Looking for summer activities for kids to get them out of the house? These around town summer ideas are free or very inexpensive, and they’re awesome activities to incorporate into your summer schedule!
I love me a good PJ day! Waking up knowing that I don’t have to put on a stitch of make-up or get out the curling iron just makes my day! And my daughters love it, too. They could play together at home, pretending to be at school or making crafts, for hours on end.
On occasion, though, we do get a little cabin fever and decide to venture out for a fun family activity. So, where do we go without blowing our bank account? I’ve assembled a list of free (or cheap) summer activities for kids when you just have to get out of the house!
Whether you’re looking for inexpensive summer day camp activities or you want a free creative workshop for your little ones to enjoy this summer, you’ll find some awesome ideas for activities to get out of the house here:
12 Awesome Summer Activities for Kids to Get Them Out of the House
Home Depot Learn to Build Kids Workshops
Thank you, Home Depot, for entertaining my kids for me! If you haven’t been to a kids’ workshop at Home Depot, you are missing out.
Each month at Home Depot stores nationwide, kids can make a FREE project that utilizes their building skills. Plus, they get to take home their creations and a Home Depot signature orange apron. And, did I mention it’s completely FREE. Go here to register for an upcoming workshop near you.
Michaels Sunday Makebreaks for Kids
Do you have a budding little artist in your home? If so, check out the awesome kids craft sessions available all summer long at Michaels!
Depending on your budget, Michael’s craft store has a few different options for summer fun:
- Sunday Makebreaks – These mini craft workshops happen on Sundays (typically from 2-4pm) in store, and they include all of the supplies to make a mini project. The projects only take about 15 minutes to complete, and there’s no sign-up needed! This option is completely free!
- Camp Creatology – This is Michael’s longer, more involved summer craft workshop. These classes last about 2 hours, and you will need to purchase the kit that goes along with each week’s class beforehand. The cost of the craft kids is about $14.99.
If you opt for the longer Camp Creatology classes, just know that a parent or guardian must stay in the store for the full 2 class time. But, Mamas can drop their kids off in the Michael’s class room and shop around the store while they craft! Small break for Mom, yes please!
You can go here to learn more about Camp Creatology and to check out the upcoming art projects!
Kids Bowl Free
Go bowling! Many bowling alleys nationwide offer kids two FREE games of bowling every single day during the summer. Go HERE to see if your local bowling alley participates in this awesome summer program.
Your bowling alley may or may not include the cost of shoe rental, or they may offer a discounted shoe rental pass good for the entire summer. More information about each individual location’s program should be available on their website.
Pick Your Own Fruit
Want to enjoy the outdoors and pick up some healthy fruits and veggies at the same time? Head to a Pick Your Own Farm. Enjoy the summer weather and bring home some cheap produce. Win-win! Just google “Your City” + Pick Your Own Farm to see if there is a farm near you.
Apple Camp
Do your kids love playing on Mommy’s iphone or ipad? If so, then sign them up for the awesome FREE camp at your local Apple store. For kids ages 8-12, the Apple Camp program consists of a 90-minute session during which kids will get hands-on training in one of three areas: coding and robotics, moviemaking, or musical storytelling.
The summer camp “theme” or project changes each year, so this is awesome for repeat visits, and Apple even encourages you to sign up for a return visit so that your kids have time to really explore their creativity. You can find out more about Apple Camp here.
Regal Summer Movie Express
This is one of my absolute favorite summertime activities to beat the heat!
Each summer Regal Cinemas offers movie showings every Tuesday and Wednesday for just $2 per person (even adults)! Yes, the movies are older and not first-run… but when else can you go to the theater for only $2. Go here to check out the movie schedule at your local theater.
AMC Summer Movie Camp
Like Regal, AMC also offers its own discounted summer movies on Wednesdays at 10am. However, at AMC the tickets are $3 per person. Still a great deal for these fun summer activities for kids! Click here to see if your local theater participates.
Library Story time
When my kids were younger the absolutely LOVED to go to story time at the library! Maybe because the librarian that did our story time was uh-Mazing, shout out to Ms. Mary! Our local library story time even included a FREE craft, and I’ve heard of some that offer snacks.
Check your local library for their offerings, and keep up the summer reading.
Barnes and Noble Story time
Banes and Noble stores nationwide offer a FREE story time for kiddos. Go here to see events at your local store.
Free Days at the Zoo
Many zoos and museums offer at least one free day during the summer, or heavily discounted admission after a certain time of the day. Visit the website of your local attraction to see if you can enjoy a fun outing for free!
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible Schools are like a God-send for busy Moms, literally! My kids go to a local VBS every summer, and they love it! Many VBS’s include songs, games, snacks, crafts, and more! Plus, you get to drop them off for some fun while you go run your errands or take a Mommy time-out. Win-win! Search the web to see if your local churches are offering a VBS.
Splash Pad/Park
We have spent countless summer days enjoying the sunshine at our local park and splash pad. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the time outside. But don’t forget the sunscreen!
Other Fun Summer Ideas for Kids
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List
Make your own Summer Bucket List using this FREE printable template! Kids will LOVE filling in their bucket list with all of the fun summer activities they want to do this year. Or you can use the pre-filled version to get ideas… there are over 100 summer activities for kids that are already included on the printable!
Grab the FREE Summer Bucket Lists here!
Fun Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids
Need some ideas for outdoor summer activities for kids that you can do in your own backyard? If you don’t want to leave the house for summer fun, then visit this post for loads of summer activity ideas!
Make Your Own Summer Schedule of FUN
Kids thrive on routine, so why not create your own summer routine with this FREE printable summer schedule template! Great for younger kids to know exactly what the plan is for each day!
So, what are your favorite summer activities for kids for when you’re itching to get out of the house? I’d love to hear about how you take advantage of your time with the kiddos during the summer. Leave me a comment and I may even add your ideas to my list!
Happy summer!
Comments & Reviews
Lowe’s stores also offer a build workshop. You can find dates and locations on their website.
Vans is also good for kids to learn about their Lord. Not just a place to drop off kids
These are such fun summer activities! I am going to try and do some of these with my kids next week. We have a children’s dentist appointment on Wednesday so I need to mix some fun in there too! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Awesome! So glad you like the summer activity ideas! 🙂