Summer kids’ activities can give your child the opportunity to try new sports, learn a new craft or hobby, and make new friends. Although every parent wants the best for their child, tough economic times may make it difficult to choose pricey camps and expensive programs. Luckily, many communities have low or reduced cost activities for kids to try over the summer.
Finding Free Kids’ Activities
Free summer activities and programs for kids may be a bit more difficult to find than paid or fee for service camps. Unlike the more expensive types of kids’ programs, budget friendly finds may be one day activities or tied to a special event.
Start your search by browsing local or community periodicals. A community paper may advertise special summer kids programs and local magazines may have kids’ listings. Additionally, community bulletin boards at recreation centers and churches may have flyers or other information pertaining to low cost options.
Another source is the internet. Visit the web pages of local arts, school, sports and recreation organizations to see what activities may be free of charge for the summer. If you aren’t having much luck, or your search is taking too long, try a site that directs you to multiple programs. For example, Kid Matter has links to free programs for kids in many different cities and communities.
Don’t forget to talk to other parents, as well as your child’s school teachers. These individuals may have unique knowledge about fun, free activities that their children have participated in over past summers.
Types of Free Kids’ Summer Activities
Depending on where you live, there may be a variety of free summertime kids’ programs available. Consider some of these organizations or activities as a first choice for your child’s summer fun:
- Libraries: Public libraries often offer story times, game times, clubs, and special children’s program events over the school break. These are typically age graded and may even help your child to get ready for the next academic year.
- Art museums: Many art museums offer free days for kids and/or free children’s activities during the hot summer months. Cool off at the museum and go on an art scavenger hunt adventure or engage in free art making activities.
- Recreation centers: The community rec center can be a great place to meet friends, get some exercise, and relax. Many communities offer reduced prices on kids’ programs, camps, and activities for residents.
- County and state parks: Park programs may range from arts and crafts activities to wilderness hikes and more. Some parks even provide free or reduced cost swimming lessons and sports clubs during the summer months.
Kids’ Summer Scholarships
Parents who are looking for a true summer camp experience for their child, but are on a tight budget, may want to consider a scholarship program.
Camps across the country, from local day programs to extended overnight experiences, may offer a scholarship program for families in need. When reviewing different camps for your child, call the camp (or visit their website) for information on helping you to pay the tuition.
Additionally, many summer camp activities offer an early-bird discount for pre-registration and/or sibling discounts that can factor into your financial choice.
Summer activities for kids don’t have to break the bank. Instead of settling on high priced programs, try some creative thinking and piece together a variety of programs that are free or low cost. If your child simply must go to a specific camp, ask about scholarships or special discounts.
Erica Loop - I am a mother and a professional Arts Educator, teaching visual arts programs to children ages three and up in both museum and school ...
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