Summer is pretty much here! Kids are out of school and most parents are trying to find ways to keep their kids occupied. I am starting to prep for our summer bucket list and since I am doing “a no spend year” I had to find free or really really cheap activities. While researching I noticed that most summer bucket lists contain so many things that cost money. When you have multiple kids it can really add up. When brainstorming my family’s summer bucket list I specifically focused on free activities outdoors. I also have a free printable below to do your own summer bucket list.
Here is what I came up with while brainstorming.
- The park. This one may seem obvious but this summer I am going to focus on parks we have never been to. A new place for the kids to explore and make new memories. I want to go to 3-5 new parks this summer.
- Hiking. I will probably only do a couple of hikes in town with the kids. We live in a desert area and it’s just not a ton of fun hiking in sandy dirt surrounded by tumbleweeds in the blazing heat.
- Nature Trails/Preserves. Not all areas have these but we do have a couple in town.
- Flower garden/botanical garden. We do have a free rose garden in town that I think we will stop by this summer.
- Harvest a garden. This one is only free if you already have a garden. If you don’t maybe a friend or family member has one where your kids can harvest some of the fresh produce. It’s a great learning opportunity. So far we have harvested lettuce, snow peas, snap peas, and strawberries from our garden. Soon we will have tomatoes, squash, peppers, okra, corn, basil and more!
- Outdoor DIY projects. I know we will at least do a few of these activities. The only one I currently have planned is a bird feeder made from a toilet paper roll.
- Make Popsicles. This is also an activity that I would do outside because it can get messy. Our favorite popsicles are just yogurt with some berries in it.
- Picnic Lunch. This can be done in the yard or even at a park but make it exciting. Throw in a special treat, listen to some fun music and incorporate some activity to go along with it.
- Splash Pads. I am not sure if everyone has these or if they are free to everyone. We have quite a few of these in town and my kids love them but be weary of the vendors that sell ice cream and snow cones. I always try and prep my kids before we go so they know we aren’t buying any and can have a popsicle at home.
- Camping. In the backyard or at a free site. Free Campsites is a website that will show you where there are free sites. This activity is only free if you already have the camping stuff available to you. Even if you just do it in the backyard it will still be memorable for your kids!
- Stargazing. While you are camping be sure and check out the star or even just let the kids stay up late one night to enjoy the stars.
- Backyards of friends or family. When you take your kids to a friend’s backyard it’s a great way to get out of the house. Your kids get to play with new toys and also hang out with their friends. Very low key and completely free.
- Walk the farmers market. There are so many cool things to see from vendors to the people who bring their furry friends. I sometimes set aside some of my grocery money and will purchase fresh produce from the local farmers.
- Swimming. We have rivers and lake near us plus some friends and neighbors that have pools. Going swimming at least once is a must!
- Check your local events. There are so many family friendly community events. Be in the know and plan ahead to attend these fun outdoor activities.
Some Mostly Free Activities
- U Pick Farm. This one will cost some money but the cost is comparable to what you’d spend at the store; again we set aside some of our grocery money to do this activity. It makes great memories and the kids love it. We typically do strawberry picking, blueberries, lavender, apples, pumpkins, peaches, and nectarines.
- Day trip to state or national parks. There are some fees involved and gas but it can typically be done pretty inexpensively.
I hope this gives you some good ideas of free outdoor activities to do with your kiddos for free or just really cheap!
Click here to download the the 2021 Summer Bucket List.
