18 free (or cheap) summer activities for kids

When you're stir-crazy indoors and it's too hot to play outside, your town's splash pad might be an actual oasis. Search online for splash pads and spray parks near you, and don't forget the sunscreen. 

On a hot summer day, there's nothing better than cooling off in the water. If you don't have a pool, you can still break out the sprinklers or even just the water hose and a bunch of water guns for DIY splash pad of your own in the backyard. 

Take advantage of the sunny weather this summer and make a plan to see your city's parks and green spaces. Spend a little time researching new parks to visit, then make a list of the ones you definitely want to check out before school starts again. 

Most local libraries offer tons of programming for kids during the summer, from storytime for little ones to book clubs for YA readers. Check your library's website for a calendar events, most of which will be free or low-cost to attend. 

In art terms, painting "en plein air" simply means painting outside, but "en plein air" definitely sounds fancier to kids, right? Grab some watercolors, paper, and head out into the great outdoors to explore this technique used by greats like Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. 

Local churches, organizations like the YMCA, and cities often host day camps that are surprisingly inexpensive — or free — for children to attend for a few hours each day. Most involve crafts, sports, and other activities, making them a great way to keep kids busy on long summer days. 

If your kid's not sure what kind of after-school activity they'd like to try next year, spend the summer checking out various types of classes and activities. Often, you can find instructors who offer their first art, karate, or piano lesson for free, which means that your child can try before you have to buy a bunch of gear. 

When the summer routine is feeling a little boring, spice up your lunch plans! Pack sandwiches and sides in a basket, then spread out a blanket in the backyard — or in your favorite local park. If the weather is really nice, consider bringing a book. (And, if it's too hot to eat outside where you live, you can totally have an indoor picnic.) 

Both air-conditioned and full of new things to learn, museums are a great summer destination. Many museums offer discounted admission to families on certain days, while others offer free access to their permanent collections year-round. 

If it's not too hot outside, a hike is the perfect way to spend a summer day. Check AllTrails for kid-friendly hikes in your area, and don't forget to pack plenty of snacks and water. 

If your kids are old enough, spending a little time volunteering at a food bank, animal rescues or other nonprofit you love can be seriously good for the soul. Reach out to the organization to find out what their volunteer guidelines are (some may require vetting or specific training) and make a plan to spend a few days helping others. 

Kids love to get dirty, and gardening is a great way to put that impulse to good use. Whether you're just trying to grow a window herb garden or want to delve into orchid maintenance, taking care of plants is both a fun hobby and a great way to teach responsibility. 

Libraries, community centers, and organizations like the YWCA host various clubs that appeal to a wide range of kids. From chess club to board game groups, there's definitely a group out there that will appeal to your little ones — and keep them busy for at least a few hours each week. 

Most municipalities offer a wide range of recreational facilities, from tennis courts to swimming pools, that are accessible to the public. And most of these facilities host classes and other events that are free or low-cost. 

If your kids are bored, chances are that there are other bored kids in the neighborhood looking for something to do. Reach out to parents in your neighborhood to set up a rotating playgroup, so each set of grown-ups can get a little extra free time while the kids stay entertained. 

On the first Saturday of each month, Home Depot hosts free kids' craft workshops from 9 a.m. to noon. Other stores, like craft retailer Michaels, offer similar workshops. Check out your store's website for more details on each activity. 

A trip to the movies isn't as cheap as it used to be, but matinees are still a budget-friendly alternative to the 7 p.m. showing. You could also see if your theatre offers any discount screenings of older films just for kids. 

Geocaching involves using GPS coordinates to search for (and leave your own) hidden items in various locations. Download the Geocaching app, then gather up the family for an adventure. 

From the Denver Zoo to the Fort Worth Zoo, many zoos across the country offer free or heavily discounted entry to kids and families during the summer. Find out when those days are at your zoo, and plan to spend a day among the animals. 

This sport, which looks a lot like tennis, is currently the fastest-growing in the country. Pickleball courts are popping up all over, many of which are easily accessible at city parks and tennis courts. Grab a couple of cheap paddles on Amazon, and game on!