Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family (Mostly Free!)

I love Summertime! For adults the pace doesn’t really seem to slow down in the summer. In fact things might even seem like they speed up. But, I still love it. I love all the fun activities that happen, the beautiful sunshine and friends gathering together to spend extra time with each other.

My city does a really great job of having movies and concerts in the park, food trucks, live music, festivals and there’s always the county fair to look forward to in August. Add in lazy days by the pool or at the beach, barbecues and bonfires with friends and getting out of town for fun trips and it really is my favorite season.

As we head into July we still have two fun months ahead of us and I’ve created a list of some of my favorite summer activities for the whole family. The best part is, most of these activities are free or definitely low cost.

I’ll be in the Czech Republic for two weeks in July and hope to get a few of these activities in, like hiking and a museum or a tour, while I’m there and plenty more when I get home.

Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family

Catch a Concert in the Park

Lots of cities host free concerts in the park during the summer. Featuring cover bands and tributes it’s fun for the whole family. Bring a blanket or beach chairs and make a picnic out of. 

Watch a Movie in the Park 

From classics to childhood favorites to trending new releases most city parks have free movie showings in the summer. We have two parks in our city that run monthly movie nights. It’s a fun community event and you never know who you’ll run into. Pop some popcorn at home and come dressed cozy with your blankets.

Go to a Summer Festival 

Find out if your city or county have any annual summer festivals. From Poppies, to Avocados, to Fiestas it seems like every city has at least one featured summer festival.

Shakespeare in the Park

One of my favorite summer activites a few year back was going to Griffith Park in Los Angeles for their free Shakespeare in the Park with a group of friends. We packed a picnic and a blanket and had the best time.

Go to the Fair

Would summertime be complete without the fair! State and county fairs have something for everyone. Exhibits, shows, rides, animals, food and concerts.

Museums, Art Galleries and the Zoo

Look for free admission days and special events at local museums, art galleries and even the zoo. Most Museums have at least one day of the month that offers free admission. Galleries are often free. Contact local galleries to find out when special events and showings are going on. I loved going to the zoo as a kid and I still do!

Attend a Library Event

Our local library offers educational lectures for adults, activities for kids, movie nights and free events open to the community. For example our library hosted a Master Gardener lecture series in May. They also show movies in their community room. Our library hosts lectures, movies, game time, crafts, storytime and more. They have a variety of fun options for both kids and adults.

Go to a Free Workshop

I just discovered that our Home Depot does free workshops! Say what?! You simply purchase your supplies and they walk you through the whole project. This is especially great if you don’t have a garage full of tools, but still love to create DIY projects. Check websites or call around town and find out if any local stores or business offer workshops.

Check out a Flea Market

I love to wander around Flea Markets. You never know what fabulous treasure you’ll find. You might have to sift through some junk, but flea markets can be an antique lover’s paradise.

Pick up Your Fruits and Veggies at the Farmer’s Market

For those of us in the sunshine state we are spoiled by year round farmer’s market. When I lived in Minneapolis I waited in anticipation for the snow to melt and the farmer’s market to open for the Summer! Local produce, fruit, flowers, homemade goods, honey, roasted nuts and more. Everything tastes better when it’s from the farmer’s market.

Visit a Farm or Orchard

August is a good time to take an outing to a farm or orchard and do a little picking of your own.

Go to a Nursery or Botanical Garden

Walking around a nursery or botanical garden can be a fun way to take a little break in your day. Enjoy nature and all the pretty plants and flowers. It’s fun to slow down and wander around. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new plant to bring home.

Plant a Garden

Growing your own garden is such a rewarding feeling! Start a bunch of plant babies and watch them grow!!

Go to the Beach, Lake or Pool

Nothing says summer like getting in the water. A few hours of fun or a whole day activity.

Go on a Hike

Hikes are one of my favorite group activities. Depending on your location and hikes nearby you can usually find one suitable for a variety of ages. Finding a hike with a waterfall is my favorite!

Host a Bonfire

Bonfires are not only relaxing, they are the perfect event for anyone. Conversation is always easy sitting by the fire and everyone enjoys a s’more.

Take a Tour

Find out if local factories or plants give tours. This can be an interesting and educational outing.

Build a Tree House or Fort

Growing up our Grandparents had an every evolving tree house. Countless hours were spent by the cousins in that tree house, every one of us having had a hand in adding a board here and there and seeing how many levels high we could get.

Read a New Book

Get everyone in the family a new book (or two) to read for the Summer. Check out Megan’s recommended Summer Reading List.

Go on a Camping Trip

Some of my all time favorite childhood memories include family camping trips. Camping is a wonderful activity for kids! You can hike, swim, and explore! Sure it’s a little bit of work, but it’ll create lifetime memories!

Make Glow in theDark Mason Jars

Glow sticks make me feel like a kid again. In one snap and crackle of a stick I’m taken to a carefree place. Fill mason jars up with glow sticks for your own Mason Jar Lanterns.

Take a Nature Walk

I love taking a nature walk and just seeing what I see and finding what I find. You never know what you will come across. Give each kid a bag and let them gather treasures as you go. It’s amazing how much of a treasure a rock or pine cone can seem when your a child.

Take a Trip

Get out of town for a day, the weekend or even a few weeks! It’s fun to change up the scenery and go somewhere new. Use my tips on creating unforgettable travel memories.

Play Tourist in Your Own City

Can’t get out of town? Play a fun day in your own city or town. Drop all the chores and errands for the day and do all the things you would on vacation. Do a little sightseeing, hang out at a park or pool, try out a new restaurant. Take a walk down “Main Street” and window shop.

Happy Summer! I hope you carve out time for some fun activities and a little adventure.

What’s your favorite activity to do in the Summer?

xoxo Naomi