50+ Fun Things To Do With Kids This Summer (That Won’t Break The Bank)

Summer is the perfect time to make magical memories with your kids, but the costs of activities, camps, and outings can add up quickly. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to have a fun-filled summer. In fact, with a little creativity and planning, you can create a whole season of joy without putting a dent in your wallet.

This list of 50+ budget friendly summer activities is full of free or low-cost ideas that focus on fun, connection, and creativity. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver, these ideas will help you make the most of summer while sticking to your budget.

So grab a notebook, your favorite summer drink, and let’s dive into a world of affordable fun, family bonding, and frugal living tips that make this summer one to remember!

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1. Make Homemade Popsicles

All you need is juice, fruit, and an ice tray or popsicle mold. Kids love mixing flavors and waiting to see how they turn out. It’s a cool treat for hot afternoons that won’t cost much at all.

2. Go On a Nature Walk

Explore your local park or nature trail. Bring a notebook so the kids can draw or describe what they see. It’s a great way to get fresh air and sneak in a little education too.

3. Create a DIY Obstacle Course

Use whatever you have—chairs, pillows, boxes, ropes—and build a backyard or indoor course. Time each other and make it a game.

4. Host a Backyard Camping Night

Set up a tent or lay blankets under the stars. Bring flashlights, tell stories, and maybe toast marshmallows over the grill. No campground fees required.

5. Try a Local Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of things to find in your neighborhood or park, like a red flower, a squirrel, or a stop sign. Let the kids check off items and snap photos.

6. Build a Cardboard Box Fort

Grab those leftover delivery boxes and turn them into castles, spaceships, or houses. Add markers and stickers for decorating fun.

7. Have a Water Balloon Fight

Buy a bag of balloons from the dollar store and let the kids go wild. It’s the cheapest way to cool off while getting tons of laughs.

8. Visit the Library for Free Programs

Most public libraries offer summer reading programs, craft sessions, or movie days—all free. Ask for a schedule at your local branch.

9. Host a DIY Art Day

Use recycled materials, old magazines, or craft supplies from around the house. Have a theme or just let their creativity run wild.

10. Organize a Toy Swap

Invite neighborhood kids and trade gently used toys, books, or games. Everyone gets something “new” without spending a thing.

11. Do a Lemonade Stand

Not only does it teach kids basic business and money skills, it also builds confidence. Plus, it’s a sweet treat for neighbors on hot days.

12. Take a Free Factory or Farm Tour

Look up local businesses or farms that offer free educational tours for families. It’s a fun way to learn and often includes free samples.

13. Make Sidewalk Chalk Art

Get creative with sidewalk chalk and decorate your driveway or sidewalk. Create hopscotch paths, murals, or even obstacle courses.

14. Bake Cookies Together

Pull out a simple cookie recipe and let the kids help with measuring, mixing, and decorating. Enjoy the treats together with some cold milk.

15. Visit a Splash Pad

Many cities offer free public splash pads that are perfect for toddlers and younger kids. It’s hours of cooling-off fun without pool fees.

16. Plant a Mini Garden

Start a few herbs or veggies in recycled containers. Kids can take care of them and track how they grow. It’s educational, hands-on, and rewarding.

17. Watch a Sunrise or Sunset

Pick a calm morning or evening and watch the sky change colors together. Bring a snack and make it a mini picnic.

18. Host a Backyard Movie Night

Use a projector or even just a laptop outside with a blanket. Add popcorn, pillows, and let the stars be your ceiling.

19. Create a DIY Water Slide

All it takes is a tarp, water hose, and some dish soap. Instant backyard fun that keeps kids active and laughing.

20. Do Science Experiments at Home

Make slime, volcanoes, or lava lamps using household ingredients. There are endless free tutorials online that keep kids learning and entertained.

21. Make Friendship Bracelets

Use yarn, thread, or even shoelaces to make colorful bracelets for friends or family. It's calming, crafty, and teaches focus and patience.

22. Explore Local Hiking Trails

Find a kid-friendly trail near you and bring snacks and water. Look for birds, bugs, and unusual plants as you go.

23. Try an Ice Excavation Activity

Freeze small toys in a bowl of water overnight. Give kids tools like spoons or spray bottles to “excavate” their treasures the next day.

24. Play Classic Games Outside

Think freeze tag, red light green light, hide-and-seek, or Simon says. Simple and always fun.

25. Have a Reading Picnic

Pack some books, snacks, and head to a shady spot outside. Reading together helps build imagination and relaxes the mind.

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26 to 50+ More Fun Ideas

Because your summer needs more inspiration, here are a bunch more frugal ideas that are either totally free or extremely low-cost:

• Create a Dance Party Playlist and let kids show off their moves.

• Do a DIY car wash for your own car or neighbors' cars.

• Build a bug hotel with sticks and leaves in the backyard.

• Make paper airplanes and hold flying contests.

• Collect rocks and paint them with bright colors or silly faces.

• Do a “no electricity” challenge for an hour and see who can make the best use of the time.

• Have a “Chopped” style cooking challenge with snacks you already have.

• Try a new playground in a nearby neighborhood or town.

• Visit a farmer’s market and let kids pick one veggie to try.

• Make sock puppets and put on a silly show.

• Go cloud watching and create stories from what you see.

• Write and illustrate a short story together.

• Make a bird feeder out of a toilet paper roll, peanut butter, and birdseed.

• Have a glow stick bath with the lights off.

• Start a journal or summer scrapbook with photos, ticket stubs, or notes.

• Create a summer time capsule to open next year.

• Pick a country and have a “travel day” with food, music, and trivia.

• Play water bottle bowling using a soccer ball and plastic bottles.

• Make your own puzzles by drawing pictures and cutting them up.

• Try shadow puppets with a flashlight in a dark room.

• Make DIY playdough with simple pantry ingredients.

• Make a kindness list and do one act of kindness each day.

• Have a pajama day with movies and board games.

• Practice yoga together with a kid-friendly YouTube video.

• Play dress-up with grown-up clothes and do silly interviews.

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Make This Summer Unforgettable (and Affordable)

You don’t need a huge vacation budget to create lasting summer memories. All it really takes is a little imagination, a willingness to try something new, and the desire to connect as a family. From summer crafts for kids to budget friendly adventures, there’s something on this list for every age and every kind of family.

Let this be the summer you laugh more, spend less, and make the best memories of all.

Till Next Time

Financially Fearless Blueprint Out!