As summer draws to a close, many parents want to spend some extra time with their kids. After all, the start of the school year is approaching quickly, and families may not have the flexibility to run off and have some fun. If you want to do something with your children before summer closes out, here are 10 free things to do with kids.
1. Head to a Street Fair
The warm weather makes summer the ideal time for street fairs. Many towns host arts or cultural events, and many are entirely free for the public. In some cases, they may even have fun activities for kids that relate to the street fair. For example, your child might be able to create something during an art fair or try their hand at a historical skill during a cultural fair.
2. Check Out Cultural Institutions
Some museums, zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens are always free to the public. Others eliminate the cost of admission on specific days or during a particular set of hours. Research your local cultural institutions to see which ones are free and consider making a trip before summer ends.
3. National, State, and Local Parks
In many cases, local parks are always free to the public. Some states also have free parks, or at least host fee-free days regularly, allowing you to come in at no cost to you.
For national parks, consider making a trip on August 25, 2019. The National Park Service has an entrance fee-free day each year to celebrate the agencies anniversary, so you don’t have to pay a dime to get inside.
Once you enter the park, you might have a lot of options for activities. Hiking and biking opportunities are usually plentiful. In some cases, you might even find places to swim or horseback ride. Bringing a picnic lunch is typically an option as well.
4. Volunteer
If you want to teach your kids the value of giving back to the community, consider finding a volunteering opportunity. Many local organizations could use some extra hands all year-round, and it allows your child to do a good deed before summer ends. Consider contacting area animal shelters or nursing homes if you aren’t sure where to start.
5. Head to the Library
Whether you want to escape the summer heat, avoid being outside during a storm, or want an educational experience, the library is a great place to bring kids. Along with summer reading programs, many libraries have story time hours. Plus, your library might host a range of events for children, all of which you can enjoy for free.
6. Check Out a Farmer’s Market
A farmer’s market can be an engaging and convenient destination. Your child can learn more about local farms and foods, and you can get some shopping done along the way. It’s a great way to introduce your child to agriculture, particularly what is grown in your local area. Plus, there are plenty of healthy snacks available at many of the stands too, as well as a few sweet treat options if you want to indulge.
7. Go to the Beach
If you live near a public beach, spending the day on the sand and in the surf is a great way to close out summer. Everyone can burn off a little energy or simply relax on the shore, making it ideal for a high-energy or low-key excursion. Just make sure to bring some beach-friendly toys along, like buckets and shovels, if your kids are younger. That way, they can keep themselves entertained with ease.
8. See the Sites
Many historical landmarks are in public areas, allowing you to enjoy them without having to pay a fee. If you live in or near cities like Washington DC, New York City, or Philadelphia, the options are particularly plentiful. However, nearly every city, big and small, has some historical sites, so don’t overlook what your immediate area has to offer.
9. Sign Up for Home Depot Kids’ Workshops
If your kids enjoy making something with their hands, consider checking out the Home Depot Kids’ Workshops in your area. Often, your children will get to take on a creative project and learn about using various tools safely, giving them a chance to build new skills in a controlled environment.
10. Take a Factory Tour
Many large factories that make some of the nation’s most popular items offer free tours. If your child loves finding out more about how things are made or is a fan of a particular product, the experience can be very enlightening and engaging. Plus, many food-oriented factories provide free samples along the way, which is a nice bonus.
Ultimately, all of the options above are great for families who want to spend some time together before the end of summer. Plus, most of the activities are appropriate for kids of all ages. Consider doing more than one before the school year starts, ensuring you are able to close out summer on the best note possible.
Do you know of any other free things to do with kids before the end of summer? Share them in the comments below.
Read More:
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- Why You Should Put Your Kids in Private Schools
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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