Summer is the perfect time for family bonding, but let’s be real — it can also be expensive. Between the trips to amusement parks, pricey camps, and other activities that seem to add up quickly, it’s easy to feel like fun comes with a hefty price tag. But guess what? You don’t need to break the bank to make this summer unforgettable! I’ve rounded up 20 amazing family activities that are either free or super affordable, so you can enjoy the season without worrying about your wallet. Grab your sunglasses, sunscreen, and let’s dive in!
1. Nature Walks and Hikes
Explore local parks, nature reserves, or even just your neighborhood. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and spot local wildlife. Plus, it’s totally free! In past years I liked to print out a list of all the places we hoped to hit in a year and see how many we could check off our list before it got too cold outside.
2. Backyard Camping
You don’t need to travel far for a camping adventure. Set up a tent in the backyard, roast marshmallows, tell stories, and gaze at the stars—all without leaving home. We like this Coleman tent from Amazon.
3. Picnic in the Park
Pack up some homemade sandwiches, snacks, and a blanket, then head to a nearby park for a picnic. It’s a simple way to enjoy a meal together outdoors, and you can even bring a frisbee or ball for a little fun afterward. Or you could kick it totally old school and grab a kite from the dollar tree!
4. DIY Obstacle Course
Create a fun and challenging obstacle course in your backyard using everyday items. Have the kids race through it, and even compete against each other. It’s a great way to keep everyone active and entertained! Everyone gets a prize for finishing and it’s always popsicles OUTSIDE, it’s fun for them and keeps the mess out of the house.
5. Free Community Events
Check out free events in your local area, like outdoor movies, concerts, or festivals. Many communities host family-friendly events during the summer months. The only reason I keep Facebook around is so I can stay in-the-loop with our community events. Join every mom group and local group you can, they’re really good at staying on top of all the going-ons in the neighborhood.
6. Scavenger Hunts
Create a list of items to find around your neighborhood or local park. You can even make themed hunts, like nature scavenger hunts or “color hunts” where everyone has to find something that matches a specific color.
7. Library Visits
Did you know libraries often have free summer programs? From storytime for younger kids to summer reading challenges, libraries are a treasure trove of free activities. Plus, you can check out books to keep everyone entertained on those quiet days at home. The library in my town has a park right outside so it really works as a two-for-one deal.
8. Beach Day
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, or even a lake, pack up some sunscreen and towels and enjoy a fun day in the sand. Swimming, building sandcastles, and relaxing by the water are the perfect ingredients for a low-cost summer adventure. No beach? Hit the local pool! My kids love running into school friends at our community pool. You can always set up your own “beach” in the backyard, I’ll be doing a separate post on that very soon so stay tuned! 🙂
9. Baking Together
Turn the kitchen into a mini baking class! Choose a simple recipe (like cookies, cupcakes, or brownies), gather the ingredients, and get everyone involved in the process. Not only is it a fun activity, but you get a sweet treat at the end! I’d also recommend browsing some popsicle and frozen yogurt recipes for a yummy summer treat. The only hard part is waiting for them to freeze! We’ve had this popsicle mold for going on three years and it hasn’t failed us yet!
10. Bike or Scooter Rides
Get the bikes out of the garage and go for a ride around the neighborhood, a local park, or even on a bike trail. It’s a great way to explore your surroundings and get some exercise together. My kids are more into scooters so we usually take them to a nice flat paved walking path and let them go as far as we can still see them while my husband and I take a leisurely stroll.
11. Board Games and Card Games
Sometimes, the best family fun happens at the kitchen table. Dust off those board games or shuffle the deck of cards and enjoy a friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. It’s perfect for rainy days or evenings at home. Everyone in my family has a different favorite so we like to put our suggestions in a randomizer app or write them down and pull from a hat, that way there’s no hard feelings about whose game gets picked.
12. Gardening
Planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs can be a fun and educational way to spend time outdoors. Kids can take ownership of their own little garden patch, watching their plants grow throughout the season. Plus it helps add to our daily routine, getting out to water the plants and soaking up some vitamin D in the process.
13. Movie Marathon at Home
Instead of paying for a movie ticket, host your own movie marathon in the comfort of your living room. Pop some popcorn, grab cozy blankets, and let the movie magic begin! Make a trip to the dollar store and let the kids pick out a treat or two.
14. Geocaching
If you haven’t tried geocaching yet, you’re in for a treat! This real-world treasure hunt uses GPS coordinates to find hidden “caches” in your area. It’s an adventure that’s completely free and can take you to places you’ve never been before. REI has a great guide on their website here.
15. Karaoke Party
Get your groove on with a fun family karaoke session. You can find free karaoke tracks online or download an app. Sing your heart out and let loose together! Older kids might get more fun out of music or movie trivia games. Youtube has plenty of free videos and I believe Roku offers a trivia game as well.
16. Art Projects
Tap into everyone’s creative side by doing a family art project. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or making crafts from recycled materials, it’s a wonderful way to get messy and create lasting memories. Tap into that pinterest board you always save to and make something!
17. Outdoor Sports
Grab a ball, bat, or frisbee, and head to your local park for a game of soccer, baseball, or catch. You don’t need fancy equipment to have fun and stay active.
18. Volunteering as a Family
Give back to the community by volunteering as a family. Help out at a local food bank, community garden, or charity event. It’s an excellent opportunity to bond while making a positive impact. “Clean the park” meetups are always happening in the warmer months.
19. Free Museum Days
Many museums offer free admission on specific days or during certain times of the month. Check the websites of museums near you to see if they have any upcoming free days, and plan an educational outing the whole family can enjoy. Your local library also probably offers free museum and zoo passes, just be sure to plan ahead! I know our zoo passes book up very quickly.
20. Stargazing
On clear summer nights, lay on a blanket and enjoy the night sky. You can learn about constellations, planets, and even watch for shooting stars. For an extra fun touch, use a stargazing app to help identify stars and planets.
There you have it! 20 simple yet fun activities that won’t cost a fortune, but will create memories to last a lifetime. Summer is all about spending time together, and sometimes, the best moments come from the most unexpected, inexpensive ideas. So, gather the family, get creative, and make this summer one to remember—without breaking the bank! Happy adventuring! 🌞
