Free Things For Kids To Do Summer 2011

School is probably almost out, or already out for many kids, and you may be looking for some free entertainment to help squash the "MOOOOOOM! I'm BOOOOOOOORRRREEEDDDD!" comments. Here's some ideas to help your kids occupied and entertained this summer for free, or nearly free (since gas or bus fare does cost, after all)

Many cities have free music concerts held in city parks. Pack a blanket and a quick dinner, stake out your spot on the lawn or bleachers, and enjoy a variety of family friendly music for free!

Barnes & Noble has a free storytime at least once a month. Most books should appeal to the ages 2-6 crowd, perhaps a little older. Click here to find the next one at your favorite B&N location. Don't forget to join their kids club if you haven't already - not only do you get discounts, but your child will receive a free cupcake on their birthday, as well as a free digital storybook. (Moms, remember that most Barnes & Noble's have complimentary Wi-Fi, so you can catch up on emails or work if you need to!)

Kids 14 and under can earn book bucks from June 1st to July 31st in Half Price Books' Feed Your Brain program. Sunday, June 5th, they will also be hosting the Biggest Story Time of the Season - check your local store for details.

Visit your local library for kids age 10-12 and under to participate in Summer Reading Programs. Not only are your kids continuing to learn from books, but many usually have a small incentive or prizes if they finish their goals by the end of the Summer. Don't forget to check out other events the library might be having - libraries often tend to have free movie showing, and lectures on topics from everything from bee keeping to traveling to other countries. You never know what you might learn, too!

Many museums have a free day or evening each month. Some will even have a special kids' day, where crafts and other fun activities can be done.

Stores like Lowe's and Home Depot hold kid friendly workshops. Home Depot hosts Kids Workshops, a free How To clinic for kids ages 5-12 every month. On June 4th, your kids can make a valet organizer, and on June 18th, they can make a toolbox as part of a special Father's Day workshop. (Your store may vary on the project being made, but it's equally just as fun!) They even receive their own apron and an achievement pin!

Lowe's holds their Build And Grow clinics on every other Saturday of the month. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Projects vary each time, but the next one at our local Lowe's is a Goofy Golf game!


AMF bowling has a program where kids can bowl two games daily for free! For more information, check out my post here.

Regal Cinemas will have the Summer Movie Express 2011. Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, select Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am. This one isn't completely free at $1 per person, but the whole family can participate. (For adults wanting to watch other movies, Tuesdays are $5 movies, where you can view any movie playing for just $5!)