Keeping your kids busy during the summer can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be expensive, these are the things I have found that won’t break the bank but you also won’t have to sacrifice the fun!

Free Library summer reading program
These programs not only introduce kids to reading but also are super fun to do and our library has toys after the story that they get out and the kids can play with.

Since we are talking about the library another thing we do with our public library is we rent movies for FREE! So go buy snacks and drinks and rent a free movie from your library and have a movie day or night. Super cheap way to have fun!

Another cheap and fun thing to do with your kid is to go to the public pool or to a FREE splash pad. Invest in a season pass to the pool so you won’t have to pay all summer to go or if that isn’t even in the budget find where some free splash pads are and take your kids there to have fun and cool off in the water. Be sure to take water and snacks with you so you don’t have buy snacks at the overpriced concession.

One of my favorite things about summertime is there is always festivals or car shows that are usually free to attend. This is another great way to get your family out to enjoy summertime without spending money. There sometimes are free bounce houses and free games for the kids. Just be sure to eat before you go so you don’t get caught buying food for you and the kids at the concessions.  Sometimes some of the festivities will offer a free meal and who knows you might even make it a family tradition!

Our local movie theater offers free movies during the week for kids to attend. But if you don’t have one that offers free movies, and live somewhere big enough where they have dollar movie theaters. You could go to a movie for a few bucks, just be sure to eat before you go so you are not tempted to pay for concessions.

Kids are so easy to entertain, even a simple picnic at a park would be fun to them. Pack a sack lunch, put a blanket down and enjoy your picnic lunch, then afterwards let them play on playground to get some energy out.

Another fun and free thing to do with kids is to take the kids fishing. They will be so happy and proud of themselves when they reel in that fish. Make sure to pack snacks and drinks.

Okay I will admit I love garage sales! Some of the best deals I have found have been at garage sales and my daughter loves going with me because she know I am more willing to let her get that treasure that she fell in love at a garage sale since it is usually so cheap. They will walk away happy and so will you not having to break the bank to buy it for them.

Another great thing to utilize is state parks near by. A lot of times there are free activities and fun things to do at state parks. So make sure to check out your state parks near you.

Okay so the last few years we have been asking for season passes for Christmas and the summertime is a great way to get some use out of your season passes to places and the best part is you have already paid for the passes so it is free to go!

Another great thing way to have fun with your kids and not have to even leave home is to have a family game night (no cellphones allowed). This is a great time to play with your kid/kids without any other distractions.

I hope these give you great ideas to spend less this summer but not have to sacrifice any fun. You will have a blast doing these things with your kiddos. Hope you all have a great summer!

While you are here be sure to check out my other blog posts such as this one. How I have stopped buying clothes for myself.