There are many summer activities you can do when going out to events, but sometimes the cost can add up quickly! Here I’ve compiled a list of 50 FREE or low-cost summer activities to do alone or with your friends and family.
There’s so many fun summer activities for low cost that you could plan a summer activity for every day before school starts!
Beginning with first 50
- Build with lego bricks.
Create buildings and scenes using this timeless building bricks. This can provide hours of creativity for indoor summer fun. - Fly kites.
On a windy day, try flying a kite you bought or made yourself!
- Walk a dog.
If you don’t own a dog, try volunteering at a local shelter to give the animals some exercise and make a few new friends.
- Try a new food and write a review.
Play pretend food critic! Try a new cuisine or ingredient you haven’t yet and record your thoughts on it. If eating in a group, you could take turns sharing your thoughts. - Get a penpal.
The art of letter writing is not dead! There are several sites online to find a new penpal either locally or around the world.
- Play charades.
The silent guessing game is a group play classic.
- Make friendship bracelets.
You can use string, beads, or other materials to create special keepsakes.
- Grow seeds.
Starting an herb, flower, or vegetable garden can be a rewarding process! Start some seedlings and see how they grow!
- Host a garage sale.
Turn all the extra unused items in your house and garage into cash! Clean out and plan a garage sale to clear the clutter.
- Make a fairy garden.
Play pretend and make quaint fairy gardens from flower pots, stumps, or found objects.
- Play in sprinklers.
When it’s just too hot to bother, make like a kids and crank up the sprinklers to run though and cool off. - Do a carwash.
Host a carwash for summertime fun with plenty of water. Bonus points for raising funds for a charity of your choice.
- Bake a treat.
I recommend this activity in the mornings so the oven doesn’t heat the whole house. Fresh cookies are always a welcome treat to share.
- Visit a thrift store or antique store.
Find something old and guess what it was used for or where it came from. If visiting with a friend, you could make a challenge to find the coolest item or make each other outfits with a budget.
- Learn a few yoga moves.
Clear your mind and stretch out your body with some simple yoga moves. You can find tutorials on Youtube.
- Have a picnic in the livingroom or backyard.
Picnics can be as simple or extravagant as you wish! Invite one or more friends for a festive summer soiree.
- Do a DIY spa night.
Purchase spa products to try or make your own with recipes from Pinterest.
- Get donuts!
Fresh hot donuts are a sweet summertime treat.
- Visit a museum and get a souvenir.
Museums are the best for both air conditioning and learning! Find your favorite display and maybe get a memento to remember it.
- Get supplies and do a science experiment.
Whether it’s a baking soda volcano or mentos in a coke bottle, summertime science experiments can be a blast!
- Recreate old photos.
Take a stroll down memory lane and recreate fun memories. It will be fun to look back on in 5 or more years.
- Have a slumber party.
Plan a fun night with games, snacks, and a movie or stories.
- Attend a local event.
Find local events through facebook or community organizations.
- Go for a drive without a map.
Let it be a surprise where you end up.
- Go see a play.
Check with a local playhouse or theater company to see if they are performing.
- Make a time capsule.
Include a letter, some photos, and a few objects to commemorate. - Start a book club.
Invite other book lovers to read the same book over the summer and compare thoughts.
- Have breakfast for dinner.
Flip the menu and try making breakfast favorites at dinnertime. - Make a bird feeder.
Treat your neighborhood birds to a feast and have fun watching them.
- Go mini-golfing.
Try your hand at mini golf and make a bet who wins.
- Create an obstacle course.
Make it as silly or complicated as you wish – just have fun!
- Go fishing.
This is a relaxing pastime even if you don’t catch anything!
- Learn a magic trick.
Always have a fun magic trick for parties or to impress new friends.
- Check hardware stores for free classes.
Sometimes home improvement stores put on classes where you can create a craft to take home.
- Host a potluck.
Invite a group over where everyone brings a dish.
- Go for a hike.
Get outside and enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and wildflowers.
- Have a neighborhood block party/cookout.
If you live in a neighborhood with other families, this is a fun way to change up your routine and make new friends.
- Have a lipsync contest.
Record your lipsync battles to watch and laugh at later.
- Make a memory board or scrapbook page.
Use pictures, art supplies, stickers, or anything you wish to make a page.
- Do mystery taste-testing.
Have fun with mystery foods and compete to see who can name the most.
- Visit an animal sanctuary.
Learn about some wildlife and take some cool pictures.
- Make ice cream sundaes.
Summer wouldn’t be complete without ice cream. To make it more extravagant, add toppings like sprinkles, cherries, and whip cream.
- Read a book.
Nothing says relaxing like laying in a hammock reading a great novel.
- See a drive in movie.
Go old school with themed outfits and popcorn.
- Have a dance party.
Break out of your shell and have a dance off.
- Follow a painting tutorial.
You can find some painting tutorials on Youtube.
- Go birdwatching.
Birdwatching is a fun summer activity that requires patience, but is exciting to see how many different species there are in your area.
- Paint rocks for people to find.
Painted rocks is a fun surprise. Color with waterbased paint and use nature, animals, or words for a fun touch.
- Have a scavenger hunt.
Make a list of some easy and some difficult items. You can assign points, and even have a prize at the end if you wish.
- Build a cardboard town.
Pick up extra boxes from your local appliance or hardware stores. Tape them together to make a fort with doors and windows.
Still with us? Now Over to another 51
Summer is here! And what better way to spend your days off than enjoying the outdoors?
Whether you live near the ocean, lake, or mountains, spending time outside has its benefits. Here are 51 low to no-cost summer activities you can do without breaking the bank.
#1. Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities. If you don’t have access to a fishing spot nearby, you can still fish right in your backyard. All you need is a pole, bait, and water.
#2. Play Basketball
Basketball is another favorite pastime for kids and adults alike. There are plenty of places to play basketball indoors and outdoors.
#3. Swim
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and relaxation. Swimming pools are available everywhere, and you can swim anywhere, too.
#4. Hike
Hiking is a great activity to do with your children. They can learn about nature while exploring the woods and hillsides.
#5. Camp Out
Camping is a wonderful way to connect with nature. Bring your sleeping bag and tent, and head to a campground.
#6. Bike Ride
Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside. Bikes come in various sizes, so you can find something that works for you.
#7. Visit Museums
Museums offer a wide variety of exhibits and displays. Some museums allow visitors to bring their pets, too.
#8. Watch Movies
Watch movies under the stars. Movie theaters often provide blankets and chairs for movie goers.
#9. Cookout
Cookouts are a great way to spend time with family and friends. Everyone loves food, especially when it’s served outdoors.
#10. Picnic
Picnics are a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. Pack a cooler full of snacks and drinks, and head to a park or public area.
#11. Play Frisbee
Play frisbee with your kids. Frisbees are inexpensive and lightweight, so you can easily pack them in your car.
#12. Take a Walk
Take a walk in the neighborhood. Walking is a great way to burn calories and improve your health.
#13. Garden
Plant flowers and vegetables in pots and planters. Gardening is relaxing and therapeutic.
#14. Read Books
Read books under the shade of trees. Reading is a great way to unwind after a busy week.
#15. Make Crafts
Make crafts such as birdhouses, wreaths, and scarecrows. Kids love crafting projects, and they’re a great way to pass time together.
#16. Explore Nature
Explore nature trails and parks. These areas are filled with interesting plants and animals.
#17. Volunteer
Volunteer your time to help others. Volunteering provides opportunities to give back to society.
#18. Workout
Work out in the gym or outdoors. Working out helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
#19. Paint
Paint houses, fences, and walls. Painting is a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself.
#20. Plan a Party
Plan a party for your neighbors and friends. Invite everyone over for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.
#21. Plant Flowers
Planting flowers is a great way to beautify your yard. Choose colorful flowers that attract butterflies and bees.
#22. Learn About History
Learn about history. Find out where your ancestors came from and what life was like in times gone by.
#23. Build a Snowman
Build a snowman with your child. It’s fun to watch him create his masterpiece.
#24. Go on a Road Trip
Go on a road trip with your family. You’ll have lots of fun seeing new sights along the way.
#25. Have a Sleepover
Have a sleepover at a friend’s house. This will be a lot of fun because you get to hang out with your best friend.
#26. Play Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek is a classic game that kids love playing. If you want to play this game outside, make sure there aren’t any dangerous items nearby.
#27. Bake Cookies
Bake cookies with your kids. Children love baking, and they’ll appreciate all of the hard work you put into making these treats.
#28. Visit an Art Museum
Visit art museums and galleries. They feature beautiful paintings, sculptures, and other artwork.
#29. Ride a Horse
Ride a horse through the countryside. Riding horses is a wonderful experience.
#30. Play Candyland
Play candyland with your children. The board game has simple rules and is easy to learn.
#31. Watch a Movie
Watch movies with your kids. Movies provide hours of entertainment.
#32. Cook Dinner Together
Cook dinner together. Cooking is a bonding activity that brings families closer together.
#33. Create a Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt for your kids. Give each player clues about where to find something hidden around the house.
#34. Play Board Games
Board games are a great way to spend quality time together. Playing board games can also teach your kids valuable lessons about teamwork, problem solving, and more.
#35. Play Catch
Catch baseballs, footballs, and soccer balls with your kids. Playing catch teaches them how to throw and catch objects.
#36. Read Books
Read books to your kids. Reading is a great pastime for parents and their children.
#37. Take a Walk
Take a walk with your kids. Walking is a great form of exercise that strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health.
#38. Play Uno
Uno is a card game that’s perfect for kids. It’s a fast-paced game that requires quick thinking and concentration.
#39. Make a Craft
Make crafts with your kids. Kids enjoy crafting projects because it gives them a chance to use their imagination.
#40. Play Parcheesi
Parcheesi is a popular board game that’s played throughout the world. It’s a good game to play with your kids.
#41. Play Frisbee
Frisbees are a favorite among kids. They’re lightweight and easy to toss around.
#42. Play Bingo
Bingo is another fun game for kids. It’s similar to scrabble but instead of letters, players mark off numbers on a bingo card.
#43. Play Cornhole
Cornhole is a fun outdoor game for kids. Players take turns throwing bean bags or golf tees at a target.
#44. Play Ring Toss
Ring toss is a fun game for kids. Two teams compete against one another by tossing rings onto a tee.
#45. Play Chutes and Ladders
Chutes and ladders is a classic board game that’s been enjoyed for generations. It’s a fun game for kids to play.
#46. Go Camping
Go camping with your family. Camping provides opportunities for bonding and learning experiences.
#47. Build a Sandcastle
Build sandcastles with your kids. This is a fun project that will keep them entertained for hours.
#48. Play Jenga
Jenga is a classic building block game that’s been enjoyed since ancient times. It’s a fun challenge for kids.
#49. Play Hide & Seek
Hide and seek is a classic game that’s always entertaining. You’ll never get bored playing hide and seek.
#50. Play Marco Polo
Marco polo is a great game for kids. It involves traveling from place to place while trying not to be caught.
#51. Play Twister
Twister is a fun game for all ages. It’s a simple game that anyone can learn in minutes.
The best thing about being a parent is watching your child grow up before your eyes. From the first day they were born until now, you’ve watched your little ones develop into amazing people. And as much as you love seeing them become independent adults, there’s nothing like having them stay home with you.
