Michelle My Bell Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 I'm broke. I am going to continue to be broke till at least mid-August. I need some ideas for a fun summer. Simple or complex but all free or nearly free. I know you all are full of ideas and inspiration so please help me out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Movie theaters here have morning weekday movies free. I think they want people to buy popcorn. Walks around the local nature center, sometimes they have docent led activity free. Our libraries have a ton of summer programming. There's at least one special kid thing a week like a reptile show, puppet show or performance free at the local branch. If I wanted I could drive to other branches and participate in their programming too. Our parks have a free summer concert series. An outdoor market area has a summer movie series one night a week, they even give out popcorn free. Bike ride to local schools and try out different playgrounds. I live in a densely populated enough area that there are three schools we could bike ride to and do this, plus there are a lot of trails that go by neighborhood playgrounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Parks. Free days at museums - often on the first Thursday of the month here. (there is a site called freemuseumday.org that lets you search by city). Parks department programs. Often free esp. if you bring snacks and don't use concessions. Library specials - yesterday there was a science "magic" show at our library for free. There are concerts also. Free Shakespeare in the park in some places though they often pass a hat for donations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73349 Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 See if your area has any free art gallery shows/openings cultural festivals museum programs club demos (astronomy, etc.) campfire/story/nature events hiking trails you've never gotten to. At home, you can create obstacle courses craft projects dance parties scary story (or other themed reading) nights birdwatching or firefly count. Traditional kid/teen summer business opportunities: lemonade stand car wash dog wash neighborhood child drop-off and play event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in NY Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 All of Jean's suggestions apply around here.... Shakespeare in the park...LOTS of concerts in parks all over the area ... a huge international jazz fest going on right now with tons of free events. Free tours of the large urban cemetery that are amazing. I never would have believed a cemetery tour could be as fantastic as this one until I went. Geology, history, architecture, politics, horticulture... all in a beautiful park-like setting. Lots of local theater groups giving very low cost summer performances. And our library's summer read program is always wonderful. They run a teen program simultaneously... with book club discussions. Our local astronomy club hosts open houses and free star parties in the local parks around here. Lots of very knowledgeable people in a field with 10 or so large scopes pointed at many cool astronomical objects and willing to tell you all sorts of amazing stuff about them. Add a thermos of hot chocolate and you've got a great night. We LOVE these events and have met some great people this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Free concerts at the park, free summer plays, hiking at area parks and nature preserves, first Friday free activities downtown, free days at museums. Remember to pack water and snacks from home! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 If you have a smartphone I think there is a free Geocaching app. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Seconding all the above plus there is a free summer bowling program, but you may have to pay to rent shoes. Check with your local parks & rec, library, and visitor center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 hiking wilderness camping playing by/in the river state parks+nature centers library programs kayaking (if you or a friend owns boats) Shakespeare in the Park Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Was just looking at this list earlier today. Some might be do-able w/ stuff you already have around your house.... http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/51-budget-backyard-diys-that-are-borderline-genius Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 My favorites are already listed, but wanted to say - don't forget free fireworks on the 4th. We have lots of options for those, here. Several towns near us sponsor movies on the lawn type nights, I think those might have been listed already, but not sure. Biking, rollerskating, scootering, running, camping. Water play in the yard. Crafts at home. Make ice cream or snow cones. Lemonade stand. We are near the Smithsonian, so we do a lot of museum and zoo stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Playing in the creek! Hands down summer favorite here. Obstacle courses in the backyard. Fort building inside. Board games tournament. Volunteering at your favorite local charity. Home Depot building classes for kids. Free days at the art museum. Star Wars movie marathon. Or Jimmy Stewart. Or historical movies. Or .... Have a yard sale. Write and act out a play. Free concerts at parks, churches and universities. Birdwatching and firefly catching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 Get outside and play basketball or catch. Utilize any nice open spaces near you. Library programs. Check the rec center or Y for free programs or fee waivers. Church related activities. Freebowling.com- just find or buy cheap used bowling shoes for everyone so it is truly free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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