43 Ideas for Free and Frugal Kids Summer Activities

Summer is a fun season because there are tons of activities to do! Now that winter is over you can be outside. Free and cheap kids summer activities that are fun for everyone!

Kids Summer Activities

It’s Summer…”I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved the idea of summer, and sun, and all things hot…”

Although I don’t like baking in the hot sun, I do prefer it to Winter. I hate, hate, hate being cold! I love the sun. I love getting out and doing things. I love the natural light that flows into my house. I love being outside. I love all the activities and adventures that take place in the community during the Summer. I am definitely more happy in the Summer.

I get out and do more, but I don’t want to get out and spend more. It is possible to have a fun filled Summer with spending very little money. You don’t have to spend money to have an adventure! #mykidsthinkimmadeofmoney

If you’re looking to get out, go and do, or need an adventure this Summer that’s fun, simple, and cheap, look no further. Here is a list of 43 different Summer Activities that are either free, or super, super cheap!

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43 Free and Frugal Summer Kids Activities

Farmer’s Market

Almost every community has a local Farmer’s Market. Go support local shops and farmers, and have some fun. There is usually something for everyone at the Farmer’s Market. There are often FREE samples, which we take full advantage of. If you want to spend a little, set a budget before you go and pick out some of your faves. This is one of our family’s favorite things to do.

Library

The library is not just a good place to visit in the Winter, but also during the Summer. They usually have Reading programs for school children, which almost always ends in some type of prize. They also do events. I would check out your local library and see what FREE programs they have.

Movie in the Park 

A lot of community’s Parks and Rec department sponsor a movie in the night in the Summers, and sometimes it can be a once-a-month event. Look at your local Parks and Rec website.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

This is a great activity for when the kids get bored, and need to move outside. Make a list of items for them to collect, or download my FREE Nature picture scavenger hunt, which is great for toddlers too! You could also turn it into a fun learning activity by having them put all the matching colors of nature in different piles.

Community Swimming Pool

Your neighborhood might have a community swimming pool or somewhere in the surrounding areas. I know a lot of community pools do FREE swimming days. Recreational centers also have cheap days, or discount days. If you just wanted to make a day of it, you could pay the day pass, which is usually relatively cheap.

Park

This one might be an obvious one, but explore the parks around you. Try to visit all the different parks in your area.

Lemonade Stand

This one might cost a few dollars to get started, but have the kids start a Lemonade stand in their neighborhood. (or Kool-aid, I always preferred Kool-aid) Help the organize it, but let them be the leader of it. It is a great activity to learn some life skills. Check out How to Make a Lemonade Stand worksheet so you don’t miss anything!

Picnic

Go on a picnic. I am still so surprised about how excited my kids get just to eat outside. Going on a picnic takes it to an even higher level. It’s the little things.

Go to a Parade

There are usually a lot of Parades in the Spring and Summer and they are absolutely FREE, and often associated with FREE candy.

Beach or Lake

Hit up the beach or the lake. They are usually free and have a great swimming areas. If you’re lucky, you have a boat, or can borrow someones for a weekend. Make a day of it and grill out, play beach volleyball, or build sand castles.

Hike

Take a hike! This is a great activity to do before the sun comes up, or right before it goes down. Watch the sunrise or sunset on top of a mountain, or just take a nature hike through the woods and let the kids do some exploring.

Rock Painting

I always thought rock painting was sooo over-rated, but it’s not! It is actually super fun and therapeutic. What we like to do in our family is paint some rocks and then place them along the trail that goes by our house. We try to include some inspiring messages as well. It’s super fun, and spreads happiness. Here are a bunch of rock painting ideas.

Outside Painting

There are a lot of ways to paint and do art outside. You can do splatter paint, balloon painting, spray paint, and more. You can find several different ideas, here. 

Play a Sport

Get the family together and play a sport or teach your kids to play a sport: Soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, the list goes on.

Tag

Who doesn’t like a good old game of tag? I know my kids love it! You could also play the fun childhood games like: Simon says, Red Light Green Light, and Mother, May I?, Red Rover, Hide-N-Seek, Duck, Duck, Goose.

History

Visit the local historic sites in your area. Most of the time these are FREE, super cheap, or only ask for a donation. Your kids get to learn a little history and have fun. Pair this with a picnic, and you’ve got the perfect summer day outing.

Bike Ride

Go on a family bike ride. If you have little ones, consider buying a kid trailer, or kid seat for your bike. I’ve also seen a lot of people use those tag along trailer kids bikes. They look super fun!

Catch Bugs

What kid doesn’t love catching bugs? Firefly’s, rollie pollies, ants, butterflies, you name it! You don’t need it, but you can also get a cool bug catching kit, or make your own with this easy DIY bug catcher.

Visit a Neighbor

Visit one of your neighbors, maybe even bake them some treats.

Play in the Rain

It rains a lot during the summer, let the kids play in the rain, jump in the puddles, or do a mud fight.

FREE Museum

In most cities there is at least one free Museum, you just have to find it. Or, it’s super cheap and only costs a couple bucks to get in.

Play in the Sprinkler

Who needs a pool when you have a sprinkler? Who needs a car wash when you have a hose? Kids love playing in the water, set up a sprinkler, or let them get in their bathing suits and wash the car. The rotating sprinkler is one of my kids favorites. These are great summer activities for those especially hot days.

Water Balloon Fight or Squirt Guns

Have a water balloon fight, or balloon toss. Or have a squirt gun fight and create teams. You can find balloons and squirt guns at the dollar store. Or you can turn it into a shaving cream fight. Buy these Bunch of Balloons to make it super easy on yourself!

Star Gazing

Take a blanket, some snacks, and a star gazing map, and go lay out in a field and look at the stars. This is one of those activities that can sound really boring, but actually ends up being a lot of fun! If you have a real space lover on your hands, you can get a constellations book.

Make Popsicles

It really is the little things. My kids love popsicles. It can easily turn boredom into excited, and it can be a great treat without being too sugary. We usually use crystal light or Koolaid to make the popsicles, but you could also use fruit. We use the popsicle containers with straws because my kids love them!

Feed the Ducks

If you live near a pond, you probably have ducks around, or might know a place to see them. Feed the ducks. If you’re worried about the ducks health, pick up some duck pallets to feed them.

Backyard Camping

Camping is the perfect kids summer activity. You may not have it in the budget to plan a huge camping trip, but just set it up in the backyard. If you have a fire pit, make s’mores. You could also add in an outdoor movie.

Outdoor Movie

Speaking of outdoor movies, plan an outdoor movie night.

Go for a Drive

Roll down all the windows and go for a drive. We used to do this when I was little, and we would sing at the top of our lungs! On a nice day, this will lift anyone’s mood.

Run or roll down a hill

Find a giant hill around your house and roll or run down it. Kids LOVE this and you can join in. It will make you feel like a kid again. If you have bad allergies, I might refrain from rolling.

Do Shadow Activities

Draw the kid’s shadow on the ground outside with sidewalk chalk. You could do it throughout the day and watch it change. You could also make hand shadow puppets in your room at night. This is also a fun camping activity.

Another great shadow activity is to trace different shadows of objects.

Bubble Foam

Make bubble foam. It’s a fun activity and a good sensory activity for toddlers.

I Spy

A classic game, but has saved boredom for this mom a few times. Go on a walk, drive, or sit out on the porch and play a classic game of I spy. There is also travel I Spy when you’re on the road.

Photography

Take pictures of nature. There are some pretty sights in the Summer. Find a good place to take a hike and take some pictures. Let the kids take the camera around. You always get interesting pictures, for sure.

Volunteer 

Volunteer somewhere. A nursing home, local food bank, shelter, or with a friend. People need help year round. Plus, while the kids are out of school, it’s a great way for them to do some organized service. Justserve.org is a great resource for service opportunities in an area.

Botanical Gardens

There are Botanical gardens almost everywhere and they are usually only a few dollars to get in. They are super pretty, and the kids see some cool nature and get to run around for a little bit.

The Fourth of July

There are usually FREE Fourth of July events in every state. They usually have carnivals, parades, and of course, the fireworks shows. A ample opportunity for kids Summer activities. Check out these fun 4th of July activity sheets, or fun family game!

Splash Pad

There are usually a few parks in town that operate FREE splash pads. My kids love splash pads, and we can often make a day of it with a picnic!

Tour the City 

How well do you really know the nearest big city to you? Do some exploring. Drive around and see what makes the city unique. Google: Things to do in _(city)__. Usually the top 10 places have to deal with the what makes that city unique. Do some driving or walking around the city and just look around.

My kids love the city, and we have a FREE trolley that runs right down the middle. They’d ride that all day. You could also do a city scavenger hunt. You can get one at ScavengerHunt.com.

Bird Watching

Watch the birds. Build a bird house and set it in your front yard, and they will start coming. You can see some fascinating birds. You could also buy a bird book and document what you see.

It’s easy and cheap to make kids Summer activities, so they can have an adventurous Summer! And you get time as a family, too!

Sidewalk Chalk

Again, it’s the simple things. You can’t beat cheap sidewalk chalk. There are a ton of things you can do with sidewalk chalk, and the kids love it! You could do it at a park or biking trail and write or draw inspiring words or art. Here are some creative ideas. 

Bubbles

Bubbles are a super fun activity for kids, and there are so many things you can do with them. If you don’t want to spend any money, you can make your own homemade bubbles. You can also buy a big bubble wand that makes HUGE bubbles.

Garden

Grow a garden. This is a great learning opportunity. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Start some tomato plants, or even the container gardens, which are super fast, and seeds cost almost nothing.

Nature Bracelet

Make a nature bracelet by wrapping a piece of duct tape, sticky side up, around your child’s wrist and have them stick whatever they can find on their bracelet. This can be grass, flowers, pine needles, leaves, etc…

Hopefully you can make your Summer adventurous and cheap with these Kids Summer Activities. If you want 2-months worth of activities included with templates, crafts, non-prep activities, family activities, and more, check out the Ultimate Summer Activity Binder. 

If you want something a little simpler, you can check out my Summer at Glance activity planner. 30 days of activities!

Related: 59 Indoor Activities for Kids for those hot days!

Related: 17 Different Water Games for Kids when You don’t have a Pool

Related: Easy 4th of July Firework Craft for Kids and Toddlers