Running low on cheap ideas for summer entertainment? Here are 12 CHEAP summer activities for kids and families of all ages!
Backyard Camping
Pop up the tent, or grab your blankets and stretch them out on the trampoline. Our backyard camping this summer was a dream… The kids LOVED setting up camp, organizing the tent, running around in the backyard and even sleeping! They woke up 10 steps away from the back door for breakfast, toilets and other household comforts.
There was little to no complaining, and the back up plan was RIGHT there. 10 stars for backyard camping. (Full disclosure…I stayed up till 1am..then slept inside in my bed so 15/10 for me)
$1 Movies
Did you know that most theaters offer cheap movies for children during the summer? In Utah and Washington we are spoiled with movies for just $1. There are two movies per week in our area. Look up your local theater to find out movie schedules and cost!
You can find the Megaplex Schedule here and Cinefour Schedule here
Outdoor Movies on the Fence
When I was little, projectors cost a LOT of money. I searched on Amazon last summer and I found that times have changed. This projector is the best $90 I’ve spent for easy, cheap, family entertainment. We have watched movies on the fence, on our projector screen and on the ceiling of our bedroom MANY times.
Smores and Hotdogs on the Fire
I have found that my kids LOVE the process, but hate the results so they get to safely play with fire, and I get unlimited Smores ;) My kids LOVE roasting hot dogs, marshmallows and whatever else I let them poke with a stick and smoke on the fire. Its an easy family dinner, and so much fun. When I was a kid, we even added singing to our campfire ritual. Try it.
Picnic
When in doubt, pack up your lunch and call it a picnic. My kids LOVE picnics. We have full picnics and snack picnics, park picnics and backyard picnics, picnics at the dam and picnics with friends.
Splash Pad
The best way to get your kids in the water without having to fully commit to being submerged, life guard duty or getting in a swimsuit.
Alma Leonhardt Park
Addrss: 310 W. 250 North, Providence Cit
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Meadow View Park
Address: 2720 N. 300 East, Logan
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Shuman Park
Address: 200 N. 100 East, Tremonton
Hours: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
South Park
Address: 450 E. 300 South, Millville
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Salt Hollow Park
Address: 350 West 100 North, Hyrum
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Blacksmith Fork Park
Address: 176 S 1300 E, Hyrum
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wellsville
Address: 75 E. 100 South, Wellsville
Hours: not determined
Riverdale Park
Address: 4300 S. Parker Drive, Riverdale
Hours: Monday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday: 12-8 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Nature Park
Address: 5874 S. Park Vista Drive, South Ogden
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Address: 1350 N. Highway 89, Harrisville
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Pioneer Park
Address: 500 W. Center St., Provo
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
The Shops at Riverwoods
Address: 4833 N. Edgewood Drive, Provo
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sprinklers
Get a cheap sprinkler, or a super fun sprinkler and set it up in the backyard for endless summer fun. I love this one.
Family Hike
My kids were not big fans of our first hike until we got to the view then they loved it. There has to be a reward the first couple of times – a rope swing, waterfall, awesome lookout. After they got used to the physical struggle of hiking, they started loving hike.
Make hiking an experience for your kids. Let them pack their own snacks, use a camelback type backpack and choose the color of their hiking shoes. Also, always be prepared with a back up plan. They might not make it all the way. Bring a backpack to carry them, or be prepared to turn around. Bring LOTS of snacks and lots of water. We love using special snacks like trail mix that we only use on the trail ;) When we rented the smallest rv with shower and toilet, we went on so many hikes. Having a mini headquarters in the woods is perfect for extending the endurance of the little one. Plus they love it just as much as we do.
Park Hopping
Parks are fun, but they can become boring quickly. A change of pace is exactly what we need to keep things interesting and fun for the kids and adults, too! A happy and self-entertained kid is a happy mom ;)
- Alma Leonhardt
- Braegger Park
- Brookside Park
- Cattle Corral Park
- Hampshire Park
- Meadowridge Park
- Uptown Park
- Von Baer Park
- Zollinger Park
- Ryans Place Park
- Adams Park
- Hyrum Gibbons Mt. Logan Park
- Lundstrom Park
- Merlin Olsen Park
- Willow Park
- Whittier Park
- Mack Park
- Pioneer Park
Hammocking
Take it into the canyons, or set it up in your backyard. Every kid loves . swinging in a hammock. We have this one, and we love it!
Local Arts Festivals & Faires
Most communities have art festivals, faire or other activities throughout the year. Search for theater, story time, festivals, fairs and more in your area. Cache Valley is rich with activities. We love the Logan Fair, Rodeos, Derbies, Summerfest, Library activities, Pickelville Shows, Plays and more that happen all year round!
Get in the Lake, Local Pool & Ocean (if you’re lucky)
Extreme heat means we basically LIVE in water during our Utah summers. Find your local lakes, pools and water sources. Sunscreen, life jackets and alllll the hats.
PIN IT FOR NEXT SUMMER!
12 Cheap Summer Activities with Kids
Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of.
July 5, 2018
Kylee Maughan
