12 Free (And Fun!) Activities for Kids to Do This Summer

Free ActivitiesI am declaring this summer the "SUMMER OF ALL THINGS AWESOME" for us this year. It's the last year before I have a child in full time school, and all my kids are all old enough now where they will really start forming the memories.

But while we really want to have fun, I will admit I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on spending time with each other. Good news - there are a lot of ways to have fun this summer that really are fun, educational and free. Turns out, you don't have to limit the fun to things you have to save up for, and there are a large list of ways to have fun for cheap this summer. Click through for 12 free and fun things to do with the kids this summer (and don't forget to take pictures for your family scrapbook!):




Free ActivitiesCollect and Dry Flowers
Take a walk with your kids and be on the lookout for wild flowers, which are great keepsakes to look back on in 5 years. You can dry them out by hanging them upside down or press them in a heavy book.
















Related: 18 childhood experiences my kids won't have


Free ActivitiesVisit Every Playground in the Area
Go on a park hunt! There may be some hidden gems in your neighborhood as far as parks go. Maybe one has one of those spin-wheel things and another has an epic swirly-slide? Take the time to find them and play at them all!














Free ActivitiesHost a Lemonade Stand
This is something all kids should do at least once in their lives - even if it's just for a few hours. Managing a lemonade stand can help them learn money skills, bargaining, and the power of a good sales pitch.















Free ActivitiesGo on a Picnic
Don't just limit it to one, but many! Pick a new food theme each time and have everyone pitch in. For an even better experience, have a picnic at each new playground you find.














Related: 10 things you need before going on a hike



Free ActivitiesOrganize a Treasure Hunt
Create a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt for things you can find around the yard. Your kids will love to spend time making fun maps for each other. Don't forget to take pictures!















Free ActivitiesVisit the Library
There is so much you can do (for free!) at the library. Many libraries offer story time or reading-incentive activities. Even browsing the different types of books can be lots of fun for your kids!















Free ActivitiesMake Playdough
There are many different recipes available on how to make playdough or "goop." Have the kids help make it and then spend hours having fun with it.
Want a recipe? Find one here

















Related: 8 tips for surviving a summer road trip with your kids





Free ActivitiesBuild and Fly a Kite
Most kites don't cost a lot to buy, but you can also take the time to learn to make one yourself and spend the afternoon flying it.












Free ActivitiesWater Balloon Fight!
All it takes are a handful of balloons and some water to have a lot of fun. This is something that can be done on more than one summer day and is a great way to cool off.
















Free ActivitiesMake Your Own Waterslide
Nothing says summer fun like a homemade waterslide. You don't need much more than a plastic sheet, a sprinkler, and a nice hill. Hours of fun on a hot day will be had.












Related: 8 (free!) things to do at your local park this summer





Free ActivitiesShadow Puppet Show
All you need is a dark room, a light source, and some hands, and you've got yourself a set-up for a new type of puppet show.















Free ActivitiesSeekout and Bird Watch
Nature holds so many fun learning opportunities for our kids. Have your kids draw the birds they see and then do the research to learn what kinds of birds you spotted when you get home.








- By Devan McGuinness
Follow Devan at Babble

For 8 more free summer activities to do with kids, visit Babble!

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