I was going through my list of places I wanted to visit with the kids this summer, and I realized that there are a lot of fun things to keep us all occupied - many of them free! So, here's a list I put together of just the FREE things my kids and I are going to do this summer.
1. Build a Better World @ your library
We've already signed up for the summer reading program online for the summer. I really like the way Howard County Library sets up their program - everything is done online. Each time I read a book, I can log it online. After so many books, they receive entries for prizes they can earn at the end of the summer. Super easy and a nice way to keep your kids in books over the summer. Check out the program offerings, too! There are a lot of free weekly storytimes and programs at a library near you! Not only is there a summer reading program for youngstersand their siblings (newborn - high school), there's also a special program for adults, too! You'd better believe I'm logging in all the books I read!
2. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
This is for students entering 1st grade up through 5th grade. Read some books, keep a log, and earn a FREE book at the end of the summer! Here's the link where you can download and print a reading log for your child to keep track of the books they read. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading
3. Tracks and Trails
This is a program I just recently found out about and Squeak is already SO excited to do it! It's free to sign up online and you earn prizes as you take walks/hikes and complete fun activities right in your own backyard! Help your child keep an online journal about the trails you explore and the things you see and do. Each journal entry and hike helps you earn badges that in turn will earn you real prizes such as a backpack, bandana, stickers, and more! Yes, it's TOTALLY FREE! Squeak can't wait to take her next adventure and is already expecting her first prize in the mail! Visit www.kidsinparks.com to open your free account and get started!
4. Every Kid in a Park program
This is for 4th grade students, and educators of 4th grade students only, but what an amazing deal. Your 4th grader is able to receive a FREE pass to any and all National Parks for the ENTIRE YEAR and for the ENTIRE FAMILY! Such a wonderful idea and program. Visit here for more information and to print out your pass!
5. National Parks Junior Ranger Program
Visit a National Park ranger station, and request a Junior Ranger packet for your child. As you explore the park together, complete the packet. The packet will ask you specific questions about things you saw and explored together, and ask you to record your observations. This is great way for kids to stay on target through the summer with reading, and to get them excited about exploring nature. Before leaving the park, take your completed packet to the ranger station and receive your special certificate and park ranger badge! Click here for more information about National Parks in your area and to see if the Junior Ranger program is offered at a park near you (most of the parks have them)!
6. Kids Bowl Free
Kids bowl free at certain bowling alleys all summer long! You will need to register ahead of time, and adults will need to pay if you'd like to play, but what a great deal! Check it out at: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com to find a bowling alley near you and to register! Last I checked, the site was temporarily down, but I'm sure it will be back up and running in a jiffy!
7. IKEA Tuesdays
Kids eat free on Tuesdays at IKEA. So, wait for a rainy day and take the kids to IKEA. Drop them off at the Small Land to play in the ball pit while you shop in peace and quiet (though your non-potty trained kids will have to stay with you, so it might not be terribly quiet). Then swing back to get your kid and grab their free meal. Have a look at their menu before heading over. IKEA menu (scroll to bottom). A great deal!
8. Lego Workshops
Have a kid ages 6-12? If yes, then you are eligible to sign him or her up for the free monthly building workshops hosted by your local Lego store! I really want to take Squeak, but your child HAS to be 6 before they are able to attend. After you build your kit in the store, you get to take it home to keep! You'll need to be a Lego VIP member before you are able to register (don't worry, it's free to become a member). I'm sure the dragonfly is already booked for this month, but keep an eye out on their website for upcoming dates so you can register your child! Click here for the link.
9. Home Depot Workshops
The first Saturday of each month, Home Depot offers a free kids workshop where your child can build a project to take home. I find these workshops to be excellent for teaching my kids about tools, how they can be used, learning to follow directions using a series of pictures, and to get their hands dirty. At the end of the workshop, your child will receive a special pin to place on their apron. Squeak is getting quite the collection already - it's rare that we miss a workshop! If you are interested in attending, be sure and register your child online ahead of time so Home Depot has enough time to order the correct number of kits they will need for the workshop. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty - the pain isn't washable! Click here to register for an upcoming workshop.
10. BMA - Free Family Sundays
Squeak has been asking to go back to the Baltimore Museum of Art, and how can I say no? Fantastic artwork, a gorgeous space, and it's absolutely free! We travel to DC to take advantage of the free museums, but having some in Baltimore makes life so much easier! Each Sunday this summer, a free family activity will also be offered. So, be sure and take advantage! Here's a link to the website where you can view all of the activities planned. https://artbma.org/events/family.html
If you're still looking for some fun things to do this summer, I've been keeping track of places we've traveled and visited so far this year and have recorded them on the map below. Lots of good tips and links on the places marked!
1. Build a Better World @ your library
We've already signed up for the summer reading program online for the summer. I really like the way Howard County Library sets up their program - everything is done online. Each time I read a book, I can log it online. After so many books, they receive entries for prizes they can earn at the end of the summer. Super easy and a nice way to keep your kids in books over the summer. Check out the program offerings, too! There are a lot of free weekly storytimes and programs at a library near you! Not only is there a summer reading program for youngstersand their siblings (newborn - high school), there's also a special program for adults, too! You'd better believe I'm logging in all the books I read!2. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
This is for students entering 1st grade up through 5th grade. Read some books, keep a log, and earn a FREE book at the end of the summer! Here's the link where you can download and print a reading log for your child to keep track of the books they read. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading
3. Tracks and Trails
This is a program I just recently found out about and Squeak is already SO excited to do it! It's free to sign up online and you earn prizes as you take walks/hikes and complete fun activities right in your own backyard! Help your child keep an online journal about the trails you explore and the things you see and do. Each journal entry and hike helps you earn badges that in turn will earn you real prizes such as a backpack, bandana, stickers, and more! Yes, it's TOTALLY FREE! Squeak can't wait to take her next adventure and is already expecting her first prize in the mail! Visit www.kidsinparks.com to open your free account and get started!4. Every Kid in a Park program
This is for 4th grade students, and educators of 4th grade students only, but what an amazing deal. Your 4th grader is able to receive a FREE pass to any and all National Parks for the ENTIRE YEAR and for the ENTIRE FAMILY! Such a wonderful idea and program. Visit here for more information and to print out your pass!
5. National Parks Junior Ranger Program
 |
| Squeak is "sworn in" as a Junior Ranger |
Visit a National Park ranger station, and request a Junior Ranger packet for your child. As you explore the park together, complete the packet. The packet will ask you specific questions about things you saw and explored together, and ask you to record your observations. This is great way for kids to stay on target through the summer with reading, and to get them excited about exploring nature. Before leaving the park, take your completed packet to the ranger station and receive your special certificate and park ranger badge! Click here for more information about National Parks in your area and to see if the Junior Ranger program is offered at a park near you (most of the parks have them)!
6. Kids Bowl Free
Kids bowl free at certain bowling alleys all summer long! You will need to register ahead of time, and adults will need to pay if you'd like to play, but what a great deal! Check it out at: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com to find a bowling alley near you and to register! Last I checked, the site was temporarily down, but I'm sure it will be back up and running in a jiffy!
7. IKEA Tuesdays
Kids eat free on Tuesdays at IKEA. So, wait for a rainy day and take the kids to IKEA. Drop them off at the Small Land to play in the ball pit while you shop in peace and quiet (though your non-potty trained kids will have to stay with you, so it might not be terribly quiet). Then swing back to get your kid and grab their free meal. Have a look at their menu before heading over. IKEA menu (scroll to bottom). A great deal!
8. Lego Workshops
Have a kid ages 6-12? If yes, then you are eligible to sign him or her up for the free monthly building workshops hosted by your local Lego store! I really want to take Squeak, but your child HAS to be 6 before they are able to attend. After you build your kit in the store, you get to take it home to keep! You'll need to be a Lego VIP member before you are able to register (don't worry, it's free to become a member). I'm sure the dragonfly is already booked for this month, but keep an eye out on their website for upcoming dates so you can register your child! Click here for the link.
9. Home Depot Workshops
The first Saturday of each month, Home Depot offers a free kids workshop where your child can build a project to take home. I find these workshops to be excellent for teaching my kids about tools, how they can be used, learning to follow directions using a series of pictures, and to get their hands dirty. At the end of the workshop, your child will receive a special pin to place on their apron. Squeak is getting quite the collection already - it's rare that we miss a workshop! If you are interested in attending, be sure and register your child online ahead of time so Home Depot has enough time to order the correct number of kits they will need for the workshop. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty - the pain isn't washable! Click here to register for an upcoming workshop.
10. BMA - Free Family Sundays
Squeak has been asking to go back to the Baltimore Museum of Art, and how can I say no? Fantastic artwork, a gorgeous space, and it's absolutely free! We travel to DC to take advantage of the free museums, but having some in Baltimore makes life so much easier! Each Sunday this summer, a free family activity will also be offered. So, be sure and take advantage! Here's a link to the website where you can view all of the activities planned. https://artbma.org/events/family.html
If you're still looking for some fun things to do this summer, I've been keeping track of places we've traveled and visited so far this year and have recorded them on the map below. Lots of good tips and links on the places marked!
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