Pottery Barn for FREE story time! In addition, kids will receive a special FREE gift after attending five sessions.
Tip: Looking for even more reading oriented free summer activities for kids? Don’t miss these:
- FREE membership in the LEGO Club – For kids 4-12, this also includes a subscription to Lego Club Magazine!
- FREE eBooks for kids on Amazon.