10 Ways To Entertain Your Kids For Free This Summer

 

What do you do when the kids are home from school and the daily routine is less than exciting? The new has worn off of summer break and mom and dad are about to snap if they hear the phrase “I’m bored!!” just one more time. The good news is that there are some things you can do to break up the monotony and even have a little fun that don’t cost a thing!

 

Run through the sprinklers. I don’t care how old you are, this never gets old. Don’t have a yard or sprinklers (maybe you live in an apartment complex or a duplex like my old one with no yard), make a play date with friends or family that do. Or you can go over to the local elementary school when theirs are running in the day and let the kiddos loose there.

 

 

Check out the local park or school playground. If it’s close enough you can walk, get some exercise in, and not even spend any money on the gas to get there. You can relax and watch the kiddos while they have a blast for a while and maybe even make some new friends.

 

Go to the Library. I know – this isn’t one everyone thinks about with all of the technology available today. The library isn’t just for reading books though. Yes it is awesome if your kids want to go check out books, but there are also reading programs, story times, and other activities that many libraries offer during the summer months. Check into it, there could be something that you kids would love to participate in and it’s probably free.  

 

Backyard Campfire. This is one of our favorite things to do well into the fall months. Just a small fire pit in the back yard, some chairs, and a few hot dogs and marshmallows can really be a lot of fun for everyone.

 

 

Backyard Camping. Don’t have the time or money to go out of town? Pitch a tent in the backyard, combine it with your backyard campfire, and you have the makings for a super-fun time (and for the ladies of the family, you don’t even have to squat in the woods!).

 

Scavenger Hunt. Okay this one takes a little planning on mom or dad’s part, but find (or plant) some random things around the house, yard, or neighborhood. Make a list of items for the kiddos to find and see how much fun they have. The school’s out scavenger hunt will totally become a new family tradition!   

 

A Trip to the Museum. Similar to the library, a trip to the museum can be both educational and fun. Many museums offer free days or special free events during the summer months, so you can always check your local museums and see if they have anything like that available.  

 

Bake a Cake (or cookies, or bread…) Let the kiddos help you with a baking project. It will teach them valuable skills, you’re getting something made for the family, and everyone will have a blast. Making cakes or cookies? Let them help decorate them…they won’t be perfect, but they will be beautiful nonetheless.

 

Movie Marathon. Maybe it’s too hot outside or the weather just isn’t great some days, plan a movie marathon complete with popcorn and movie snacks. Let every family member choose a movie and everyone can watch them all together. Awesome fun and quality family time all for free.

 

 

Pajama Party. Maybe this could be used in conjunction with the movie marathon, but spend a day in PJ’s just hanging out. If you have little ladies in the family maybe some pedicures or make-overs are in order. Little dudes? Maybe some board games or a Lego build-off. The possibilities are endless, but everything is more fun in your pajamas!  

 

What things do you do to entertain the family and have some fun? Will you be trying any of these ideas this summer? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!