Free or Cheap Summer Kids Activities

Cheap or Free Kids Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers - Preschoolers and toddlers are constantly on the move. This makes summer the perfect time to get them out of the house and engaged in fun free kids' activities. Take your toddlers or preschoolers to a playground. Many children will be outside taking advantage of the free equipment that can entertain young children for hours. They can enjoy climbing, running, and socializing with other children. You can also pack a picnic lunch.

Turn on the sprinkler and let your young children run through it. You can water your lawn at the same time.

Take your children to a nearby farm. They can watch the animals and help you choose fresh produce.

Visit a pet store. Ask an employee to take a puppy out of a cage and watch your child play with it. Take your time examining fish, reptiles, and other animals. Best of all, your kids can enjoy this free activity in any weather.

Visit an arboretum. Some arboretums are free and others are only a few dollars. Explore beautiful plants, take a hike along a pretty trail, or see if the facility offers kid-friendly classes or special events.

Contact your local library. Most libraries offer free or low cost story readings, craft projects, and classes. Find out what free preschool or toddler activities are available. Activities may require advanced registration.

Check your local bookstore's schedule. Some bookstores have story readings, bring in authors, and have simple skits or crafts. See what is offered in your neighborhood.

Cheap or Free Activities for Kids Six and Above

Contact your township to see what is offered. Some townships have free or low cost movies in the park or concerts.

Grab an inexpensive fishing rod and some bread. Your child may love fishing at the local pond or bring some stale bread and feed the local ducks. Bring a snack and some music.

Go to a park and take a scavenger hunt hike. Give your child a list of items to find as you walk along a trail. A black rock, an acorn, a red bird,or a perfectly formed leaf are just a few things to find. If you pass a pond, practice skimming rocks across it.

Learn about the community. Contact the ambulance corp or the local fire department. If they know you are coming, they are usually more than happy to tell your children about what they do. Sometimes your child can even meet the fire dog or see a vehicle leave with its siren flashing.

Cheap or Free Activities for Kids Ten or Above

Contact your local bank and take your child to open an account. Often a representative will explain how the account works and explain what the bank does. Come home and explore an educational website to reinforce what your child has learned about banking.

Teach your child chess. Many libraries offer free classes.

If you belong to a swim club, ask if there is a swim team. Often joining is included in the price of the membership and practices and meets will keep your children busy most mornings. Plus, they will get to socialize with other children. Some clubs offer complimentary tennis lessons too.

Contact your local craft or home improvement store. They often offer free classes just for children. Get a schedule and sign up in advance.

Go to a grand opening at a nearby market. Children of all ages love sampling food. They may have music and raffles too.

Read the paper and check for township fairs and community college festivals. Plan your days in advance so you can take advantage of what is available.

Talk about the activities so your children anticipate them before you go. Plan an outing with another child and be flexible if the weather does not cooperate. Free and inexpensive activities will help make your child have a wonderful summer and help fill your days without emptying your wallet.