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Summer’s almost here and you’re committed to making more great memories with your family but you’re also committed to paying off financial debt. Don’t fret. Your family can still have a great summer. While searching for ways to fill our summer calendar we found loads of free and inexpensive ways to enjoy ourselves.
Several family summer fun ideas demand that you get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
Get out your planners people!
9 Goldmines of Free (and Low Cost) Family Summer Fun Ideas
Summer Movie Days
Cinemark and Regal Cinema offer discount movie days. If history is any indication, you’ll be able to pay $1 admission at the door or pre-purchase 10 tickets for $5 for select movies this summer. These films are rated G or PG. See their website for current details.
Library
Check your local library events calendar. We found ours has postings for free community concerts, free video game days (for teens) not to mention free DVD movie rentals.
Local Parks
There are so many parks in our area that we didn’t even know about. Plan an excursion to a new park. Better yet head to your closest state park with a pre-packed lunch.
City Pools
We have a small pool in our community but seeing the same neighbors each time can get boring. Ask my son. Skip your neighborhood pool and opt for a city pool or local YMCA pool. We found admission to be between $2 and $5. Get out our pool toys!
*BONUS* These pools usually have slides. Our neighborhood pool does not.
Become A Tourist
Take a fresh approach to your hometown by checking out your local Chamber of Commerce. People who work there know the best free (or low cost) forms of local family entertainment. They can also help you choose activities that appeal to your family’s specific interests.
Museum Days
Bank of America and Merrill Lynch credit or debit card holders gain free admission on the first full weekend of every month. Not a cardholder? No problem. Many museums offer free admission days once a month. Check your local museum for free and discount days.
*BONUS FIND* Be sure to ask for discount day details instead of asking if they have free admission on certain days. Just by asking the right question, we found that our local children’s museum offers an “admission by donation” day once a month.
Local Universities
Go on a self-guided tour of the school at no cost. Contact the admissions office for details.
Model Homes
I absolutely love looking at model homes. Over the years some of my favorites have been the ones that host free events. We’ve been to many that were catered by popular local restaurants or food trucks. All at no cost to the guests. The purpose is to get the word out about the new home community and what better way to do that than with free food. Check your Sunday paper for upcoming events.
Local Bookstores
Spend the afternoon browsing the magazines or attend the lap sit reading programs at a Barnes and Noble if you have younger children.
Let Earn It Save It know if you have a low cost family summer fun idea that didn’t make the list. We’d love to hear about it.
