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8 Fun, Cheap and Free Summer Activities & Ideas

May 20, 2016 by Lisa Park + Leave a Comment

Fun, Cheap and Free Summer Activities

I am so excited for summer and am looking forward to doing activities with my kids. Recently I had a friend ask me about easy, fun, cheap and free activities that she could do with the kids during the summer, so I’ve compiled a list of what you can do with your kids this summer that won’t cost you too much money.

1.) Kid’s Movie Clubs

cinemark summer movie clubhouse

Cinemark Theaters has the Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse where you can see kid-friendly movies all summer long for inexpensive.  And all movies are rated G or PG. To get the tickets, go to the ticket office the day you are seeing your first movie and you can purchase a punch pass. Parents and kids all get in for the same price. Head over to Summer Movie Clubhouse to see which Cinemark movie theaters are participating near you.

 

Regal Theaters 2016 Movies
Regal Theaters also has a kid’s movie club called Summer Movie Express where kids movies are also inexpensive. The movies are G & PG. Just purchase the tickets at the box office. Head over here to see if there is a theater near you and to find out what movies will be playing.

2.) Kids Bowl Free

Kids Bowl Free Logo

Register your children at KidsBowlFree.com to receive two free games of bowling for each of your children daily during the summer. Keep in mind that you do have to pay for the shoe rental. To see which bowling alleys are participating near you, head over here.

3.) Kids Skate Free

 

kids skate free

Select skating rinks across the country are offering a Kids Skate Free program this summer.  Head over here and pick your state to see if there is a participating skating rink in your area. Most ages that can skate free are 12 and younger. Keep in mind that you will have to pay for skate rentals. Not all states have this program set up, and unfortunately there isn’t a participating skating rink in Utah.

 

4.) Fun & Frugal Summer Activities for Kids

summer activities for kids
If you just want to stay at home and do some fun activities with your kids, try out these Fun & Frugal Summer Activities for Kids.

 

5.) Free Movies in the Park & Concerts

Check to see if your city holds free movies in the park or free concerts during the summer. Many city websites will have information about activities during the year.

6.) Making Expensive Activities More Affordable

If you want to make expensive activities more affordable, then watch deal sites, such as Groupon and Living Social, to find deals on passes or activities in your area.
Pass of all passes
For those of you in Utah, if you want to purchase Seven Peaks Pass of All Passes, Cowabunga Bay passes or a Salt Lake Connect Pass, then watch these deal sites before you go out and purchase passes so you can get a better deal. The venues include the following: Seven Peaks, The Haunted Attic at Seven Peaks, The North Pole at Seven Peaks, BYU, U of U, Real Salt Lake, Rocky Mountain Raceways, Tracy Aviary, Utah Grizzlies and more.
Salt Lake Connect Pass

If you want to see the major attractions in Salt Lake City, then purchase a Salt Lake Connect Pass. The Salt Lake Connect Pass is activated the first time you use it and remains active for the number of consecutive days purchased. If you watch Groupon, or Living Social, then you might find a better deal and not have to pay full price. The pass allows you to visit as many of the 13 major Salt Lake City attractions as you like while the Connect Pass is active (but you are limited to only one (1) visitation at each participating attraction). Attractions include Red Butte Garden, This Is The Place Heritage Park, Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, Olympic Park, Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway, and more.

 

cowabunga bay

If you want to save money going to Cowabunga Bay Water Park, then here are a few options:

  • Pay for the time you need by purchasing a 4-hour pass. If you have young kids and don’t want to commit to a full day, this is an affordable option. Kids 2 and under are free.
  • If you go after 5 p.m., the price is less expensive. The park closes at 7 p.m. most night, so this is an option if you only want to be there a few hours.
  • Purchase tickets from a deal site such as Groupon to get a Cowabunga season pass.

 

7.) Free Local Attractions & Activities

Check with your city or ask friends and neighbors if there are free local attractions and activities in your area. This could be going to a museum, gallery, parks or monuments. There are a few free historic sites in my area that I haven’t visited yet, and I’m looking forward to going with my family this summer.

Visit Salt Lake Larger LogoIf you live around the Salt Lake area, Visit Salt Lake has a list of free activities and things to do around Salt Lake such as visiting the Beehive House, City Creek Canyon, Pioneer Memorial Museum, Governor’s Mansion and Historic Temple Square.

 

8.) Free Summer Reading & Library Programs

scholastic book summer reading

To give your kids an incentive to keep reading this summer, here is a list of free summer reading programs.

Barnes & Noble – Children can earn a FREE book after reading 8 books and keeping track of them in a reading log.

Book Adventure – After your child reads a book, they take a 10-minute quiz to make sure they understood what they read. They earn points based on how much they remember from reading the book. There are hundreds of books to choose from in all reading levels. Once they have earned enough points they can trade them in for prizes.

Books-a-Million – After reading four approved books, recording in a journal what they learned, and turning the journal in to a local store, a child will receive a FREE gift.

Half Price Books – Kids ages 14 and under can earn a $5 HPB Back-to-School Bucks gift card for reading 300 minutes and turning in their completed reading log.

Scholastic Summer Challenge –  Log your reading minutes at the Scholastic site and your child will be able to participate in a World Record challenge, as well as earn prizes.

 

Many public libraries offer summer reading programs, story time, and other activities throughout the summer, so be sure to check with your local library. Here are some in the Utah area:

Salt Lake County Summer Reading – Salt Lake County Library has a big summer reading program from June through July.

Salt Lake City Library Summer Reading – All Salt Lake City library locations have a Summer Reading Tracker for kids to record their reading and earn fun prizes every month. The libraries also have fun events all summer long.

Utah State Fair Read and Win Reading Program – Children ages 6-12 who read 10 books and fill out and mail in the reading record form on the Utah State Fair site can get a FREE ticket to the Utah State Fair in September and a voucher for one free carnival ride and a small lemonade.

Provo City Library Summer Reading – Sign up and set a goal with the Provo City Library summer reading program to earn prizes. There are also summer activities and an end-of-summer party.

 

What other fun, cheap or free activities have you done with your family? Comment below and let us know!

 

 

Summer Activities for Kids

Filed Under: Activities for Children, Family & Home, Frugal, Frugal Ideas

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Hello, I'm Lisa

I enjoy teaching people how to live frugally so they can live within their means while still enjoying and doing the things in life that matter most to them. I'm here sharing tips about budgeting, saving money, meal planning, simple recipes, and more.

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Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
Every January I choose a few places in my home tha Every January I choose a few places in my home that are unorganized and are "problem areas" that are messy. I then figure out how I can organize the area and make it more functional. 

This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
For those of you needing last-minute friend and ne For those of you needing last-minute friend and neighbor gifts, here are a few ideas:

- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert
Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
Every January I choose a few places in my home tha Every January I choose a few places in my home that are unorganized and are "problem areas" that are messy. I then figure out how I can organize the area and make it more functional. 

This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
For those of you needing last-minute friend and ne For those of you needing last-minute friend and neighbor gifts, here are a few ideas:

- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert
Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinne Making these shredded beef tacos tonight for dinner. It took me less than 10 minutes to put it in the crock pot. It will cook for 8-9 hours, and then I'll shred it and serve it with tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, fresh onions, sour cream, and limes.

Message me or use the link below to get the recipe.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/09/26/the-best-crock-pot-shredded-beef-tacos/

#shreddedbeef #beeftacos #shreddedbeeftacos #tacos #tacotuesday #easydinner #easy Dinners #simpledinner #simpledinners #crockpot #crockpotmeals #crockpotbeef
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day treat to If you are looking for a Valentine's  Day treat to make for the kids or other loved ones, this Valentine's bark is an easy no-bake recipe.

The link to the recipe is below or you can message me. Do you have a Valentine's Day treat you make every year?

https://savingcentbycent.com/2022/01/31/easy-valentines-bark-recipe/

#valentines #valentinesdessert #valentinesbark #valentinesday #valentinesdaybark #valentinesdaydessert #valentinesdesserts #valentinestreat #valentinesdaytreats 
#valentinesdaydessert #bhgfood #valentinesrecipes
Every January I choose a few places in my home tha Every January I choose a few places in my home that are unorganized and are "problem areas" that are messy. I then figure out how I can organize the area and make it more functional. 

This week I tackled our clothes closet. (Swipe left to see how unorganized it was. 😳) The top shelf was really messy. I ordered some clothes containers online that weren't too expensive.  I then sorted through all the clothes, packed away clothes and bags that were not being used and taking up space, and refolded the clothes that were still being used.

The closet looks so much better! And my husband likes it too. 😀  You can see more of what I did in my Instagram stories or by going to the "Closet Organize" highlight bubble.

#organize #closetorganization #closet #closetideas #closetorganizer #closetorganizers #closetorganize #closetorganized #organization #closetbins #closetorganizing #closetorganizationideas #closetorganizationtips
This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorit This Tropical Green Smoothie is one of our favorite family smoothies. I'll admit that I don't love too many green smoothies, but this one tastes delicious. The banana, pineapple and almond milk give it a good flavor. 

If you are trying to eat a little better, this is a recipe you'll want to add to your book of recipes. The link to the recipe is in my profile.

https://savingcentbycent.com/2019/01/15/tropical-green-smoothie/

#greensmoothie #greensmoothies #smoothie #smoothierecipes #smoothies #healthysmoothies #healthysmoothie #healthysmoothierecipe #healthysmoothierecipes #smoothierecipe
For those of you needing last-minute friend and ne For those of you needing last-minute friend and neighbor gifts, here are a few ideas:

- Popcorn Neighbor Gift Idea
- Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Dishwashing Liquid Gift Idea
- Dish Towel and Wash Cloth Gift Idea

Message me for the links to the posts. Are you ready for Christmas or do you have more things to prepare?

#lastminutegift #lastminutegifts #lastminutegiftideas #lastminutegiftidea #friendgift #friendgifts #neighborgifts #neighborgift
So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe So many yummy holiday desserts and recipes! Swipe left to check out all the recipes.

- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Hot Chocolate Cookies with Marshmalllows
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies
- Christmas Cookie Bars
- Glazed Cinnamon Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread House Frosting

Message me for any of these recipes.

#christmascookies #christmasdesserts #christmastreat #cookies #cookiesforsanta #cookie #cookierecipe #cookierecipes #holidaycookies #holidaycookie #holidaydessert #holidaydessert

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