Keeping kids entertained all summer doesn’t have to drain your wallet. There are tons of free and low-cost programs, events, and activities designed to keep little ones busy, learning, and having fun.
Whether you’re looking for something indoors to beat the heat or outdoor adventures to burn off energy, there are options for every kind of kid—and every kind of budget.
40 Fun Freebies for Kids You Can Get Today!
1. Public Library Programs
Most libraries offer free summer reading programs packed with activities like story time, crafts, scavenger hunts, STEM challenges, and live performances.
Kids can earn small prizes for reading books, and many libraries even host free movie days or author visits. It’s educational, air-conditioned, and 100% free.
Freebies Libraries Offer for Kids:
- Summer Reading Rewards – Earn free books, toys, or gift cards just for reading.
- Free Events & Storytime – Enjoy crafts, movie days, puppet shows, and weekly storytime sessions.
- Take-Home Craft Kits – Grab free DIY kits with everything you need for fun at home.
- Free Digital Access – Use apps like Libby or Hoopla to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and read-alongs.
- Museum & Zoo Passes – Some libraries offer free or discounted entry to local attractions.
- Learning Tools & Games – Borrow puzzles, educational games, or tablets designed for learning.
Free Bowling for Kids
Programs like Kids Bowl Free let children bowl two free games per day at participating bowling alleys all summer long. You just pay for shoe rental. It’s a fun, indoor way to beat the heat and burn off energy without spending much.
Learn how to save more using this program!
3. Free Museum Days & Local Attractions
Many museums, zoos, and science centers offer free admission days or discounted rates for local residents. Check your city’s parks and rec website or the institutions directly to find their free or reduced entry days—some also have special programming just for kids.
4. Splash Pads & Public Pools
Most cities have free splash pads and affordable public pool access. These spots are perfect for hot afternoons and don’t require a lot of prep or expense.
Some even offer free swim lessons or family swim nights during the summer too!
5. Summer Movie Deals
Major theater chains like Regal and AMC offer $1 or $2 kids’ movies on weekday mornings during the summer. Theaters are cool, the movies are family-friendly, and the price can’t be beat.
Here are the options we know of…
🎟️ $1‑$2 Movies for Kids
- Regal Summer Movie Express
- $1 per ticket on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, usually around 11 AM.
- Features family-friendly movies like Sing 2, Trolls, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
- Regal Crown Club members get 50% off popcorn on Tuesdays.
- Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
- $1.75 per ticket, plus $1 off kids’ snack packs and combos.
- Shows run weekly on Wednesdays at around 9:30 AM through early August.
- Harkins Summer Movie Fun
- $1 per movie with an 8-week pass or individual tickets available.
- Weekday showings typically start at 9:45 AM.
- Classic Cinemas Wednesday Morning Movies
- $2 per ticket every Wednesday morning.
- Some locations offer pre-show activities for kids.
🎟️ Discounts & Movie Passes
- AMC Summer Movie Camp
- $3 tickets on Mondays & Wednesdays through mid-August.
- Some locations also offer sensory-friendly screenings.
- Megaplex Theatres Kids Summer Movies
- $25 pass for 10 movies (just $2.50 each).
- Includes $1 off kids’ snack combos per visit.
- Some programs offer free access for SNAP/WIC families.
6. Free Camps & Workshops
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s run free DIY workshops where kids can build and take home their own project. We post these freebies every month so you can keep track of them!
Also look for local churches, rec centers, or community groups offering free day camps, VBS (Vacation Bible School), or kids’ clubs. VBS camps are a great way to save money on summer camps!
7. Nature Trails & State Parks
Hiking, geocaching, and nature scavenger hunts are great ways to get kids exploring outdoors. They even offer free park passes for 4th graders!
Many state parks offer free admission on select days or have junior ranger programs. Just bring a picnic and turn it into a full adventure day!
8. Backyard Campouts
No campground? No problem. Pitch a tent in the backyard (or even the living room), make s’mores, tell stories, and enjoy some screen-free family time. It’s a low-cost way to create big memories!
Or if you do want to get away – check out how to camp free or super cheap!
9. Free Local Events
Check your city’s event calendar for free outdoor concerts, festivals, kids’ markets, or pop-up events. Many include bounce houses, craft stations, or giveaways.
Following your local library, parks department, and moms’ groups on Facebook is a great way to stay in the loop. You can volunteer to get free tickets too!
10. DIY Art Days
Set up a “creation station” at home with leftover craft supplies, markers, glue, and recyclables. Let kids build, draw, or paint whatever they want.
You can even make your own sidewalk chalk or bubble solution to stretch the fun even further—no shopping trip needed!
