Free Things for Kids During Summer: Your Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Fun
- Juju Gurgel
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Summer break is here, and if you’re anything like me, you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without emptying your wallet. T
he good news? There are so many free things for kids during summer—and even more that are almost free.
From movie deals and DIY workshops to kids-eat-free nights, I’ve rounded up the best budget-friendly options to make this summer full of fun, not expenses.
Free or Almost Free entertainment for kids during summer
Regal Cinemas – Summer Movie Express
$1 tickets for family-friendly films every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. from June 10 through August 6.
Cinemark – Summer Movie Clubhouse
Select children’s movies for just $1.75 per ticket from June 7 through August.
AMC Theatres – 50% Off Wednesdays
Starting July 9, AMC Stubs members receive half-off evening base-priced tickets every Wednesday.
Kids Bowl Free Program
Children can bowl two free games daily all summer long at participating bowling centers.👉 Sign up at kidsbowlfree.com
Dave & Buster’s Summer All-Day Pass (select locations)
Check local promos for weekday game play deals and half-price Wednesdays.
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Summer Camp
Free weekly summer workshops (June–July) with crafts, activities, and giveaways for kids.
Chuck E. Cheese Fun Pass Membership
Bronze: $7.99/month – 40 games per visit + 20% off food/drinks
Silver: $11.99/month – 100 games per visit + 30% off
Gold: $29.99/month – 250 games per visit + 50% off
Restaurants where kids eat free or almost free during the summer
(Check your location for participation.)
Red Robin – 50% off kids’ meals on Wednesdays with code KIDSMEAL50.
Chili’s – Free kids’ meal offers via My Chili’s Rewards app.
Denny’s – Free kids’ meals on Tuesdays from 4–10 PM (with adult entrée).
Bob Evans – Kids eat free on Tuesdays after 4 PM.
Smashburger – Kids eat free on Wednesdays with adult meal purchase.
IKEA – Two free kids' meals with adult entrée (IKEA Family members only).
Luby’s – Kids eat free on Wednesdays and Saturdays with adult meal.
Ruby Tuesday – Kids eat free Tuesdays after 5 PM & all day Friday.
Moe’s Southwest Grill – Kids eat free all day on Sundays.
Piccadilly – $1.99 kids’ meals on Thursdays with adult meal.
Logan’s Roadhouse – Kids eat free on Wednesdays.
Moe’s BBQ – Kids eat free on Tuesdays with adult meal.
Texas Roadhouse – $0.99 kids’ meals on Mondays.
Chick-fil-A – Some locations offer free kids’ meal with adult combo Tuesdays 5:30–7:30 PM.
Huddle House – Kids eat free on Mondays or Tuesdays with $6+ adult meal.
Steak ‘n Shake – Kids eat free daily with every $9 spent (dine-in only).
Extra Tip: Some local pizza places or diners offer “kids eat free” nights—check your local listings!
Local free & low budget things to do with kids in the summer
Library Programs & Storytimes
Free summer reading programs, story times, crafts, and even family movie nights. If you are in Southwest Florida, the local libraries offer a summer program where kids can attend events in person and participate in online activities.
We like to attend their kick off event as they usually have really cool activities like face painting, foam party and they even give each child a free book. It's so worth it, so definitely check out your local library for educational summer fun.
Home Depot & Lowe’s Kids Workshops
Free DIY workshops the first Saturday of every month (pre-registration required).
Nature Centers & Wildlife Preserves
Free or donation-based entry with trails, scavenger hunts, and interactive exhibits.
Splash Pads
Perfect for hot days—and free at most city parks!
Movies in the Park
Many towns host free outdoor movie nights. Bring snacks and blankets!
Children's Museums
Museums for All: Free/reduced entry with SNAP/EBT card.
Discovery Centers: Often offer EBT discounts or free family days.
Blue Star Museums
Free admission for active-duty military & families (May 17 – Aug 31, 2025).
Zoos & Aquariums
Free First Tuesdays at many locations
Discounted admission for EBT/SNAP/WIC families
Zoo Summer Family Nights (check for late-night summer events!)
Michaels Kids Club
Low-cost ($5 or less) Saturday art & craft projects for kids, occasionally free seasonal events.
Kids Eat Free Cards (some cities)
Look into local “Kids Eat Free” discount cards or websites listing current promotions.
Local churches
Many local churches offer free kids summer camp, Bible Studies and fun days for kids.
State & National Parks
Many State and National Parks offer very low cost entrance and some even have Junior Ranger programs that are free for kids to join. Check out the State and National Parks around your area.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a magical summer. With so many free things for kids during summer, you can fill your calendar with movie dates, splash pad afternoons, DIY projects, and mealtime adventures that everyone in the family will love.
Get the downloadable list and save it to your phone so you never miss out on budget friendly activities during the summer and be sure to share it with a friend because after all, sharing is caring.
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I also got my cranberry hibiscus at Echo in Ft. Myers over 13 years ago and I love that they still pop up in my yard. I've been trying to find the exact macros this plant provides to your diet but all I ever come up with is info on either the tea or the flowers. I use the leaves in my salads daily when its growing fresh in my yard. I do prefer the smaller leaves for salad. Any additional info you may have is appreciated!
Charlotte