The endless days of summer—sitting by the pool, soaking up the sun, catching up with friends and family. The cook outs, summer trips and summertime projects. There are many activities to fill the longer days of summer, but what do you do when you get to the midpoint of summer vacation and the kids start to complain about being bored? Whether you’re delegating these activitiesto a babysitter or hanging out with your kids on the weekend, we’ve compiled a list of 10 summer activities you can do with the kids that won’t break the bank.
1. Outdoor movies
Grab a few chairs or an outdoor picnic blanket, pack a few snacks and enjoy an outdoor movie under the moonlight. There are many venues in the area that show outdoor movies so be sure to make note of their schedule early in the summer.
2. Museums
If your kids could use some air-conditioning and education, museums are a great way to get out of the heat and learn a thing or two. Try to research if any fun exhibits are going on and let your kids decide which they’d like to visit.
3. Bowling
Feeling a little competitive? Challenge your kids to a game of bowling. Many lanes offer bumpers and rails for smaller children and others offer kids bowl free summer programs offering kids up to two free games of bowling per day.
4. Take a hike or go to a park
Lace up those boots and hit the walking trails. Explore one of the many hiking trails around Glenn Heights and get out into nature. You can also have a fun outdoorsy day by packing up a picnic and eating lunch at the park.
5. Indoor discounted movies
Many local theatres offer daytime discounted movies for new releases. Check local schedules for their summer offerings. Some even offer movies for children with sensory issues by lowering the volume and raising the lights. This is a great option if you have small children or even if you have a baby along for the ride.
6. Tie-dye and crafts
You can tie-dye most anything—t-shirts, headbands, pillowcases, bed sheets. Go to your local craft store and get a tie-dye kit, some rubber gloves, and let your kids tie-dye a few things! A tie-dye station is a simple way to get your kids excited and let them rock a vibrant t-shirt for the summer.
P interest is a great resource for getting craft ideas that may not require buying anything. It’s also a great resource for finding fun science experiments to try out at home.
7. Refresh your home and rooms
Ask your kids if they’d like to reorganise or redecorate their rooms—note: a gallon of paint can go a long way! You can also get your kids involved with home-improvement projects and make them feel “grown up” for a day. If you’re scheduling home repairs, simply let them listen in on the phone call. Put them in-charge of making and checking off the to-do list. Getting your kids involved with projects around the home allows you to spend time together while showing the importance of home maintenance.
8. Live entertainment
There are always great concerts, and other forms of live entertainment going on that we may not always think about. You can also check schedules at local restaurants or coffee shops to see if any are planning on hosting a live band or comedy show.
9. Camping
Pitch your tent, tow your RV, rent a cabin – there are many ways you can get out and enjoy camping. With many campground options from primitive backpacking to more glam-ping style resort, there are many options to enjoy with the kids for a low-cost getaway.
10. Volunteering
Volunteering with your family won’t cost a thing and will returns immeasurable value for your children. VolunteerMatchis a great resource to get connected with local organisations in need of volunteers. If your community has a food back, animal shelter, library, or retirement community, try reaching out to see how you can help. Teaching your kids the value of volunteering while they’re young will incentive them to take part in volunteering activities down the road.
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Great ideas! Our kids always loved squirt gun fights, too!
I’ve done a smililar post too. Still good to get new ideas. I especially like the idea of tie dye X #anythinggoes
Local museums are undiscovered treasure troves and as they are often run by volunteers they tend to be free to visit too which is even better! #KCACOLS & #DreamTeam
So many great things to do with my children love all your ideas especially the camping ⛺️ saw this at link up party fortheloveto
Love your emphasis on low cost as so many families are struggling financially. Also like that you mention volunteering – volunteers nearly always benefit from getting involved as well as their beneficiaries #BloggerClubUK
Some lovely ideas. I really want to try tie-dyeing at some point! #KCACOLS
There are some great ideas there. I might try getting mine involved in the DIY. There is lots to be done around here. Thanks for sharing with the #DreamTeam
My comment seemed not to take so apologies if you get two! I really liked these ideas and think I will try getting my littles involved in some DIY. Thanks for sharing with the #DreamTeam
That’s OK, better to get two comments than none x
We used to project movies onto a sheet in the backyard. Really must find a projector and start to do it again…#Stayclassymama
That’s a great idea, thanks for sharing, Lydia x
Fab list, and love how you’ve included volunteering which I hadn’t actually thought of before when thinking up these kinds of lists for my own family. x #KCACOLS
Some great ideas here. I love the idea of outdoor cinemas. I also think it’s a great idea to get children involved in DIY, although I’ll be waiting until mine get a bit older! #dreamteam
Some great suggestions to beat boredom this summer. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging
Lovely ideas! We particularly love camping. Even just camping in the back garden can be great fun and an exciting treat for the children! #KidsandKreativity
The weather has been so great we’ve been non stop camping and attending outdoor theatres! Some great shouts! #kidsandkreativity
Summer can be so expensive can’t it – all great tips! #DreamTeam
lovely ideas. I am going to pitch our beach tent simply in the garden. my son loves anything den like! love the tie dye idea too. Might try this with him!
Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time!
There are so many free museums now that my parents are jealous as they had to pay to take us back in the 80s and 90s! We have made the most of our English Heritage membership which has given us free entry to many places on our Scottish holiday. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
I used to love tiedye when I was younger but never thought about it as an activity to do with my boys! Thanks for sharing #KidsandKreativity
Love these ideas for low-cost summer activities – it’s given me a few more ideas for the summer holidays. I especially like the idea of watching films outdoors #KidsandKreativity
I love the idea of an outdoor cinema, keep meaning to get myself and outdoor projector. Some really great ideas here, thanks for sharing at #KidsandKreativity
These are all wonderful ideas for keeping everyone entertained. I like that you chose low cost ideas too. #KCACOLS