Cheap Summer Activities for Young Children

SUMMER! one of the best seasons of the year is here! Keeping little ones busy is a task in itself but when great weather is guaranteed, you need a list of Cheap Summer Activities for Young Children like this one. Here I will share a list of activities for the whole family but with younger children in mind. Let’s take a deep dive into all the ways you can have a NOT SO BUMMER SUMMER with your kids!

CHEAP SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

1.) LIBRARY VISIT

Did you know your local library usually offers a free library card to residents. The library can be a fun place for learning, exploring and more. Not only will getting a library card be a fun experience but discovering new book titles too. Check your libraries calendar for Toddler/Preschool story time and arts and crafts events. Lastly, with your library card you can access library computers and let your little one play educational games.

2.) DIY CAR WASH

Bubbles, Water and Fun! I think yes. What toddler doesn’t love bubbles and water. Grab a bucket, some sponges or towels, soap and let the fun begin. Will your car be spotless, most likely not! But this will be a great experience for your little one to learn something while enjoying the sun, bubbles and having fun!

3.) MAIL A LETTER

Have a loved one who lives far? Or even a sweet neighbor? Let your little one draw a picture, seal it in an envelope. Show them where to write the sender and receiver info and allow them to place the stamp. Take it into your local post office and hand it directly to a postal worker. This will be a fun opportunity for you and your little one! And I bet the lucky person who receives the mail will be thrilled!

4.) TRY A NEW PARK

If you have a park you frequent consider venturing out to a new park, sometimes the new scenery, play structure and experience is enough to make a lasting impression. Be sure to pack an extra change of clothes for your little one when trying a new park. I often find that sometimes different parks have more opportunities to get dirty or wet!

5.) GO TO THE SPLASH PAD

Find a local community splash pad. Often free and ALWAYS fun! I’ve found that the community splash pads are often next door to community parks so be sure to keep that in mind when packing your bags. They also typically have picnic tables near by as the splash pad can be an all day event, especially when located next door to a park. As a mom who always lets my kids run barefoot, if you don’t like that idea be sure to pick up some water shoes to protect your little ones feet because they will definitely want to run and splash in the sun!

6.) MAKE FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE

What is summer without a freshly squeezed cup of lemonade? Anytime we go to amusement parks or any type of ticketed summer event, they sell Lemonade for nearly ten dollars a cup. Skip the over priced lemonade and make some with your little one! All you need is Lemons, Water, Sugar or Honey, Ice (optional) and Love! Making Memories and Lemonade for less than five bucks!

7.) MOVIE NIGHT LIVING ROOM CAMPOUT

Think with me here. Camping but in the living room, lots of blankets, pillows and a movie your toddler will love! Snacks and fun. There isn’t much more to say about this but I know I can’t wait for our next living room campout THIS summer! Feeling Adventurous? Set up a real tent in the living room!!

8.) FEED THE DUCKS

Are we supposed to feed the ducks? . Honestly I’m not sure, but if you are, HERE is an article on how to properly feed them and what to feed them. When I was a little girl, I absolutely loved, feeding the ducks, well…as long as they didn’t get too close to me. This can be a fun experience for little ones but be sure to keep an eye out for any aggressive ducks.

9.)VISIT A FARM

We are located in Texas so this is very possible here. Look up farms near you and if they offer tours or have livestock they are willing to let you see. This trip could be an educational and interactive one! If you live in Texas especially the Houston or College Station area Milk and Honey Ranch is always hosting different events to see their mini cows.

10.) GET A PICTURE WITH BUC-EE (TEXAS EDITION)

Did you know there is a Buc-ee Mascot who comes out on the weekends? My husband and I had never seen this guy until we had children. We honestly assumed Buc-ee just magically appeared when children were there. Then I took my kids during the week and he was no where in sight. After asking management they let me know Buc-ee only comes out on the weekends! The excitement my kids have when they see Buc-ee is unmatched! Honestly Buc-ee’s is like their own Texas Disney experience!

11.) BAKE COOKIES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Do you include your little one when you bake? This is a fun way to include them in the kitchen with a good cause in mind. Bake your favorite cookie recipe, box or bag them up and deliver them to your local Fire Station, Police Station or honestly whoever you think deserves your hard work!

12.) ATTEND AN OUTDOOR MUSIC EVENT

By far one of my favorite childhood memories! Outdoor concerts, typically you can find some free outdoor music events hosted a larger parks in your city. So be sure to go to your local parks website and check their event calendar. If you little one loves to dance to the beat of their own drum they will love this experience.

13.) GO ROLLER SKATING

Did you know skating rinks provide small skates and skating guides to help you teach your little one. Also Skating rinks typically are pretty inexpensive to get in. Just pack a delicious lunch because skating will work up an appetite for sure!

14.) GO TO THE POOL

Grab some pool sandals and head on down to the pool, whether you have a pool at your home. Live in a neighborhood with a pool or choose to visit a friend’s pool. This is one of the best Cheap Summer Activities for Young Children. I always like to mention the importance of water safety especially in reference to young children, especially toddlers. HERE, is a great resource on keeping your children safe in and near the water.

15.) MAKE A PAPER BOAT & SEE IF IT FLOATS

Funny enough, in one of our Curious George books there were VERY detailed instructions on how to build a paper boat. You can use a small bin and fill it with water to create a homemade “river” or put some water in your kitchen sink. Even if your boat sinks, still a super fun activity. Bonus: Let your little one color the boat and put some rubber duckies in the water with it.

16.) FLY A KITE

Believe it or not you can find kites at the dollars or even in the Target “Dollar Spot”. I know the Target dollar spot isn’t a dollar anymore but I believe the kites run about three dollars when in stock. Snag a couple, keep them in your trunk and when the weather is right, enjoy this experience with your little one.

17.) ICE CREAM SHOP VISIT

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! If you find a local handmade mom and pop, ice cream shop that can share their history with you that would make this experience that much better. But if not the local Baskin-Robbins is for sure a go-to for us!

18.) GO TO THE FARMERS MARKET

Always education, ALWAYS fun! Cheap because you aren’t committed to making a purchase, when you go there. But a great opportunity to try different foods, checkout the offerings of local farmers and see all the handcrafted creations. Truly an inspirational trip!

19.) MAKE PLAY DOUGH

A little messy, a lot of fun. HERE is a play dough recipe that will be fun for the whole family! You can use this opportunity to teach your toddler, colors, shapes and so much more!

20.) HULA HOOP

I am no master at Hula Hooping but it is so much fun to try, fail and repeat. Add in a little music and make it that much more fun! Try games like passing the hula hoop to each other while holding hands. Lastly make an obstacle course with hula hoop for your older children.

21.) VISIT A MUSEUM

When planning a museum visit always check Groupon. Honestly to stick with the most reasonably priced options I suggest selecting your museum of choice based off of the museum selections you find on Groupon. If you are open to going later in the day or on a specific day, check your local museums for free days. I know locally some of our museums are free on Thursdays. Inconveniently enough the Children’s Museum is free in the evenings from 5pm-8pm on a specific day which isn’t really helpful when you have small children. So always check Groupon for a seamless Museum visit at a reasonable price.

22.) GO TO A SPORTING EVENT

From Little League Games to World Series! The stadium or the stand can be a fun experience. From the cheering along with the crowd to enjoying a giant pretzel in the stands! This is guaranteed to leave you and your little ones with lasting memories!

23.) EAT A HOT DOG

What is Summer without hot dogs? Host a BBQ at your home or at your local park and grill hot dogs! Bring the Hula Hoop, The Kite and a Bubble Machine! Enjoy some friends and let the fun begin! OR this could be fulfilled at a sporting event experience as well!

25.) SEE FIREWORKS

July is the month where Fireworks are almost always guaranteed! Such a fun and exciting time to see the sky light up! I’ve also found that when my kids see the fireworks before going to bed on holidays like Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve helps them to sleep better through the night. As they aren’t concerned about the noise since they know exactly what it is!

26.) PICNIC

Create a Backyard, Patio or Balcony Picnic. No matter if you live a House or Apartment, You can create an outdoor picnic with a few simple items. A blanket, a homemade or store bought lunch, some crayons and coloring pages. This is an opportunity to take time outside without the distraction of gadgets and be one with nature and relax.

27.) GO TO A NATURE CENTER

Find a local nature center! I swear by this, from leaves to insects and much more! You’ll be there for hours exploring, learning and discovering. I’ve found that most nature discovery centers are free but sometimes parking costs. Check for free parking days and let the discovery begin!

28.) GO TO THE BEACH

Pack your bag with all the beach essentials and grab a sand bucket kit from the dollar store or five below! From building sand castles to burying treasure, this is sure to be a fun-filled day. Other things to do on the beach could be finding sea shells and listening to the ocean!

29.) PICK FRESH FRUIT

Find a local orchard or farm that offers fruit picking. This might be the most expensive Summer Activity on the list as the price per bucket can get pretty pricey depending on where you go! But this is truly a fun experience, not only will your kids learn about how fruit is grown they will get to pick it and taste it’s freshness! I highly suggest prioritizing this at the beginning of the season because the later you go the less fruit there is available to pick.

30.) BUBBLE DANCE PARTY

Did I hear BUBBLES? Did I hear DANCE PARTY? YES!! This is something we like to do for our kids on the morning of their birthdays but is just a fun way to add excitement to your little ones day! You could do this in the backyard! Or turn it into a front yard party and invite your neighbors!

31.) PLAY WITH GLOW STICKS AT NIGHT

Honestly you could incorporate this with the BUBBLE DANCE PARTY listed above or you could hang glow sticks from the shower rod in the bathroom and turn it into a glow in the dark bubble bath party! The world is your oyster when it comes to all the ways you can have glow stick fun!

32.) ROAST MARSHMALLOWS

There are a few ways to execute this! You can roast the marshmallows in your backyard in a fire pit or you can go to your local park and fire up the grill. Use extra long skewer sticks and help your kids roast marshmallows! If you are up for making Smore’s grab some of your favorite chocolate bars and graham crackers!

This concludes my Cheap Summer Activities for Young Children. I know if you stick to this list your kids will have a FUN summer filled with so many memories! The best thing about young children is they don’t expect their summer to be perfect, so don’t feel pressure when it comes to summer plans! Make the most of it you can and change this list of activities to fit your style! Wishing you and your family a happy, safe, fun-filled SUMMER!

xx Classically Faith xx