Summer is here!!!! We all want to have summer fun and make those summer memories with our kiddos.  Summer fun can add up quick, so I am sharing a list of free and cheap things you can do with your family.  Making those summer memories without breaking the bank.  Whether you are trying to stick to a budget, paying off debt or just trying to stretch your dollars, keep this list handy.

Allow Summer to be more about quality time than what you are actually doing, all our kids really want is to spend time with us.  At the bottom of this blog post, I will share a printable version of this blog post with tips, in a list format to keep handy. 

I am going to encourage you to tuck "extra" dollars away, for vacations, and for Christmas, it will be here before you know it or even get started saving for next summer. If you don't do this already, make it part of your monthly budget, it is essential.  The best way to do that is open a separate savings account, you can also use an envelope or jar to save at home.  I find having a separate account where you automate a monthly transfer, works best.  You can also deposit any "extra" unexpected rebates, recycling money, side gig money, if you can put away the miscellaneous money that comes your way you will be surprised at how quickly it adds up. 

Another idea, is cut back on eating out, but on purpose with vacation in mind, so when you are going to go to eat, involve the kids and say "hey, if we go home and eat instead I'll put the $40-$50 in our vacation fund". This makes it a group effort and you are teaching your kids to save and about priorities while you are at it. 

There are a lot of things you can do with your family for cheap or free, I am going to share a list below that are some of our favorites.  Ask your friends and family, what they do for fun that is cheap or free, you may learn about something in your local community that you were not aware of. 

Summer Movie Programs
Many participating theatres offer family-friendly movies at a discounted rate during the summer months.  
Cinemark is doing Summer Movie Clubhouse for 8-weeks of movies at only $1.50 each showing every Wednesday June 16th through August 4th. Click the picture below to find a participating Cinemark near you. 

Regal is hosting Summer Movie Express every Tuesdays and Wednesdays all summer long.  Find the movie schedule and participating theatres at Summer Movie Express. 
These movie deals are a great way to escape the summer heat and they are perfect for your younger children who may have never been to a theatre. 

Bowling
Select bowling centers participate in Kids Bowl Free Summer Program.  Registered kids receive two free games of bowling daily.  You only have to pay for the rental bowling shoes.  They also offer a Family Pass option for a fee, that allows for up to 4 adults to bowl 2 FREE games every day all summer too. The summer pass allows parents, older children, adult babysitters and grandparents to join in the bowling fun too.  The pass is great to incorporate into your date nights with your spouse too!  You can register and find information at KidsBowlFree.
Skating
Select skating centers participate in Kids Skate Free.  Once registered at your local skating center.  You will then receive a weekly e-mail with your weekly passes to print for select times depending on your center.  You can register and find more information at KidsSkateFree.

Pizza Hut BOOK IT Program
Pizza Hut rewards kids in grades Pre-K through 6th grade for reaching reading goals with a personal sized pizza.  They have been doing this since I was a kid, such a great and fun way to motivate kids to read.  You can enroll your kids for their summer program as well as during the school year. Enroll here!

Local Libraries
Did you know there are 28 libraries in Sacramento County?  Visit a library you have never visited. This will also help your children read during summer break.  Many libraries have story time and other free events as well.  Click here for info on the Downtown Sacramento Library, it is a great one to start with and make a stop at the State Capitol for a picnic lunch in the gardens.  Also check out the Sacramento Library Summer Reading Program that offers prizes. 
Local Retail Classes
My local Home Depot, Lowe's and Michael’s Retail Stores offer free workshops.  Some for adults and some weekend craft projects for kids ages 5-12.  Call or search on-line for free workshops or classes that you can do with the kids.

Community Pool
Visit your local community pool.  Most are inexpensive for open swim times per person.  Find out of they have a summer pass with more savings to enable you to swim all summer long. Here in the Sacramento area we have Rusch Pool, the Antelope Aquatic Center, the Roseville Aquatic Complex and more. 
Local Parks & Local Spray Grounds
Many times people visit the same local park that is near their home.  Explore and find local parks all around town.  This is a fun adventure to tackle and it’s FREE. Find out where your local parks with water features or splash pads are.  

Local Trails
Visit local trails near you, they are a great way to get some exercise in and enjoy the sites and sounds of nature.  Research before you go there may be a great picnic spot nearby and you can make a morning of it.  We love the Johnny Cash Trail in Folsom. 
Game Night or Day with Friends
Plan an evening or in the middle of the day with other families who are on summer break and host a family game night!  You can make it a potluck, so everyone brings a dish, dessert, or finger food to share.  Set up an area in the backyard or part of the house for the kids to play games, their type of board games or Xbox, or a Lego building station, etc.  Then have the adult games, poker, charades, or whichever games you enjoy.  

Movies or Concerts at the Park
In our local town they have quite a few different venues that offer free concerts in the park and free movies on a big screen at a park or even at our local Mall.  This is another great way to spend a summer evening as a family or on a date night with your spouse that will cost you nothing if you pack a lunch or eat before you go.  Going to the Drive-in can be another great budget friendly movie night option.
Camp in the Backyard
I love camping and grew up camping quite a bit during the summer.  If you cannot travel far or want to cut back on spending, set up camp right in your own backyard.  My boys love to do this.  We make s’mores, have the luxury of the bathroom when needed and they have a blast.

Visit your Local Fire Station
Call your local Fire Station and see if you can plan a visit to tour the fire station and see the fire truck up close.  You could also take them some baked goods or a meal, be sure to ask ahead they may or may not allow with COVID restrictions.  Fire Stations often host open house events, a great way for your children to meet your local heroes.

Community Center
Visit your local community center.  Many times they have groups you can join, dance groups, scrap-booking groups and a variety of groups, some might cost a small fee, and others might be free.  Your local community center is a great resource to find out what is happening locally for free or cheap. 

Pinterest
If you are familiar with Pinterest I am sure you have plenty of things pinned that you would love to do or hope to get around to.  Schedule time this summer to accomplish and complete some of those DIY projects you have pinned.  Even cooking a new recipe, get the kids involved and try something new. Make Tuesday's a Try-It Tuesday Pinterest day. 

Jelly Belly Factory
The Jelly Belly Factory is a fun tour to do with kids.  Adults are $5 and Kids are $2 for a self-guided tour that allows you to explore the ¼ mile journey above the factory at your own pace.  The Jelly Belly Factory is located in Fairfield halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento off I-80 and Highway 12.  For more information click here.
Train Rides at the Fountains in Roseville
The Fountains is a beautiful shopping center that also has a toddler playground and splash pad that is opening soon.  Train Rides used to be available for free on Tuesday's, to limit crowds right now due to COVID, they are pausing the free day.  It only cost $3 per child and I think parents ride free with children 2 and under.  For more info visit The Fountains website.

The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary
The Folsom Zoo is a smaller zoo, we love it because it is budget friendly with $5 admission (2 and under are free). They also have a train nearby that is $3 per person.  To purchase tickets for the Zoo visit FolsomZoo and for train information click here. 

DOCO and Old Sacramento
Walking around the Downtown Commons on K Street near the Golden 1 Center is another family friendly idea, many times they have events and outdoor games available.  Old Sacramento is another one we love to pack a picnic lunch, walk along the river, visit Candy Heaven and Danny's Mini Donuts of course and enjoy Old Sacramento. Right now in Old Sac they have a Ferris Wheel and Carrousel that costs $6 per rider. 
Volunteer
During the Summer months is a great time to volunteer and give back to your local community.  This is a great way to teach your children the importance of giving back and making a difference.  You will also be amazed at how much you'll learn about yourself and your community.  Find a non-profit, food closet, local church, call ahead and ask about volunteer opportunities. 

There are so many more places and museums, be sure to check Groupon often. These are just a few ideas of what I consider outings or activities, and of course you can come up with another entire list of things to do at home like blow bubbles, chalk art, modeling clay creations, ride bikes, etc. Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas at BlogAboutItAll I have a board with free and cheap ideas here.  Here is a consolidated printable version of this blog post, click here or the image below for a PDF version. 
Follow me on Instagram where I often share in my stories, what our family is doing. Feel free to DM me with your free and cheap summer finds, so we can share with others in our community family-friendly fun. Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends.