Growing up in a small town in the 80s and 90s, we didn’t have a lot of options when it came to summer fun. I remember spending time throwing rocks in the lake (which is actually a really popular activity for younger kids and anyone who enjoys skipping rocks). Fast forward to today, and it’s wild how easy it is to spend a small fortune just to entertain yourself or your family—especially if you live in a city. From trampoline parks and amusement parks to cat cafés (yes, you can now pay $20 just to pet cats!), it feels like there’s a price tag on every activity.

And with so many structured activities for kids, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do it all. Every weekend, parents are shuttling kids to museums, festivals, sporting events, and zoos. Social media doesn’t help, either—it can seem like everyone else is out there doing all the things, all the time. The pressure to keep up can add up fast, both emotionally and financially.

But you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a fun, memorable summer. People on tight budgets know this better than anyone. When you’re forced to get creative, you realize just how much joy you can find in simple, free, or cheap summer activities.

Even if you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, being intentional about what you spend on can make a big difference. Pick the activities that truly bring you joy—maybe that’s keeping your zoo membership and skipping a few pricier outings—and fill in the rest with budget-friendly fun.

That’s where this list comes in. Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce stress, or just want more meaningful experiences, I’ve rounded up my favorite free and cheap summer activities for all ages. '

Use these ideas to inspire your summer plans, or keep them handy for those days when you need something fun to do without breaking the bank. Summer memories don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Sometimes, the best ones are free.

Free or Cheap Summer Activities for All Ages

two women hiking in the mountains during summer

Free (or Low-Cost) Outdoor Summer Activities

Visit your local state parks and nature areas
Find a new trail and go hiking or biking
Visit local parks and playgrounds for picnics, games, and exploration
Go swimming at a public beach
Roast hot dogs and marshmallows in the backyard or at a firepit in a park
Make a scavenger hunt of things in your neighborhood. Include families in your area to share the fun
Try geocaching
Fly kites, play frisbee, or get together with other families and friends for a sports game or tournament
Stargaze on clear nights using free astronomy apps
Search for free outdoor concerts and movies near you
Have friends or neighbors over for a drink, BBQ, or potluck.
Find opportunities to volunteer
Go to the library and stock up on new books.
Get a projector and a white sheet and show movies outdoors. Invite neighbors or friends!
Find free admission days to museums or other attractions.
See if your library has a program where you can “check out” free or discounted tickets.
Plan day trips instead of long weekends to save on hotel costs.

girl swinging on swing during the summer

Outdoor Fun for Younger and School-Age Kids

Turn on the sprinkler.
Go to the dollar store and get some water squirters.
Draw pictures with chalk on the sidewalk.
Make a backyard obstacle course.
Time your kids to see how long it takes them to run, skip, or walk backwards around the house.
Go for walks. Let your kids pick the route.
Find a big parking lot of a school or something that is closed and let the kids bike or scooter.
Get an inexpensive inflatable pool.
Collect sticks and build something.
Give your children some cardboard boxes and other recycling and see what they can build.
Practice ball handling skills: dribbling, shooting, kicking, catching, throwing, etc.
Get new outdoor toys or equipment from Facebook Marketplace or local buy/sell groups.
Search for free or cheap summer activities from rec centers, community ed, schools, etc.
Play old-school games like Kick the Can, Capture the Flag, or Four Square.

kids sitting around a table doing art in the summer

Cheap or Free Indoor Activities

Have a dance party.
Let the kids “camp” in a different room of the house.
Build a fort.
Visit free museums in your area.
Check with your local library and community education programs to see what options are being offered this summer.
Write letters to friends and family.
Have an ice cream taste testing.
Have game nights.
Draw, paint, color, sculpt.
Make playdough.
Find art tutorials online and make things.
Learn origami.
Make popsicles, ice cream, or other cold treats.
Put on a play or make a video.

Activities for Teens and Adults

Plant and tend a garden.
Take courses through Khan Academy or other online learning platforms.
Find an online guide to animals or plants in your area and see how many you can find.
Do an online workout or dance video
Learn a new skill or language with free online resources.
Cook or bake something that you normally buy.
Walk or bike around a new neighborhood.
Go on an adventure on public transportation.
Try a Citizen Science project.
Volunteer at animal shelters, food banks, or community events
Organize a book club
Visit farmers' markets and sample fresh, local produce

Wrapping Up: Make This Summer Fun, Affordable, and Memorable

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy the simple things, and create lasting memories without stressing over the cost. Whether you’re a parent juggling busy schedules, a student looking for fun on a budget, or someone who just wants to make the most of the sunny days ahead, free and cheap summer activities can bring joy to every age and stage of life.

Remember, it’s not about doing everything or spending the most—it’s about finding what makes you and your family happy and making space for those moments. Use this list as your go-to resource whenever you need ideas that won’t break the bank but will fill your summer with laughter, adventure, and connection.

If you try any of these activities, I’d love to hear about it! Share your favorite free or cheap summer fun ideas in the comments below, or tag me on social media. Let’s inspire each other to make this summer the most enjoyable (and affordable!) one yet.

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