As parents, we all know how quickly the cost of keeping kids entertained can add up. So we’ve put together a list of things to do with the children that won’t cost you a cent.
You’ll definitely love these ideas for free family things to do this summer.
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Free Family Things to Do This Summer
When you’re watching the budget, frugal activities are always a good thing. Every idea on this list is genuinely free, leaving a little spare cash for an ice cream or two along the way.
Take a Family Walk Together
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It’s easy to forget that a simple walk together can be a fun activity in itself. Between school runs, activities, work and errands, going for a walk just for the fun of it can feel like a novelty — but it’s a lovely way to slow down together.
Make a list of five places near you that you could walk to. It could be your neighbourhood, a nearby park, some woods, or even the beach.
Make it extra fun by playing games along the way — we like telling a story in turns with “Unfortunately, Fortunately” — or trying a nature scavenger hunt.
Get on Your Bikes
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Strap on the helmets, grab the bikes, and go for a cycle. Head out locally if you have safe cycling routes nearby, or pop the bikes in the car and head to a forest or park.
Don’t forget the helmets. Here are some family cycling safety tips.
Make the Most of Libraries
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Check out your local library and see what’s on throughout the year — your local branch is a wonderful, free resource for families.
Many libraries run summer reading programmes, and lots of branches host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, book clubs, games sessions and exhibitions. There’s often free computer access too, along with books and DVDs to borrow.
For a change of scenery, why not try a different library branch to your usual one?
Visit a Playground
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Today’s playgrounds are often really well designed, with safety features and equipment to suit different ages — and many now cater well for accessibility too.
You probably have a favourite spot you visit regularly, so why not make a list of other playgrounds nearby and work your way through them over time? It’s free, easy, and always good fun.
Bring some snacks, drinks, or even a picnic lunch to make an afternoon of it.
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Take in Some History and Heritage
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Research historical sites near you and plan a visit. Small local museums are often overlooked, but they can hold real gems, and staff are usually happy to chat or offer a tour.
In the UK, the National Trust and English Heritage both have family-friendly visitor experiences at most of their sites. In Ireland, Heritage Ireland has maps and details of heritage sites around the country, while in the US, the National Park Service lists historical places on a register.
Visit a Graveyard
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It might sound like an unusual choice, but kids often love a wander around a graveyard, and they can be surprisingly calm, tranquil places to explore during the day.
It’s interesting to look at the gravestones and think about the people who lived long ago — it’s a gentle way to connect children with the past. We’ve also had fun trying to spot unusual names or find the oldest headstone on site.
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Visit a Farmer’s Market
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Shake up your usual shopping routine with a trip to a farmer’s market. It’s a great way to show kids that fruit, veg, cheese and bread don’t just come in packets — they come from stalls, producers, and often a good story.
You can taste things, chat to the people who made or grew them, and pick up seasonal produce, which is also kinder to the environment. Head home to cook something delicious, or grab a few picnic bits while you’re there.
Head to the Beach
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A firm family favourite — whatever the weather! (There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.) Sunny days are obviously lovely, but even on a cooler day there’s fun to be had hunting for shells, building sandcastles, and making “mermaids” in the sand. Here are some interesting things to do at the beach with the kids.
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Planning a beach trip? Check out our Beach Scavenger Hunt, a fun free download to bring along and keep the kids busy while you relax.
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Take a Summer Photo Tour
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Take a tour of your own village, town or city armed with a smartphone or camera, snapping interesting spots as you go.
Back home, print the photos and put together a summer scrapbook — “Our Neighbourhood” or “Our Village” works nicely. Kids love writing captions too, adding little details like “here’s where I was born.”
Find a Geocache
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Geocaching is a fun, free activity where you use a GPS-enabled device to hunt for hidden containers, called geocaches, then share your find online. Think of it as a modern-day treasure hunt. You’ll be amazed how many are hidden near you.
Look up a geocache close by, pop the coordinates into a maps app, and set off — you’ll get a clue with the coordinates to help you find it.
Read our tips on geocaching to help you get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these activities really free?
Yes — every idea on this list costs nothing to take part in. You might choose to bring snacks, a picnic, or spend a little on an ice cream along the way, but none of the activities themselves have an entry fee.
What’s the best free activity for a rainy day?
Your local library is a great rainy-day option — most branches run free activities and events year-round, and you can browse books and DVDs to borrow at no cost.
Do I need special equipment for geocaching?
Just a GPS-enabled smartphone or device. There’s no need to buy anything — you can start with the free geocaching tips linked above.
Are these ideas suitable for all ages?
Most of these activities can be adapted for different ages — a family walk, playground visit or beach trip works well for toddlers through to teens, while older kids may particularly enjoy geocaching or a history and heritage outing.
Related Articles
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- 22 Excellent Ideas for Things to Do in Summer That Don’t Cost Money
- 50 Superb Summer Activities for Kids
- How to Make a Visit to the Beach with Kids Super Fun
Save These Ideas for Later
Loved this list? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourite planning app so you’ve always got a free activity on hand when you need one.
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