40 Fun and Affordable Summer Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained

Summer’s here, and while the kids are thrilled, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. How do you keep them entertained without breaking the bank? It's a common struggle. Kids quickly get bored, and it's easy to feel frustrated or even guilty when you can’t provide endless entertainment. 

You want them to be active, creative, and happy, but the options seem limited. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, feeling like every day is a repeat of the last. But guess what? There is plenty of fun, affordable ways to bust that boredom and make this summer unforgettable.

I’ve got your back with a treasure trove of activities that won’t empty your wallet. 

From outdoor adventures to crafty creations, there’s something here for every kid. Ready to turn this summer into an exciting, memorable adventure for your family? Let’s dive in!

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities are a perfect way to keep kids engaged, active, and happy during the summer. And the best part? Most of these ideas are free or require minimal expense, making them perfect for families on a budget.

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt. Turn your backyard or a local park into an adventure zone. Create a list of items for your kids to find – like a pinecone, a smooth rock, or a feather. Not only is this fun, but it also encourages them to explore and appreciate nature.
2. Backyard Camping. Why not bring the camping experience to your backyard? Pitch a tent, make s’mores, and tell ghost stories under the stars. It’s a mini-vacation without the travel costs.
3. DIY Water Park. Beat the heat with your very own water park. Use a hose, sprinklers, and water balloons for hours of wet and wild fun. You can even set up a slip-and-slide with a tarp and some soap.
4. Sidewalk Chalk Art. Unleash their inner artists with sidewalk chalk. Let them decorate the driveway or sidewalk with colorful drawings and games like hopscotch. Chalk is cheap, and the creative possibilities are endless.
5. Bike Rides. Simple, yet effective. A bike ride around the neighborhood or a nearby trail provides exercise and adventure. It’s a great way to explore new places and enjoy the outdoors.
6. Garden Projects. Get your kids involved in gardening. Whether planting flowers or veggies or creating a small herb garden, they’ll love watching their plants grow. Plus, it’s a great lesson in responsibility and nature.
7. Local Park Adventures. Take advantage of local parks. Many have playgrounds, trails, and open spaces perfect for picnics and games. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day without spending money.
8. Outdoor Sports (Soccer, Frisbee). Organize a friendly game of soccer, Frisbee, or even a DIY obstacle course. These activities are fantastic for building teamwork and keeping kids active.
9. Bug Hunting with Adult Supervision. Grab a jar and go on a bug hunt. See how many different insects your kids can find. It’s educational and fascinating – just make sure to release the bugs afterward!
10. Stargazing Night. When the sun goes down, turn your eyes to the sky. Lay out a blanket and enjoy a night of stargazing. Apps like Star Walk can help you identify constellations and planets, making it both fun and educational.

Indoor Craft Activities

Crafting is a fantastic way to spark creativity and develop fine motor skills in kids. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to use imagination and turn ordinary household items into extraordinary creations. Let’s explore some fun and affordable indoor craft activities that will keep your kids busy and happy.

1. DIY Bird Feeders. Transform empty toilet paper rolls or pinecones into bird feeders. Cover them with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Hang them outside and watch the birds flock. It’s a great way to teach kids about nature and wildlife.
2. Homemade Playdough. Make your own playdough with common kitchen ingredients like flour, salt, water, and food coloring. Kids can mold and shape their creations, providing hours of sensory fun. Plus, it’s non-toxic and much cheaper than store-bought versions.
3. Paper Plate Masks. Turn paper plates into fun masks. Cut out eye holes and let your kids decorate with paint, markers, feathers, and glitter. They can become their favorite animals or characters, sparking imaginative play.
4. Painted Rocks. Collect rocks from outside and paint them with vibrant colors and designs. These can be used as paperweights, garden decorations, or even as part of a rock garden. It’s a simple but satisfying activity.
5. Friendship Bracelets. Teach your kids to make friendship bracelets using colorful embroidery floss. This classic craft not only results in a lovely piece of jewelry but also helps improve hand-eye coordination and patience.
6. Collage Art. Gather old magazines, newspapers, and catalogs. Let your kids cut out pictures and create collages on construction paper. This activity encourages creativity and can be themed around anything from favorite animals to dream vacations.
7. DIY Slime. Kids love slime, and making it at home is easy. Combine glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution. You can add food coloring, glitter, or even small toys for extra fun. It’s a messy but incredibly entertaining project.
8. Recycled Material Sculptures. Use recycled materials like cardboard boxes, bottle caps, and plastic containers to create sculptures. Encourage your kids to think creatively and build robots, animals, or abstract art.
9. Origami. Introduce your kids to the art of paper folding. Start with simple shapes like boats and cranes, and then move on to more complex designs. All you need is paper, and there are plenty of tutorials available on YouTube.
10. DIY Puppets and Puppet Shows. Create puppets using socks, paper bags, or felt. Add googly eyes, yarn hair, and other decorations. Once the puppets are ready, put on a puppet show. It’s a great way for kids to practice storytelling and performance skills.

Cooking and Baking Activities

Cooking and baking with kids is a fantastic way to bond while teaching them valuable life skills. It’s fun, educational, and a great way to introduce concepts like measuring, following instructions, and healthy eating. Here are some simple and safe recipes that your kids will love to help with.

1. Homemade Pizza. Let kids choose their own toppings and decorate their pizzas. Use pre-made dough or make it from scratch together. It’s a delicious and customizable meal.
2. Cookie Decorating. Bake a batch of cookies and set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and candies. Kids can unleash their creativity and enjoy their tasty creations.
3. DIY Popsicles. Mix fruit juices, yogurt, or smoothies and pour them into molds. Freeze and enjoy on a hot day. It’s a healthy and refreshing treat.
4. Smoothie Making. Blend fruits, vegetables, and yogurt to create nutritious smoothies. Kids can pick their favorite ingredients and experiment with different flavors.
5. Simple Baking (Muffins, Cupcakes). Bake muffins or cupcakes together. Let kids mix the batter and decorate with frosting and toppings. It’s a sweet way to spend time together.
6. Healthy Snack Prep. Prepare healthy snacks like fruit kebabs, veggie sticks with dip, or trail mix. Involving kids in snack prep encourages healthy eating habits.
7. Sandwich Art. Turn lunchtime into a creative activity by making fun shapes and faces with sandwiches. Use cookie cutters and colorful veggies to decorate.
8. Pancake Art. Make breakfast exciting with pancake art. Use squeeze bottles to create shapes and designs on the griddle. It’s a fun twist on a classic meal.
9. Mini Cooking Classes. Teach kids basic cooking skills with mini classes. Show them how to measure ingredients, crack eggs, and mix dough. These skills will serve them well in the future.
10. Ice Cream Sundae Bar. Set up an ice cream sundae bar with various toppings, such as fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips. Let kids build their own sundaes for a fun and delicious dessert.

Community and Social Activities

Social interaction and community involvement are essential for children's development. These activities help build social skills, foster friendships and create a sense of belonging. Here are some free or low-cost community activities that will keep kids engaged and socially active this summer.

1. Community Events and Festivals. Check local listings for free community events and festivals. These often include parades, concerts, and fairs that offer fun for the whole family.
2. Playdates and Group Activities. Organize regular playdates with friends or neighbors. Group activities like picnics, games, and crafts can strengthen friendships and provide social interaction.
3. Volunteer Opportunities. Involve kids in community service. Volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or community clean-ups teaches empathy and responsibility while making a positive impact.
4. Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt. Set up a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood. This activity promotes teamwork and exploration while being a fun way to interact with neighbors.
5. Local Sports Teams. Sign up for local sports teams or recreational leagues. Sports foster teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness while providing a social outlet.
6. Outdoor Movie Nights. Attend outdoor movie nights in your community. Many parks offer free screenings during the summer, creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
7. Library Story Hours. Participate in library story hours. These sessions often include interactive storytelling, crafts, and social time, perfect for young children.
8. Community Gardening. Join a community garden project. Gardening together teaches kids about nature, responsibility, and teamwork while beautifying the neighborhood.
9. Art Classes. Look for free or low-cost art classes at community centers or local museums. These classes nurture creativity and provide a space for social interaction.
10. Local Farm Visits. Visit local farms for educational tours and hands-on experiences with animals and agriculture. These visits are both fun and educational, offering unique social experiences.

Looking to exchange more ideas to plan a fun, yet affordable, summer for your kids? Join the TBM Family Group on Facebook to connect with other like minded moms!