50+ Low-Cost or Free Things to Do with Kids This Summer
Fun Ideas for Toddlers, Tweens, and Teens That Won’t Break the Bank
Summer is the perfect time to make memories with your kids—but let’s be real, activities and camps can get expensive fast. If you're searching for ways to keep your children entertained without draining your wallet, you're in the right place.
This guide is packed with free and low-cost ideas to keep your kids happy, active, and off their screens (at least for a while). We’ve broken it down by age group to help you find just what you need, whether you’ve got a curious toddler or an independence-seeking teen.
Toddler-Friendly (Ages 1–4)
Toddlers are easy to please—they just want movement, mess, and fun. Here are simple and cheap ways to fill their summer with joy:
Outdoor Fun
Backyard splash zone: Set up a sprinkler, kiddie pool, or water table.
Nature scavenger hunt: Look for leaves, pinecones, bugs, and rocks.
Sidewalk chalk art: Let them doodle while you draw hopscotch grids.
Bubbles bonanza: Make your own bubble mix for hours of fun.
Low-Cost Adventures
Library story time: Many libraries offer toddler-focused sessions weekly.
Toddler-friendly parks: Rotate between new playgrounds to keep things fresh.
Petting zoos or farm visits: Some local farms allow free or low-fee visits.
At-Home Fun
Indoor obstacle course with pillows and tunnels.
Sensory bins: Use rice, pasta, or water beads (supervised, of course).
DIY popsicles using yogurt or fruit puree.
Elementary Kids & Tweens (Ages 5–12)
This age group craves creativity, challenge, and movement. Keep them learning and laughing with these ideas:
Outdoor & Social Activities
Park Olympics: Host a backyard or park games day—races, relays, or tug-of-war.
Bike parade: Let them decorate their bikes and ride around the block.
Lemonade stand: Classic fun with a dash of entrepreneurship.
Local Resources
Summer reading programs: Many offer prizes at libraries or bookstores.
Free museum days: Check your local museum or science center schedules.
City concerts or movie nights: Free, fun, and family-friendly.
DIY Projects
Craft days: Use recyclables to make robots, houses, or bird feeders.
Nature journals: Draw or write what they observe on hikes or walks.
Cooking projects: Let them help make dinner or bake muffins.
Teenagers (Ages 13–18)
Teens might roll their eyes at some summer plans—but they still need structure and opportunities to grow (even if they won’t admit it). Here are low-cost ways to engage their energy and independence:
Social & Active
Outdoor movie night with friends using a sheet and projector (or just a laptop!).
Frisbee golf or trail biking at a local park.
Volunteer as a camp helper or pet shelter assistant.
Skill-Building
Learn a new skill on YouTube: Guitar, drawing, video editing—free and fun.
DIY photo scavenger hunt: Give them creative prompts to capture.
Start a side hustle: Babysitting, lawn care, or selling art online.
Chill and Recharge
Reading challenges with a twist: Let them choose the genre or graphic novels.
Library teen events: Book clubs, movie days, or game nights.
Art or writing contests: Check local organizations or online platforms.
All-Ages Summer Fun (Perfect for the Whole Family)
Backyard Camping Adventure
Pitch a tent or build a blanket fort under the stars.
Roast marshmallows or make s’mores in the oven or over a grill.
Tell ghost stories, read books with flashlights, or stargaze with a free app like SkyView.
Family Field Day
Organize a backyard or park-based challenge day.
Include age-appropriate events like sponge tosses, sack races, or three-legged relays.
Award fun homemade medals or ribbons.
Cardboard Creations Challenge
Gather boxes, tape, and markers.
Build castles, cars, robots, or arcade games.
Make it collaborative or host a “build-off” with judging by the adults (or pets!).
DIY Science Day
Make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar.
Try a mentos + soda fountain, oobleck (cornstarch + water), or invisible ink.
Keep it messy and outdoors for extra fun.
Read & Act
Pick a short story or chapter book and take turns reading aloud.
Act out favorite scenes with costumes or props from around the house.
Great way to sneak in literacy while having laughs.
Family Thrift Store Challenge
Give each person $5–10 at a thrift store or yard sale.
Find the funniest outfit, weirdest mug, or best “treasure.”
Host a mini runway show or storytelling session about your finds.
Silent Disco or Dance-Off
Everyone wears headphones and dances to their own music—or use a shared playlist.
Great for high-energy fun, indoors or out, without bothering the neighbors.
Let each person DJ a different song round.
Glow Night
Break out glow sticks, flashlights, and battery-powered tea lights.
Play glow-in-the-dark ring toss, have a twilight picnic, or do flashlight tag.
Cheap glow supplies = big kid energy.
Create a Family Olympics
Pick 5–10 silly challenges (ping pong bounce, cookie face slide, paper airplane throw).
Keep a scoreboard and crown a Family Champion.
Great for rainy days or evenings when everyone’s home.
Final Tips for Budget-Friendly Summer Fun
Make a summer bucket list together as a family.
Rotate weekly themes (water week, nature week, creativity week).
Check local Facebook groups or city calendars for free pop-up events.
Summer fun doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. With a little creativity and planning, you can make this season memorable for your kids—and manageable for your wallet.