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 ideas 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 and sidewalk art to fort-building and making the most of local amenities!

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

#2. “Chalk on the paths outside. Painting (inside and outside), picnics, walks, scavenger hunts.” Siobhan O’N.

#3. “Draw a map of your area and 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.

#4. “Blanket Forts either inside or outside…building them is great fun and suddenly every toy/food/thing is instantly and 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 and get outdoors, there’s loads of beautiful places on all our doorsteps.” Kitty C.

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#7. “Have your own sports day. Start by making medals and then have races and games. 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…endless possibilities!” Laura E.

#9. “Picnic at the beach. Discover rock pools, play in the sand, collect seashells – and all free!” Emma W.

#10. “Draw, colour, puzzles, arts & 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. “Get a huge cardboard box to paint, colour and play in – hours of fun!” Amanda E.

#13. “Hang an old white sheet on the clothesline. Give the kids spray bottles of poster paint and let them get creative.” Flossy B.

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

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

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

#17. “Water. In any form OTHER than the shower!” Diana T.

#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 and bring a picnic.” Fiona M.

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

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