Patch Blog: Cheap and Free Kids' Summer Activities

Last year we stayed home for the summer is the pursuit of savings. I scoured all the libraries, zoos, museums and community events to find ways for us to keep busy. And we did. We went on a 'field trip' once a week and did science experiments at home.

We did a lot. And we did it cheaply. Here is the list:

National History Museum: We won a family membership to this museum, so we went three times. We ran out of summer or else we would have gone more. It's a huge museum with plenty to do and plenty of activities during the whole year, so we will probably make another visit or two before the year is over. There are also reciprocal priviledges at La Brea Tar Pits and Hart Museum in Newhall. 

Belt Loops: Someone asked me why we were doing so many belt loops this summer, was I an overachiever? Nope. I used our scout book and belt loops as an easy guide for things to do this summer. In all, Connor earned 10 belt loops and completed about half of his Wolf requirements for next year. I am thinking it will make for a more relaxing fall.

Camping: With the scouts of course. There is no way I would go otherwise. Although we were only gone for a few days, the packing and unpacking stretched it to a full week. It only cost us $50 (if you don't count gear and food) so it was a pretty inexpensive activity. It was also a great experience for all of us.

Bowling: For a Belt Loop - of course. We found some coupons for cheaper bowling. Also many bowling alleys have free bowling for kids during the summer. Plus it is air conditioned. Bonus!

Ultimate Frisbee: For a Belt Loop. We found two Ultimate Frisbee courses. There is a local one at Hahamongna Watershed Park and a grassy one at Huntington Central Park. We played one game and learned the rules. It took up an afternoon and we learned something new. It was great fun for the whole family. The bonus is we did it with another family, playdate!

Adventure Park: This is a little bit of a drive, but completely work it. I can't wait to go again next year. The whole park was beautiful. We definitely need to go back there again soon. Take a change of clothes and a towel. Be prepared to get very dirty.  

Science Experiments: We did several science experiments. I was ambitious and expected to do one each week, but we got busy,and I was content to just let them play in the front yard. But the most memorable ones were Invisible Ink (a Wolf requirement) and Volcanoes (just plain fun).

Vacation Bible School: Cheap! Fun! Need I say more? There are many churches in our area that will be having VBS. 's will be August 6-10.  

Scout Camp: Our local chapters held one cub scout and one girl scout camp locally. They were also super inexpensive. More belt loops and patches were earned. More information on this years camps at Verdugo Hills Council. 

Zoo: Free coupons!

Library program: We live near two great libraries, even more if you are willing to leave the city. We signed up for the book reading program so the children could read and get prizes. We tried going to the library once a week to get new books and return old ones. Plus they had a puppet show, animal shoe, Mad Science show and much more that we didn't attend.  The La Crescenta Library even has weekend activities through the school year. Check it out.

Chess Club: The YMCA of the Foothills in Tujunga has a chess club for children ages 5 years and older. There are two kind and helpful adults teaching the students the proper rules for chess. We went for several weeks in a row to practice our Chess skills. Also for the Belt Loop. The Bonus - Mom can squeeze in a work out.

Getty Museum: Did you know the Getty Museum is absolutely free? I didn't. They have beautiful gardens and architecture. A fine restaurant. Parking is $15 though. And I wouldn't exactly consider it young kid-friendly. But it was still fun to ride the monorail from the parking structure to the museum. The kids had a great time rolling down the grass and looking at all the fountains.

Lowe's and Home Depot Kids projects: These are free kids projects that are held 1-2 times a month. They are free. You must sign up for them about a month in advance to make sure you will get a spot. The website says they are for children 5 and older, but I saw young children there as well and I think we are going to let the 3-year-old try next time.

JPL: JPL offers free family tours, as long as you book it far in advance. We took the whole family for a weekday three-hour tour where we had the opportunity to see the new Mar's Rover Curiosity. Plus we are space nerds so it was pretty cool!

Building: About halfway through the summer the children ended up with a tool box and scrap wood. Its kept them busy for HOURS.

There are lots of great inexpesive ways to keep the kids busy this summer. With five kids its not always practical to sign my children up for lots of . But with enough planning you can have your own summer camp at home.