Free Activities to Do with Your Kids This Summer

When the kids need things to keep them busy and don't want to be at home, where is a cash strapped parent to turn? To all the free activities geared toward kids in your local area, of course. There are plenty of things to do with your children that don't take a lot of money. Your city library, parks and museums have activities geared toward children all year long and many of these are free. With a little planning and creativity, you may not have to hear "I'm bored" one time this summer.

The library is an obvious choice to turn to during the summer. It is air conditioned and you can borrow books, magazines, movies and cd's for free. They also have many programs geared to certain age groups. Our library has special programs for toddlers, preschoolers, grade school age and teens. Contests are run weekly and the summer reading program promotes reading with prizes. The ones who complete the program are rewarded with a party. Our library rents the local pool for a night. It is a total blast! Both kids and parents had a great time. Plus, it helps slow down the summer learning slide that often occurs. Check out your local library for their schedule of activities.

Parks are a great idea for free entertainment. Younger children love the playground equipment and older children can play basketball, baseball or other outdoor sports. It gives them a chance to meet other people their age, while they are getting in some exercise. When it is really hot, our city has free sprinkler parks. The kids can go and play for hours. We have picnic tables set up nearby and are free to bring food with us. The kids can come get a snack whenever they want and we don't have to leave to get lunch. They are open most of the day, from about 9:30am until 8:30pm. The kids stay cool running through the sprinklers and there are plenty of benches for the parents.

Our local art museum has free Saturday morning activities. Admission is free every Saturday. Plus, there is an arts and crafts room for the kids. They not only get to look at the amazing art, but they can create some of their own. My kids could spend all day just in the craft room. Most museums probably do not have a free day, but they may have discounted programs. Our zoo has a membership which is a really good deal for a family.

Each community has its own unique activities. We have a great candy shop where you can watch them make the candy. Of course, you will probably have to buy some before you leave. I know my kids would have a hard time leaving without any candy. You may be able to find something similar in your area. Hopefully, you will find enough for your kids to do so you can make it through one summer without having to hear "I'm bored!".