It’s the season for sunshine and splashing, so everyone is looking for free activities for low income families! From $1 movies to free books to free museum passes, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of free and cheap summer fun ideas for your family. We’ve found ideas in every US state, so be sure to read this list to the end!
Free & Discounted Admission
Exploring new places and learning can be affordable and fun! Many programs can help you access museums and cultural sites for free or at a discount.
Visit a Museum for Free
There are many programs that offer free museum admission.
- Blue Star Museums offers free museum admission to military families. Eligible families can go to more than 2,000 destinations through this program.
- Free Museum Passes are available at many libraries. You can check them out with your library card.
- EBT Discounts are available at over 1,500 destinations nationwide. These venues offer free or discounted admission. This is through Museums for All and other EBT discount programs.
Some cities have designated Free Museum Days as well. For example, in Seattle, the first Thursday of every month is free museum day, and in Tacoma, it’s the third Thursday.
It’s easy to find free museum days in your area! You just need to search online. Look up “free museum day” with your city name online. You can also follow museums on social media. You can sign up for their newsletters. Or, check their websites for more info.
Go Bowling for Free
Kids Bowl Free is one of my family’s favorite programs. Your children can enjoy two free bowling games every day throughout the summer. This is a fantastic way to keep children active and entertained during the summer months. The program even offers an affordable family pass that will let adults play, too.
To get started, you just need to sign up on the Kids Bowl Free website. You’ll get your weekly game coupons via email.
Go Skating for Free
Kids Skate Free is another wonderful program that my family loves. Children can enjoy free roller skating sessions throughout the summer. This program is an excellent way to keep kids active, have fun, and beat the summer heat.
To participate, you simply need to register your children on the Kids Skate Free website. Once registered, you’ll get weekly passes via email. While the skating is free, skate rental fees may still apply at some locations.
To get started, visit the Kids Skate Free website and sign up today!
Watch a Movie for $1
Many theaters offer special discounted movie programs during the summer. These programs typically show movies that are not new releases.
You can find programs like this at theaters around the United States. Two primary examples are Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse and Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express.
Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse offers tickets for just $1.75 per person in 2024. The movies will air between June 10 and August 15 at participating theaters. The lineup includes beloved titles like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon, as well as some newer releases.
Regal Summer Movie Express provides tickets for only $1 per person. This summer’s selection includes popular films such as Despicable Me 3, Peter Rabbit 2, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.
These cheap movie days are a great way to escape the summer heat. Check with your local theaters for schedules and details.
Join the YMCA
The YMCA offers a variety of summer activities and programs. This organization offers swim lessons, sports, summer camps, and more. Low income families can often participate for free or very low cost, too!
To find out more about the programs and discounts available at your local YMCA, check out our YMCA Discount Guide. It’s a great way to keep active and engaged all summer long!
Visit Your Community Rec Center
City recreation centers often provide affordable summer activities with discounts for low income households. For instance, low-income Tucson residents can enjoy half-price swim lessons, kids’ summer camps, and more. These programs can vary by city and county, so it’s a good idea to contact your local community recreation center to ask about any financial assistance, access programs, or low income scholarships they may offer.
Check for Local Programs
Some areas offer even more opportunities. For example, teens can use a free STAMP Pass to visit venues all around Philadelphia! The pass is free for teens between the ages of 14 and 19. You’ll get free admission to the zoo and tons of other fun places!
Get Essential Freebies
Make the most of your summer with a variety of essential freebies that can help your family have fun and save money. From free produce at farmers markets to complimentary summer meals and school supplies, these resources are designed to support families and ensure everyone has access to the essentials.
- Get free food from the farmers market through programs like Power of Produce (POP). These programs can provide each child with a certain amount of tokens that can be redeemed for free food.
- Enjoy free meals in a social setting. You can find a meal site near you by texting the word FOOD to 877877. This will help you find the nearest summer meal location.
- Scoop up free school supplies from Back to School Bash events! These events distribute backpacks full of free school supplies. Some of these events even provide free hair cuts, free clothing and more for low income students!
These programs ensure that families have access to nutritious food and other essentials throughout the summer and into the next school year.
Go Outside for Adventure
Exploring the outdoors is a wonderful way to have fun and stay active this summer. From hiking trails and state parks to geocaching and beach days, there are countless activities for low income families waiting just outside your door.
State Park Discounts
Many state parks offer discounts and free admission days to help families enjoy outdoor fun. These parks often have lower prices for low income families. They often have state parks discounts for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
State parks also have special events in the summer. These include guided tours, wildlife watching, and junior ranger programs for kids. These activities make your visit even more exciting without costing extra. To find out about discounts and free days, check your local state park’s website or visit your library to see if they offer park passes.
National Parks Discounts
Visiting national parks can be an affordable adventure with several available discounts. The America the Beautiful Pass offers access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks. You may be able to get a discount if you are a senior, military member, fourth grader, or someone with a disability.
To learn more about these discounts and find out how to get your pass, check out our National Parks Discount Guide. This is a great way to make national park visits more accessible and enjoyable for everyone!
Try Geocaching
Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt that’s fun for the whole family. Using a GPS or smartphone, you can search for hidden containers, called geocaches, placed by other adventurers. These containers often contain small trinkets or logbooks where you can record your find. Geocaching is a fantastic way to explore new areas, enjoy the outdoors, and have an adventure right in your own community.
To get started, all you need is a free account on a geocaching website or app. You can then search for geocaches near you, follow the coordinates, and start your hunt! For more details and tips on getting started, search for a Geocache in your area. Happy hunting!
Read for Rewards
Summer reading programs offer kids a fun incentive to keep reading during the summer. These programs offer fun rewards for kids who participate. You can find programs like this at many libraries, bookstores and other organizations.
- Barnes & Noble has a summer reading program. Kids who are between 1st-6th grade can earn a free book. They just need to read eight books and record their favorite part in the summer reading journal. When they’re done, they’ll bring the journal into their local Barnes and Noble before August 31. They’ll be able to select a free book from the provided list.
- Libraries often host summer reading programs, too. The prizes vary. Check with your local library for details.
- Book It! is a famous program run by Pizza Hut. Kids can earn a free personal pan pizza as a reward for completing reading goals. Teachers and parents can enroll kids between the ages of 4 and 12 years old.
DIY Summer Activities for Low Income Families
Transform your backyard into an affordable amusement park with these fun and budget-friendly DIY activities for low income families. Many of these ideas are easy to set up and require minimal supplies, making them perfect for family fun.
- Create a Slip ‘n’ Slide: Use a long plastic sheet to make your own slip ‘n’ slide. You can find inexpensive plastic sheets online, or even use a durable tarp. Add some water and a bit of soap for extra slipperiness, and let the fun begin!
- Set Up a Squirt Gun Cup Race: Hang a string between two points and thread plastic cups through it. Use squirt guns to move the cups along the string in a race. This activity is simple to set up and provides endless fun.
- Paint and Hide Rocks: Gather some rocks and paint them with colorful designs. Once dry, hide them in local parks or around your neighborhood. Join a community hidden rock Facebook group to share your creations and find others.
- Free Scavenger Hunts: Print out free scavenger hunt lists from the internet. These can be themed around nature, colors, or objects, and are a great way to explore your surroundings while keeping kids entertained.
- Melt and Recycle Crayons: Collect broken or old crayons, melt them down, and pour the wax into fun-shaped silicone molds or cookie cutters. Once they harden, you’ll have new, unique crayons that are perfect for coloring.
These activities are a great way to enjoy summer fun without spending a lot of money. They encourage creativity, outdoor play, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Relief Recap
Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and making lasting memories, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. From exploring parks to creating DIY adventures, we’ve found countless free activities for low income families who want to have a fantastic summer on a budget. Enjoy!