Summer vacation is approaching! This thought may excite you or it may fill you with anxiousness. The summer is so much fun but let’s be fair, it can also be expensive. When you are having more meals at home, doing more activities as a family, and all of the other inherent expenses that go along with summer time it starts to seriously add up. Does that mean summer is hopelessly doomed to either boredom from doing nothing or extravagant spending you can’t afford? Lucky for you, the answer is a resolute, “No way!”. There are tons of free and cheap activities out there just waiting for you and your family to enjoy. The trick is knowing how to find free summer activities and these tips will help you have a fun and frugal summer!
[bctt tweet=”Summer doesn’t have to break the bank! Tips for finding free summer activities! #frugal #summer” username=”diyadulation”]
1. Check Your Local Library
This is the easiest way to find all kinds of fun activities to do totally free. This summer our family is getting to get up close and personal with sea turtles, create fun crafts, and attend an ice cream social all completely free at our local library.
2. Free Magazines
A lot of areas have free publications that are geared towards families. These are available in multiple places; I have just had the best luck finding ours at our grocery store. When you are leaving the store look at the racks that have the apartment guides and auto-sales guides as this is where there usually are. These magazines have a lot of great information and ideas in them, but they also have a monthly calendar of events in your area that are free or inexpensive.
3. Free Days
Tons of theaters offer free matinee showings throughout the summer for families. There are free or discounted bowling days (often throughout the year) as well. One in our area actually has $1.50 games and rentals weekly. Also be sure to check museums near where you live. Many offer free admission on certain days every month. Our family has taken advantage of these multiple times and always had a ton of fun.
4. City Websites
Many cities put on free events in the summer. These can range from Independence Day parades to free music performances. We have been to a firetruck pull, got to pet and learn about exotic animals, and more through our city’s website. A little research can give you free plans all summer long.
Check neighboring cities too for activities! We recently got to go to a Touch-A-Truck event completely for free in a city about 30 minutes away. We were able to get behind the wheel of Air Force vehicles, sit in the back of a S.W.A.T van, and climb into a helicopter (among others) all completely for free! So always check out neighboring areas, too, because you might find something spectacular to do there as well.
5. Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Keep your eyes on city signs as well when you are out and about. The signs on banks, at fire stations, and schools will all have local events coming up advertised on them. This is a great way to find out about free events in your area. A lot of churches and festivals will also put banners and signs in the neighborhood advertising upcoming events. Being observant can save you tons of money on summer fun!
These are just a few great ways to find free summer activities! You can keep the fun going all summer long and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. What is your favorite free (or frugal) activity to do with the kids in the summer? Let me know in the comments!
Keep all the fun coming with our Summer page!
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