10 Jun Summer Break Fun on a Budget

If you’re looking for some fun things to do this summer, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or stray very far from home. Here are some ideas for free or low-cost activities to try as a family or with friends.

Go outdoors

Check your newspaper or local bulletins and websites for community events such as festivals, outdoor concerts, famer’s markets or other events.

Get outdoors with a nature walk, scavenger hunt or Geocaching, ride bikes, go fishing or fly kites as a family.

Camping or picnic lunches at your local park or even in your backyard can be fun!

Head to your neighborhood playground or community pool for a change of scenery, or decorate your driveway or sidewalk with sidewalk chalk art. 

Stay Inside

If you prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of things to do!

Have a craft day, hold a weekly “family game night” or movie night or have lessons on things like cooking, baking, sewing or even learning a new language together as a family.

Many museums, aquariums and zoos have free virtual tours that can be a lot of fun, as well as an educational experience. 

Try Something New

For something a little different, you could hold a rummage sale, find a fun place to volunteer together as a family or even make a time capsule!

Visit your local library for good books, movies, music, games or other items from our Library of Things like our yard games or metal detectors. Also, check out our Library calendar for fun activities all summer long!

Summer break on a budget doesn’t have to be boring!

Check out these books and more at our library for more fun ideas.

Get outside guide : all things adventure, exploration, and fun! by Nancy Honovich

1000 hours outside : activities to match screen time with green time by Ginny Yurich

The Summer Bucket List for Kids by Michelle Snow

Written by Adrian C., Youth Services Library Assistant