Amusing the children during long summer holidays can definitely stretch the finances. So we asked Mykidstime parents to share their tips for amusing children without spending a fortune. Here are 22 tips from parents for things to do in summer with kids that don’t cost money:

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Our Mykidstime fans have some great ideas! From hidden treasure to making a tent!

Things To Do in Summer With Kids That Don’t Cost Money

#1. “Draw a map of your area mark x for hidden treasures. Use your imagination pretend dinosaurs, lava and walking across pretend caverns on tightropes. Whatever your kids are into. One thing don’t forget to bring the chocolate coins. Myself and my girls had a great time. Even though we got a few funny looks from people. Who cares, my kids had a ball being silly.” Michelle C

#2. “Go to the local library. They have so many things going on in the summer. Art classes, educational demonstrations, music, etc.” Lisa Marie B

#3. “Chalk on the paths outside. Painting (inside and outside), Picnics, walks, treasure hunts (have little photos of trees, stones, flowers etc stuck to a page with a square they have to mark off after they find the item).” Siobhan O’N

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#4. “Blanket Forts either inside or outside…building them is great fun & suddenly every toy/food/thing is instantly & enthusiastically rediscovered when it can be taken into the fort :)” Claire K

#5. “We make ooblek” Gonny T

#6. “Bring them to the river and the woods let them swim, run and climb, pack a picnic. Get outdoors loads of beautiful places on all our doorsteps” Kitty C

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#7. “Have your own sports day so start by making medals and then make up races, then finish with awarding medals and a ice cream. They love it” Carol C

#8. “Play outside, go to a park, go fishing with worms you dig up, play games/cards, go play in a river/creek…endless possibilities” Laura E

#9. “Picnic at the beach. Rock pools, sand, seashells to collect. And all free!” Emma W

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#10. “Draw, color, puzzles, go visit elderly, crafts, cook with them, make up poems or stories, read” Jaynee McC

#11. “Sit down and play with them bring out the voices and imagination ;)” Stephanie B

#12. “Huge cardboard box from Lidl to paint/colour & play in 😊 hours of fun 😉” Amanda E

#13. “Hang an old white sheet on the clothesline. Give the kids spray bottles of kids paint and let them make a tye dyed sheet.” Flossy B

#14. “Water fight we had one yesterday kids loved it” Robyn W

#15. “Spend some time talking to them 😀” Nichola J

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#16. “Local parks and play dates with friends” Claire T

#17. “Water. In any form OTHER than the shower!!! 😆” Diana T
“Anything involving water… 😂” Barb M
“Free water parks” Ashley J

#18. “Free playgrounds and a picnic” Hazel S

#19. “Treasure maps with prizes” Melissa E

#20. “Go for a long walk then watch a film together” Louise R

#21. “Climb a hill or mountain & bring a picnic” Fiona M

#22. “Make a tent either indoors or outside” Jill C

Have your say! What’s your best tip for things to do in summer with kids that doesn’t cost money? Share it with us in the comments below.