Free Activities for Summer Fun & Learning

Summer is right around the corner, and if you're like me, you are already looking for some fun things to do with your kids and family.  So, as I've been searching around the web, I kept note of everything to share with you.  I love that all of these activities are free (or really inexpensive), but I like even more that there is some learning snuck in there too.  Start marking your calendars now!



Borders Double Dog Dare You Summer Reading - Kids under 12 can read 10 books (their choice), record them on the printable entry form, and bring it to the store for one free book from the selection provided.
http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_double-dog-dare

Barnes and Noble Imagination's Destination Summer Reading - Kids read 8 books (their choice), record them on the printable reading journal, and bring it to the store for one free book from the selection provided.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp

iVillage and PBS Kids Summer Reading Community Challenge - Signing up for this online reading challenge will get you a daily email with fun activities to build reading skills, tricks and advice from your challenge coach, book suggestions for kids of all ages, tips from other parents taking the challenge, and a chance to win daily prizes.
http://challenges.ivillage.com/kids-summer-reading

Public Library Summer Reading Club - Almost every public library system in the US hosts a free summer reading club for it's community.  You can check this listing here to find a library in your area and contact them to find out if they are participating.
http://www.publiclibraries.com/

Kids Bowl Free - Check here to see if a bowling alley near you is participating.  Bowling is not only fun, but a great form of exercise and a good way to sneak in math!  (shoe rental is not included)
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

Family Summer Camp at Bass Pro Shops - Free family crafts, workshops and other activities.  Check the website for all the details and schedule of events.  Runs May 30th - July 5th.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&lf=&pageID=4769&cm_sp=SummerCamp2009-_-CFM_05_20_09-_-Crafts

Great American Backyard Campout - Join the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout June 25th for a night of old-fashioned fun outdoors.  Also get free camping tips, campfire songs and stories, recipes, games and activities.
http://online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/gabc_2010_home

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics - Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.
http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/

Kids Workshops at Home Depot - Kids workshops are free how to workshops designed for kids 5-12.  The hands on sessions are offered on the first Saturday of each month at all Home Depot stores.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?catalogId&langId=-1&pn=Kids_Workshops&storeId=10051

Free Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning - Free crafts for kids, every Saturday.
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/storeCrafts.jsp

Regal Theater's Summer Movie Express - Moviegoers of all ages can climb aboard to enjoy a great selection of films. During this 9-week festival, select Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am.

http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

I've heard that Michael's craft stores will also be hosting a summer crafts program, Passport to Fun, a summer of events for kids, June 21 - July 30.  Kids receive a passport to keep track of the crafts they've completed and get to make two crafts each week.  Details will be coming soon and I'll update when I hear anything can be found on their website; just click on a country to get all the details! 
http://www.michaels.com/Passport-to-Fun/PTF,default,pg.html

If I come across any other free activities (nationwide), I'll be sure to share them here on the blog as well.  Hope everyone's plans, whether you plan to stay at home or go away for vacation, leads to lots of fun!