Free Summer Fun for Families

Free Summer Fun

For my first post on First Fridays, I’m talking free summer fun for you and your family. While there are tons of ideas out there, I’m sharing the things we actually tried this week…and had a lot of fun doing.

Free Summer Fun at the Library

The library really is an awesome place to go all year-long, but we took advantage of some free programs this week.

First up, registering all three boys for the Summer Reading Program. Even though the twins can’t read by themselves, they love being read to. Mr. B is working hard on his reading skills, and we want to keep up the momentum.

With our summer reading program, you participate in activities all week, and then take a trip to the library when you’ve finished. You turn in your sheet, and receive coupons for local attractions. Sometimes there are free things, like food coupons, and sometimes there are coupons for other activities, like swim passes. There are often nice discounts, and new places to try for cheap.

Second library activity:

Mr. B is the proud owner of his very own Library Card!!!!

At our library, kids need to be able to print their first and last name on the back of the card in order to get one. He probably could have done it last year, but this year, he really rocked that signature. Plus, this is the first summer he’s really reading by himself.

Lastly, my Dad took all the boys to two different story hours.

The first was a musical performer. Big C did such awesome dancing that he won a free CD from the performer! The twins have been listening to the new CD to go to bed, which is a miracle. Just read THIS POST about their nighttime routine, and you will understand this is a HUGE deal.

The second was outdoor storytime. They got to sit on a blanket, have snacks, and even play at the playground afterwards. I spent time with my Mom, since it was her birthday. Win, win!

So, if you haven’t been to your local library this summer, get there ASAP. Even without all the extras, you can’t go wrong with free books and movies. I even try out new exercise DVDs.

Free Summer Fun at Indoor Play Areas

Tuesday was a rainy, humid day, so we needed an indoor activity. I thought about taking the boys to a movie, but I didn’t think I could handle sitting through Captain Underpants. Plus, Cars 3 is coming out very soon, so I wanted to wait for that.

Instead, we decided to go have lunch at Chick-Fil-A, and then play at their play area.

Obviously we bought lunch, but the two hours of playtime after was well worth it. The area is enclosed, so I didn’t have to worry about anyone running off. I got a free refill of my drink, and sat right outside. I was able to watch through the window, but not have to hear the screams. Plus, the place seems pretty clean, even for a germ-a-phobe like me. They make the kids take off their shoes, and there are individually packaged Purell wipes right as you exit the area.

Also, there was a guy working at the restaurant whose sole job was to clean off tables, and then wipe them down with antibacterial wipes. I’ve never seen that done at another fast food restaurant. It made me feel confident that they must wipe down the play area too.

Free Summer Fun at your own Beauty Salon or Barber Shop

Now, this may seem like a totally crazy thing to do with three boys, but hear me out.

My boys, especially Mr. B, love imaginary play. He’s always running around playing in some made-up land and attacking space creatures. So, when it came time for some personal maintenance this week, I decided it was time for Shann’s Beauty Salon.

All three start summer school next week, and their hair is starting to grow out. Since we have a pair of clippers, and it’s nice outside, I set up a station on the porch for haircuts. It’s definitely not their favorite thing to do, so I had to bribe them with sprinkler time and freeze pops.

Plus, I’ve been trying to teach myself to braid my hair, so I worked that in too.

I also had to cut Mr. B’s fingernails, which grow at an alarming rate. I’ll spare you the visual.

If you have little girls, you could also do some mani/pedis outside. I’m going to do my own nails later tonight. The boys would love to have their nails painted too, but their fingers are just too darn small, and they have no patience when it comes to drying.

The Rest

In addition to all of our Free Summer Fun activities, we also hit the gym a couple of times, where they played in the play area. We went to Costco for lunch free samples, and Mr. B had his third baseball game. Bike rides, sprinkler runs, and a giant garage clean out also happened. Plus, we checked out their school to get them ready for summer school next week.

Tonight is dress rehearsal for my dance studio’s showcase. I’m so excited to see all my little ballerinas perform tomorrow.

How was your first week of Summer? What fun and/or free things have you found to do?