School is officially out for summer. And after a couple of weeks getting caught up on sleep, your kids may be ready for summer fun. But let’s face it, with prices as high as they are, it’s difficult to be able to afford to go to the movie theater every day (or even every week). And for some of us, a theme park is out of the question. There are plenty of great free summer fun options for the kids that are free or affordable. You may just need a little summer fun inspiration.
Summer Reading
Your local library is a treasure trove of free fun this summer, but let’s begin with summer reading programs. If you haven’t visited your library lately, now is the time. You’ll likely find summer reading challenges where kids can win prizes, along with summer programming that includes classes, crafts, skills, movie nights, and more. Most libraries also offer free streaming on your phone for music, audiobooks, TVs and movies. And you can check out everything from board games to baking kits. The library is much more than a dusty old volume sitting on a shelf – it’s alive with FREE family fun this summer. Head to your library’s website and then into the physical location to begin planning one of your best summers ever. Indianapolis Public Library is a great place to start. We love the Greenwood Public Library and Johnson County Public Library, too. Places like Chuck E. Cheese and Books-a-Million offer summer reading programs too.
Summer Movies
While a full priced blockbuster may not be on your can do list, there are plenty of free and affordable movie options this summer. Regal Cinemas is offering their Summer Movie Express which gets you $2 tickets this summer Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating theaters. The movies are usually popular family films from years past, but you’ll find a great line up and be able to see if your location is participating here. Your local parks department may be screening movies for free in the great outdoors this summer, too. Here’s a line up of FREE concerts and movies at Indianapolis Parks in 2022.
FREE Concerts
Odds are good that your community has plenty of free concerts available to you. In the Indianapolis area, don’t miss Concerts on the Canal. There are free concerts in our local amphitheater and even at the local mall. As a good rule of thumb, hit your city’s website or just ask around. Pack and picnic and enjoy music in the great outdoors this summer!
FREE & Discounted Museum Nights
Many museums offer free admission on a regular rotating basis, but during the summer months, these events increase. Here’s what’s available in the Indianapolis area:
- Indiana History Center: FREE admission Thursday Nights coinciding with the Concerts on the Canal mentioned above from 10 AM to 6 PM. Also FREE admission on July 2nd in observance of Independence Day.
- Newfields: Formerly the IMA is FREE to the general public the first Thursday of every month from 4-9 PM.
- Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: Always free!
- Children’s Museum: While not free, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers $6 admission from 4-8 PM the first Thursday of every month.
- Blue Star Museums: If someone in your family has served in the military, many museums nationwide offer free admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check for full listings here.
Gardening
It’s not too late to watch something grow. Tending a garden is great fun for kids of all ages. Don’t want to build a raised box or till the ground? Simply plant herbs or single veggie plants in containers instead.
Create a Park Bucket List
Local parks help your kids burn off that summer energy. Why stick to the same park you always visit though? This summer build a list of different parks your kids would like to enjoy and then check down that list as the days of June and July truck along. Also head to your Parks Department website to see what sorts of summer programming is available!
Make Your Own Ice Cream
There’s nothing like a cold sweet treat on a hot day. While you might not be able to spring for the local fro-yo favorite, you can still have a great time by making your own ice cream. If you don’t have a traditional ice cream maker, you can make your own in a bag. Fill a gallon Ziploc bag halfway with ice. To the ice, add 1/2 cup of salt (the coarser, the better). In a separate pint-sized Ziploc bag, combine 1 cup of half and half, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Tightly seal the pint-sized bag and place it inside of the gallon sized bag. Tightly seal the larger bag. Shake for approximately five minutes or until the mixture hardens. Remove the smaller bag and discard the gallon sized bag. Add your favorite candy, cookie, or fruit toppings and eat it straight from the bag.
Looking for more ideas:
- 10 No Spend Summer Activities for Kids
- $50 ALDI Summer Lunches for Kids Meal Plan
- Summer Kid Activities That Won’t Break the Bank
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
