Summer can be one of the most expensive times of year for families. Grocery bills often increase when school is out, parents have to find ways to keep kids entertained, and back to school costs start creeping up long before fall arrives.
The good news is that there are dozens of programs that can help. From free meals and books to museum visits and summer activities, there are many ways to keep your children busy without draining your budget.
Here are the free things kids can get this summer.
1. Free Summer Meals
The USDA’s SUN Meals (Summer Nutrition Program) provides free, healthy meals to children age 18 and younger throughout the summer. These meals are available at thousands of locations nationwide, including schools, parks, libraries, and community centers.
Unlike many assistance programs, SUN Meals is available to all children age 18 and younger regardless of household income. Most locations do not require registration or income verification.
Depending on the site, children may receive free breakfast, lunch, or both on weekdays throughout the summer.
To find a participating location near you, text “SUMMER” to 914-342-7744 or use the USDA’s Summer Meal Site Finder.
2. SUN Bucks Benefits
Many families qualify for SUN Bucks, formerly known as Summer EBT. This program provides additional grocery assistance during the summer when children lose access to school meals.
Eligible children may receive approximately $120 in food benefits to help cover summer grocery costs. Learn more about eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and payment schedules in our SUN Bucks guide.
3. Free Bowling
Through the Kids Bowl Free program, children can receive two free bowling games every day throughout the summer at participating bowling centers across the country.
Age limits vary by location, and parents can purchase an optional family pass to bowl alongside their children.
Visit the Kids Bowl Free website to register and find participating locations near you.
4. Free Roller Skating
The Kids Skate Free program offers children free skating sessions at participating roller rinks throughout the summer. Registration is free, and children receive session passes by email that can be redeemed at participating locations.
Skate rental fees may apply, so check your local rink’s policies when registering. Visit the Kids Skate Free website to find participating rinks and sign up.
5. Free Pizza for Reading
Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! program rewards children for reaching reading goals. Parents or teachers set reading goals, children track their progress, and eligible participants can earn a free Personal Pan Pizza at participating Pizza Hut locations.
The program is generally available for children in grades K-6. Visit the BOOK IT! Program website to learn more and sign up.
6. Free Books from Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble’s Summer Reading Program rewards children with a free book. Kids read eight books of their choice, record them in a reading journal, and bring the completed journal to a participating store to select a free book from a curated list.
Download the reading journal and learn more on the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program website.
7. Free National Park Passes for Fourth Graders
Families with a fourth-grade student can receive a free Every Kid Outdoors pass. This pass provides free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands.
The pass is available to all U.S. fourth graders and is valid from September through August of the school year. It covers the pass holder and accompanying passengers at participating sites.
Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website to get a voucher and exchange it for a physical pass.
8. Free Junior Ranger Programs
The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program gives children a fun, hands-on way to explore national parks. Kids complete activities in a free booklet and earn an official Junior Ranger badge and certificate.
The program is available at more than 400 national park sites across the country, and many children enjoy collecting badges from different parks they visit.
Learn more on the National Park Service Junior Ranger website.
9. Free Library Summer Reading Programs
Local libraries often host summer reading programs for children.
Kids can track books or reading hours to earn prizes, certificates, and other rewards.
Some libraries even offer programs for teens and adults so the entire family can participate together.
10. Free Museum Passes Through Libraries
Many libraries loan out passes for local attractions.
Depending on your area, you may be able to borrow passes for:
- Museums
- Children’s museums
- Zoos
- Aquariums
- Science centers
- Botanical gardens
Ask your local library what passes are available.
11. Free Museum Admission Days
Many museums offer designated free admission days throughout the year. The schedule varies by location, but these events can provide free access to attractions that normally charge significant admission fees.
Families who receive SNAP benefits may also qualify for free or heavily discounted admission through the Museums for All program, which includes more than 1,000 museums, zoos, science centers, and other attractions nationwide. Find participating locations on the Museums for All website.
12. Free and Discounted Museum Access with EBT
FaFamilies who receive SNAP benefits may qualify for free or reduced admission through Museums for All and similar programs. Participating attractions may include museums, zoos, aquariums, planetariums, cultural centers, and more.
To find participating attractions and other EBT discounts in your area, check out our guide to EBT discounts and perks.
13. Free Swimming Programs
Many cities and counties offer free swim days, discounted pool passes, or free swimming lessons.
Some programs are specifically designed to improve water safety and prevent drowning accidents.
Contact your local recreation department to learn what is available in your area.
14. Free Kids Meals and Treats
Many restaurant chains offer free kids meals, free desserts, and special summer promotions through their apps and loyalty programs. Popular examples include Dairy Queen, Denny’s, and IHOP, although offers vary by location and season.
These deals change frequently, so it’s worth downloading your favorite restaurant apps and checking regularly for new promotions throughout the summer.
15. Free NASA Activities
NASA offers a variety of free educational resources, virtual events, and hands-on activities for children and families. Kids can explore educational games, downloadable activity books, STEM projects, virtual tours, and even watch live rocket launches from home.
The agency also offers the NASA Kids’ Club and other free online resources designed specifically for young learners.
16. Free Home Depot Kids Workshops
Home Depot offers free monthly workshops for children.
Kids can build simple projects using materials provided by the store and often receive a certificate or collectible pin after completing the activity.
These workshops are generally geared toward children ages 5 to 12.
17. Free Apple Workshops
Apple Stores offer free Today at Apple sessions for children and families throughout the year, including special summer workshops. Topics may include coding, app design, photography, music creation, and other creative technology skills.
Sessions are taught by Apple-certified instructors and often fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to reserve a spot in advance through the Today at Apple website.
18. Free State Park Days
Many states designate free admission days for state parks throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for hiking, fishing, swimming, picnics, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities without paying entrance fees.
To find free admission days in your area, search “[Your State] free state park days 2026” or visit your state’s official parks department website. Many states offer several free admission days each year, and some also provide free or discounted annual park passes for eligible residents.
19. Free Scholastic Reading Challenges
The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge encourages children to keep reading during summer break. Participants can create a free account, log their reading minutes, and earn digital badges, sweepstakes entries, and other rewards along the way.
Audiobooks, ebooks, and physical books may all qualify, making it easier for children with different reading abilities and preferences to participate.
Visit the Scholastic Summer Reading website to register and start tracking reading minutes.
20. Free Back to School Haircuts and Clothing Events
Many communities host back to school events that provide free haircuts, clothing, and other resources for students. These events are often organized by local nonprofits, churches, schools, community organizations, and barber shops.
Availability varies by location, and many events are not widely advertised. Check with your local United Way, school district, shelters, churches, and community organizations to find upcoming back to school giveaways in your area. You can also search for “free school clothes giveaway near me” to find local events.
21. Free Community Events and Outdoor Concerts
Many communities host free outdoor concerts, movie nights, festivals, and family events throughout the summer. These events are often organized by cities, parks departments, libraries, and local organizations and can be a fun way to spend time together without spending money.
To find events in your area, check your city’s event calendar, local Facebook groups, Eventbrite, your parks department website, and your local library’s website. Many communities offer free weekly concerts and outdoor movie nights during the summer months.
22. Free Youth Sports and Summer Camps
Many parks and recreation departments, nonprofits, and community organizations offer free or low-cost youth sports leagues, clinics, and summer camps. These programs can help children stay active and engaged throughout the summer without the high cost of private programs.
Some national organizations also offer free opportunities. The USTA provides free youth tennis programs at parks across the country, and the NBA frequently partners with local organizations to host free basketball clinics for kids.
Your local parks and recreation department is often the best place to find free and subsidized summer camps, sports leagues, and recreational activities in your area. Children with certain medical conditions or disabilities may also qualify for specialized camps at no cost.
23. Free Michaels Craft Events
Michaels offers free and low-cost craft classes for children throughout the summer. Projects may include painting, clay modeling, jewelry making, seasonal crafts, and other hands-on activities designed to encourage creativity.
Most classes are designed for children ages 3 and up and are typically held on weekends. Space may be limited, so it’s a good idea to register early.
Visit michaels.com/classes or check your local store for the latest schedule and free session listings
24. Free Fruits and Vegetables Through Power of Produce Clubs
Many farmers markets participate in the Power of Produce (POP) Club, a free program that helps children learn about healthy eating while supporting local farmers. Children typically receive free tokens each week that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating markets.
Most programs are open to children ages 4 to 12 and do not require an income qualification or registration fee. To find a participating market, visit the Farmers Market Coalition website or search for “Power of Produce Club near me.”
25. Free Fishing Days
MNearly every state designates at least one Free Fishing Day each year when residents can fish without purchasing a fishing license. To find upcoming dates, search for “[Your State] free fishing day 2026” or check your state’s Fish and Wildlife agency website.
Many state wildlife agencies also host free youth fishing clinics that provide equipment, instruction, and sometimes prizes. Some parks and recreation departments offer family fishing events and outdoor skills workshops as well.
In addition to fishing programs, some REI stores offer free and low-cost outdoor skills classes for youth and families. Check the REI Events page for opportunities in your area.
26. Free Dental and Vision Screenings
Summer is a great time to take care of children’s dental and vision needs before school starts. Many communities offer free screenings, exams, and clinics during the summer months through local organizations and national programs.
The American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile program offers free dental services at participating locations. Families may also be able to find affordable or free care through Federally Qualified Health Centers, which provide services on a sliding fee scale for uninsured and underinsured children.
Children who need vision care may qualify for free screenings or eyeglasses through local Lions Club programs.
27. Free School Supplies and Backpacks
As the school year approaches, many nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations host free school supply giveaways and backpack drives to help students start the year prepared.
Common sources of free school supplies include local United Way “Stuff the Bus” events, school district giveaways, and back to school events hosted by churches and nonprofits. Some national retailers, including Staples, Office Depot, and Walmart, also partner with local organizations to distribute free supplies in some communities.
For a list of upcoming events and programs, check out our guide to free school supplies and backpacks.
Don’t Miss Local Opportunities
Many of the best summer freebies are offered locally and may not be widely advertised. Be sure to follow:
- Your local library
- Parks and recreation departments
- Community centers
- United Way organizations
- School districts
- City and county government pages
You may discover additional free meals, camps, sports leagues, school supplies, health screenings, and family activities available in your community.
Final Thoughts
Keeping kids fed, entertained, and engaged during the summer does not have to cost a fortune. Between free meals, reading rewards, outdoor programs, museum access, workshops, and community events, there are many opportunities to save money while creating memorable experiences for your family.
If you know of another great free summer program for kids, let us know. We are always looking for more resources to share with our community.
