10 Fun and Free Things To Do This Summer

Summertime is here. And while kids may be counting down the days until school is out, parents and grandparents may be counting something else—the cost. Keeping kids entertained during the summer does not have to break the bank. In fact, some of the best memories do not come from expensive outings. They come from creativity, time together, and a little planning. It is tempting to spend our way into a good time. A movie with popcorn and drinks can easily become a costly outing for a family. A trip to a major league ballpark can cost even more. But meaningful family fun does not have to come with a high price tag. Here are ten fun, meaningful, and free things your family can do this summer. 1. Visit the Library Today’s libraries are more than shelves of books. Many host summer reading challenges, puppet shows, craft days, Lego clubs, and other free activities for kids. A trip to the library builds lifelong learning habits, encourages imagination, and gives children a healthy break from screen time. It is a simple summer win for the whole family. 2. Have a Themed Movie Marathon Movie nights are always fun, but you can make them even more memorable with a theme. Dress up like your favorite characters, make homemade popcorn, and watch movies you already own or can stream for free through your library. It is a cozy, low-cost way to enjoy time together without leaving home. 3. Check Your Community Calendar Many towns and cities host free summer concerts, outdoor movie nights, festivals, parades, and family events. These gatherings are not only enjoyable; they also help families connect with their neighbors and experience the gift of community. Scripture often reminds us that we were not made to live in isolation, and summer can be a wonderful time to build those local connections. 4. Plan a Backyard Campout You do not need a mountain getaway to go camping. Pitch a tent in the backyard, roast marshmallows, tell stories, and spend time under the stars. You can also take a few moments to marvel at the night sky together. Psalm 8:3–4 says, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars… what is man that you are mindful of him?” A backyard campout can become a simple opportunity to worship the God who made the heavens and cares for us. 5. Host a Yard Sale A yard sale can be more than a way to clean out the garage. Let your kids gather items, price them, and help run their own mini shop. This can teach stewardship, contentment, and generosity—especially if they choose to give a portion of the proceeds to someone in need. 6. Try Geocaching If your family enjoys a good treasure hunt, geocaching can be a fun adventure. All you need is a smartphone and a free app to begin searching for small caches hidden throughout your community. It is a great way to explore new places, get outside, and bond as a family—without spending money. 7. Organize a Neighborhood Game Day Sometimes the simplest games are the most fun. Kickball, capture the flag, relay races, or a water balloon battle can bring kids and families together for hours. Reach out to other parents in your neighborhood and organize a recurring game day. You can rotate houses, share the fun, and build community at no cost. 8. Create a Summer Bucket List Get the kids involved and make a list of free or simple things they want to do this summer. It could include building a fort, catching fireflies, learning a new skill, having a picnic, or watching a sunset. Then check the items off one by one. A summer bucket list builds anticipation, keeps the season organized, and helps your family make memories with intention. 9. Explore Local Parks and Trails Nature is one of God’s most accessible gifts. A walk through the woods, a bike ride, or a visit to a local preserve can stir the soul and open our eyes to the beauty of creation. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” And so does every bird's song, wildflower, trail, and sunset. Summer is a wonderful time to help children slow down and notice the world God has made. 10. Serve Together as a Family One of the most meaningful things you can do this summer is serve others together. You could volunteer at a food pantry, visit a nursing home, bake treats for neighbors, write encouraging cards, or help someone with yard work. Acts of service teach children the joy of giving and remind them that life is not just about being entertained. Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Serving together helps children experience that truth firsthand. Steward the Summer Well It is easy to assume that fun comes with a price tag. But often, the most meaningful moments cost nothing at all. Laughter, love, sunshine, conversation, service, and time together are gifts from God. As you plan your summer, do not focus solely on how much you can spend. Focus on how you can wisely steward the time God has given you with the people you love. And take it from a dad who knows how quickly the years pass: this season goes by faster than you think. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to invest relationally, be present, and build memories that do not require debt. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 64, about to turn 65, and have severe health issues from pesticide and mold poisoning. I work multiple part-time jobs to cover care that traditional insurance hasn’t covered, including a specialized doctor and compounded medications. People say I need Medicare and possibly a supplement to avoid penalties, but I’m not sure either would help. What should I do? I’m 62 and still working. At what age can I start drawing Social Security while continuing to earn my current income without reducing my benefit? And if I wait until 70, will that be when I receive the maximum benefit? I want to keep my estate out of probate. My bank accounts are payable on death to my two children, but I also have a house and 20 acres. How can I keep that property out of probate as well? Also, has the annual gift exclusion changed this year? I own a three-unit rental property. Would there be a benefit to placing it in an LLC, and what are the main advantages? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.