Ten No-Cost or Low-Cost Summer Activities for Kids

With summer in full swing, it’s hard to forget that the new school year will be here before you know it. Now that I am older, I look back on some of my favorite memories from childhood and think everyone should do this. Here are ten no cost or low-cost summer activities for kids.

Play frisbee– Very few of my students know how to throw a frisbee these days. Learning to master the correct flick of the wrist is a fun challenge. Once your child gets the hang of it, consider purchasing a glow-in-the-dark frisbee or one with flashing lights to add extra excitement.

Roast marshmallows or make s’mores– There’s something magical about a campfire. And roasting marshmallows? A classic move. If you don’t have access to the outdoors, you can plop marshmallows on a parchment-lined baking sheet and, monitoring closely, broil them for about a minute. This summer, we substituted Recess Peanut Butter Cups for the chocolate and—oh! What a treat!

Fly a kite– Again, very few of my students have ever flown a kite. You can pick one up a small one for only a few dollars.

Go for a hike – Slap on the sunscreen and pick a local park for your destination. You can make your trek extra fun by making it a photo scavenger hunt too. Kids can snap pictures of plants and insects they find.

Go on a picnic—You can pair this activity with going for a hike. The web has links to numerous ideas and recipes to make this event kid friendly.

Build a pillow fort—No explanation needed for this one…right?!

Have a board game pajama party marathon—Make some popcorn, put on your fuzzy slippers, and hunker down for a night of board games, dice game, card games, you name it! No electronic games allowed. When the lights go down, you can roll out the sleeping bags and play by flashlight.

Run through the sprinklers—Even if you have a pool, there’s something special about sprinting through the sprinklers. If you live in an apartment, you might substitute a squirt gun fight instead.

Attend a VBS program at your local church—Smiles abound during these typically week-long themed Vacation Bible School programs. Most churches offer these camps for no cost. Kids sing songs, watch skits, make crafts, eat snacks, and, of course, learn about God. Many end with a program that parents can attend.

Visit your local library—Libraries often have summer reading programs that offer prizes to children who participate. While you are there, you can request titles of books you want to see. Or order your favorite books online. Read at least one out loud per night. Nothing beats a bedtime story! Check out some or our books by our blog authors by visiting our author spotlight.

I’m sure there are many other stimulating and affordable ideas out there. Please feel free to share them in the comments below so everyone can benefit!

Until later!

Lori Z. Scott

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