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30 Fun And Inexpensive Things to Do with the Kids this Summer

BY DYAN ROBSON, AND NEXT COMES L

Photo © makenamedia/Twenty20

Jun 27, 2017

Summer is finally here and I don't know about you, but I am ready to hit the playgrounds bright and early, splash at some new spray parks and overall, just make it one epic summer for my kids.

Every summer we have a goal to try out a new park somewhere in the city. It keeps things exciting and fresh for the kids, allowing them to play all over the city.


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By the end of the summer, the kids usually compile a list of their favourite parks. You can print off a list of all the parks in your city ahead of time and mark them off as you visit them!

In addition to finding new parks to try, my kids enjoy spending their time drawing with chalk and playing with water, which is why you will find plenty of both on this list of summer activities for kids.

Little boy plays hopscotch.

I personally like to keep things as inexpensive and simple as possible when it comes to planning out our summer. So if you are looking to keep things frugal this summer, then you'll definitely want to try all of these ideas on this list of 30 fun and cheap things to do this summer with kids.

  1. Make ice cream in a reusable bag.

  2. Go berry picking.

  3. Have a water fight.

  4. Run through the sprinklers.

  5. Jump on a trampoline. (Safety first!)
    Parent holding bucket as child dumps in blueberries.

  6. Set up a lemonade stand.

  7. Blow bubbles made using environmentally friendly soap.

  8. Play hopscotch (don't be afraid to make it big too!).

  9. Draw roads with chalk on the driveway for little matchbox cars.

  10. Make your own popsicles

  11. Spray each other with a hose.

  12. Feed the ducks at a local pond (remember, don't use bread!). Not into the feeding idea? Just hang out with the ducks and practice your duck walks and sounds!

  13. Skip rocks at a local pond or creek.

  14. Visit a park you've never been to.

  15. Make a giant Twister game on your driveway with chalk.

  16. Go to a spray park, splash pad or paddling pool you've never been to.

  17. Have a tea party in the backyard.

  18. Go on a picnic.

  19. Set up a tent and go camping in the backyard.

  20. Make a homemade slip-and-slide with a tarp and water

  21. Make s'mores.

  22. Build a sandcastle.

  23. Go to the beach and collect seashells.

  24. Visit the public library.

  25. Collect bugs (and make a bug hotel).

  26. Go on a scavenger hunt.

  27. Create an obstacle course in your backyard.

  28. Make an outdoor music station using tin cans, metal bowls, wooden spoons, etc.

  29. Decorate your bike (make a bike license plate!) and throw a bike parade with your neighbours.

  30. Make a kite and fly it.

What's on your summer bucket list?

Article Author Dyan Robson
Dyan Robson

Read more from Dyan here.

Married to her high school sweetheart, Dyan is mom to two boys, J and K, who also teaches piano out of her home. On her blog And Next Comes L, Dyan shares her story of raising a child with hyperlexia, hypernumeracy and autism, amongst a variety of sensory activities for kids. You can find out more about their story on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.