It\u2019s finally summer! For most people, that means longer days, warmer nights, and the kids officially home from school\u2026 However, this also means finding ways to keep everyone (including yourself) entertained all season long. And unless you recently stumbled across a winning lottery ticket (we can dream), the cost of all those fun activities you saved on Pinterest during the winter may seem a bit daunting now.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, finding fun things to do in the summer doesn\u2019t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free or low-cost summer activities that can keep the entire family having fun all season long! So whether you\u2019re looking to entertain the little ones or need something affordable to do while they\u2019re away at summer camp, check out these ideas of free or cheap activities to do in the summer.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a classic idea but always a good one. Find a nearby playground in your neighborhood and let the kids run wild. Splash pads are another great option and come with the added bonus of keeping everyone cool!<\/p>\n
Waterpark? Who needs it when you have a backyard and a sprinkler! The kids will love running around in the water, and you just might get some peace and quiet inside while they play.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve run out of refrigerator space from the artistry in your family, this one\u2019s for you. Break out the chalk and give the kids an hour to create their perfect masterpiece. Winner gets to pick out tonight\u2019s movie!<\/p>\n
Sure, public pools can get busy in the summertime, but there\u2019s always room for a few more! Pack some snacks, load up the car, and don\u2019t forget your sunscreen! If the day is a hit, it could be worth looking into a family pass.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re lucky enough to still have drive-in movies around, take full advantage of it. And we\u2019re not suggesting<\/em> you secretly bring your own snacks, but we wouldn\u2019t blame you if you did\u2026<\/p>\n Nothing beats an interactive science museum. Your kids will have so much fun, they\u2019ll forget they\u2019re learning<\/a>! Check to see if your local museum has cheap or free admission days to make this even more budget friendly.<\/p>\n Get \u2018em reading early, and incentivize them with your local library\u2019s summer reading program! The more they read, the more they win. No summer reading program near you? Check out Barnes and Noble\u2019s<\/a> program!<\/p>\n With so many movies on streaming or free at the library, there\u2019s no reason to spend extra money at the theater. Instead, pop your own popcorn, get in your pajamas, and pick out a family favorite to enjoy together from the comfort of home.<\/p>\n Camping takes a lot of planning and preparation \u2013 instead, take the easy route by setting up a tent in the backyard. Sleeping outside is optional, but scary stories and s’mores are mandatory.<\/p>\n Prepare to get competitive because a family game night is sure to be a hit. Did you already sell all your games during your last garage sale? No problem \u2013 head to your closest thrift store and pick out a new one. It\u2019ll be extra fun figuring out the rules together!<\/p>\n The zoo could get expensive with enough people on a bright summer Saturday, but many places have half-priced days \u2013 or totally free, depending on the location \u2013 where the only money you\u2019ll be spending is on cold drinks and lettuce to feed the giraffes. Want to enjoy the zoo from home? Check out San Diego\u2019s live wildlife cams<\/a>!<\/p>\n Movie theaters often offer cheaper options for matinee showings, and like the zoo, some even have half-price ticket days! Tuesdays are common but check your local theater for all the details.<\/p>\n Every town, small and large, wants to host some kind of summer festival. And don\u2019t forget about the county fair! What kind of cool stuff is going on around you? Check out your local newspapers or radio stations for tips!<\/p>\n Decluttering is already on your to-do list, so why not make it fun and profitable? Your only upfront costs are stickers and poster board signs, but the reward is a cleaner house and enough money for ice cream. It\u2019s also a great learning opportunity<\/a> for your little ones!<\/p>\n Yes, it\u2019s hot outside, but the skies are clear and nature is beautiful. If you don\u2019t take advantage of the nice weather now, you\u2019ll regret it come winter!<\/p>\n Soak up some of that precious Vitamin D while reading (or listening to!) a book, listening to music, or just enjoying a few precious moments of silence. You don\u2019t need a pool or to live by a lake to take advantage \u2013 just throw a towel down in the backyard!<\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing quite like a warm summer night, fireflies shining in the distance, and the sound of a crackling fire. Invite friends and family over to catch up on how the summer has been so far and possibly eat your weight in s\u2019mores.<\/p>\n Breweries and wineries get more expensive every year, but you don\u2019t need their fancy establishments to try something new. Have your friends bring their favorite six pack or bottle of wine, and everyone can enjoy a unique flight and rate their favorites!<\/p>\n Even though walking around is arguably the best part of a farmer\u2019s market, don\u2019t forget to bring a few dollars in case you find some picture-perfect fruit or a handcrafted piece of art you just have<\/em> to have.<\/p>\n Your own town may feel stale by now, but what about the next town over? Or the one 20 minutes away? Hop in the car and explore somewhere local as if you\u2019ve never been there before. You\u2019ll never believe the kinds of places you could find!<\/p>\n Although you have so many free or low-cost summer activities up your sleeve this summer, you\u2019re still bound to spend some money. So why not earn cashback on every purchase you make?<\/p>\n With Receipt Hog<\/a>, users simply snap a picture of their receipt from anywhere they shop to turn it into cash. The app can also keep track of your spending (you spent how much<\/em> on sidewalk chalk for that contest?!) and store receipts for easy returns.<\/p>\n Download Receipt Hog from the App Store<\/a> or Google Play Store<\/a> today to start earning, and next year you can definitely splurge on a Saturday night movie at the theater \u2013 full price with popcorn<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s finally summer! For most people, that means longer days, warmer nights, and the kids officially home from\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1080,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-smarts"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nVisit the Science Museum<\/h3>\n
Free Summer Activities for Families<\/h2>\n
Go to the Library<\/h3>\n
Host a Movie Night at Home<\/h3>\n
Go Camping In Your Backyard<\/h3>\n
Have a Board Game Night<\/h3>\n
Cheap Summer Activities for Families<\/h2>\n
Take a Trip to the Zoo<\/h3>\n
Go to the Movies<\/h3>\n
Check Out Local Fairs and Festivals<\/h3>\n
Have a Garage Sale<\/h3>\n
Free Summer Activities for Adults<\/h2>\n
Go on a Hike<\/h3>\n
Lay in the Sun<\/h3>\n
Host a Bonfire<\/h3>\n
Cheap Summer Activities for Adults<\/h2>\n
Host a Beer or Wine Tasting Night<\/h3>\n
Visit a Farmer\u2019s Market<\/h3>\n
Become a Tourist in a Nearby City<\/h3>\n
Bonus: Earn Cashback Year-Round<\/h2>\n