Summer is the perfect time to get outside, explore, and make memories without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for fun with family and friends or just some solo relaxation, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sunny season without spending a fortune. From outdoor adventures to creative at-home activities, here’s a list of 10 free (or inexpensive) things to do this summer to make the most of your time while keeping your wallet happy. Dive into these affordable summer experiences and create lasting moments without the stress of high costs!
Fly A Kite
Make sure you fly it in a safe area!
Create A Time Capsule
Make a time capsule and bury it in your yard.
Enjoy The Kitchen Together
Make cookies, muffins, bread, etc., with your little ones. My kids love to help me bake, and muffins are an excellent way for me to include them in the process and have breakfast for the week at the same time!
Make Puppets
The easiest way to make puppets is with socks, but my kids have even taken markers and drawn faces on their hands. We also have a puppet theater, so they make up shows for us, too!
Movietime
Streaming lets you pop some popcorn and watch a movie at home anytime. There are so many free choices!
Music Marathon
If you have Rock Band or Guitar Hero, spend an afternoon playing it. It’s a fun game and can keep your kids occupied. (I realize this is inexpensive as long as you own a Wii, Playstation, Xbox, etc.).
Family Game Night
Spend a couple of hours playing board games and card games. It’s a great way to squeeze in family time, and as long as you have the games, it costs you nothing.
Name That Tune/Artist Game
This is something Bill and I play on road trips. All you need is a radio and your brain. The point of the game is to be the first person to guess who sings the song or the artist who sings the song on the radio. Once everybody gives up or somebody guesses correctly, you change the channel to the next station. The best part is that if you aren’t sure who is singing something and have a smartphone, you can download apps that tell you the song’s singer.
Become An Artist
This one does require a driveway, sidewalk, etc, but colored chalk can brighten up anyone’s day. Best of all, my kids can play with chalk for hours. They can draw pictures, write their name, and even draw a hopscotch board.
Create A Garden
You can get seeds reasonably inexpensively. Your kids will love watching you grow flowers, vegetables, etc. (whatever you choose). We created a butterfly garden at my house, and some days, we sit in the backyard and watch all the butterflies (and dragonflies that also seem to be attracted. Every so often, we get a hummingbird, too!).
Summer fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. There are countless things to do this summer without stretching your budget, from outdoor adventures to creative indoor activities. Whether exploring local parks, trying new hobbies, or hosting a DIY movie night, these ten free (or inexpensive) ideas offer the perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and creativity. So, gather your friends or family, get out and about, and make this summer one to remember—without worrying about the cost!
Nice things to do in summer, your list is good for kids to learn them different things. Thanks.
Fun list of summer things to do. It's winter down under, so hopefully I will remember them later. Although many apply now, like baking.