Free and cheap summer fun for kids

I compiled a list full of fun and frugal activities to do with your kids this summer. Some of them are completely free while others are dirt cheap! I already have my summer fun planned out. Do you?

Go bowling – Many bowling alleys have free bowling for kids. All you have to do is sign up at Kids Bowl Free.com. This is for kids 15 and younger. You’ll received free bowling passes for your kids to enjoy every week. My sister just made the cut and she’s already received a free pass.

Learn something – Stay cool while learning new things in your favorite stores. I like productive summers so I look for free classes or workshops to keep me busy. The stores below offer free activities for kids. Make sure to check out their calendars for times and dates! (Note that some stores may not have them up yet.)

Apple Store – Kids get to learn to make movies. You can even get notification when registration opens!

Lowe’s Build & Grow Kids Clinics – Kids get to build a wooden project and they get a free apron and goggles.

Home Depot’s Free Kids Workshops – This workshop is designed for children ages 5 – 12 and is offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all Home Depot stores between 9 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Pottery Barn Kids – These stores hold fun and educational free kids activities. Make sure to check out their calendar to see what’s coming up next!

Lego store – Build a model each month for free at your local Lego store for free. This event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only. Next Mini Model Build is June 5! Check with your local Lego Store for times.

Get some reading done – Your local library is the place to be come summer. Libraries have many free activities for kids and you can also get them involved in summer reading programs. (Prizes may be available as incentive!) Another option is heading to bookstores for free story time.

Barnes and Noble – This popular summer reading program is coming back! Kids must read eight books to earn a free book. Kids can also go online for the free story time. Books are read by authors and celebrities. The next online story time is June 5!

Go outside – There’s nothing worst than spending summer indoors. Take advantage of mother nature’s beauty by taking your kids to a local beach or park. Other freebies to consider:

Free National Park Days – For those that love camping or hiking, the next fee-free days are June 9 and Sept. 29.

Free Swimming – Many cities have free swimming days for kids at local public pools. Your child may also be able to get free swimming lessons. Look online to find out if your city will offer free swim days.

Go to the Movies – Take advantage of the movie theater specials in the summer. Some offer free admission to kids while others offer steep discounts. Here are some movie theaters that have announced the return of their 2o12 free summer movies:

National Amusements Free Summer Movies – Kids are going to have to complete a book report to get into a free kid’s movie. Accompanying adults go in free as well as children 6 and under!

Malco Kid’s Summer Film Fest – You can get $2 tickets June through August.

Regal’s Summer Movie Express

Marquee Cinemas

Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse

Muvico: Free Summer Film Fest

Don’t forget about free museum admission for kids. If you know of any more free or cheap things to do this summer with kids, let us know. What will you be doing with your kids this summer?