As moms, we usually go out of our way to avoid hearing our kids say "I'm bored," especially during the Summer months [1] when we want them to have memorable, warm-weather days [2] to look back on. But keeping kids of all ages entertained can be hard and expensive. You want a healthy mix of family activities, camps [3], and outings with friends, but you also don't want to burn a hole in your wallet. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do with kids of all ages that don't cost a thing and can keep them amused. Keep reading to see how you can get in tons of free family time this Summer, and get ready to make some memories!

Ages 2-3

One of the most magical things about toddlers is that everything is new and interesting. There's always something to discover and explore, so jump into the mindset of your child and find ways to show them the world in a creative way!

• Go to story time at the library.
• Make a fort.
• Host an outdoor tea party.
• Run through the sprinklers.
• Make bird feeders.
• Set up a snack making station at home.
• Play dress-up outside.
• Set up a treasure hunt.
• Make a fun concoction for sensory development like slime.
• Go to a free day at a local museum.
• Splash around in a kiddie pool in the backyard.

Ages 4-7

Everything is still new and sparkly to this wonderful age group. As they are starting to develop better friendships at school or in the neighborhood, don't forget to team up with those other parents to create some wonderful group opportunities!

• Have a themed picnic featuring their favorite show, character, or movie.
• Have a s'mores-making night.
• Create a sidewalk chalk mural.
• Dye bubbles various colors and get the large bubble wands to create them.
• Set up an obstacle course in the backyard.
• Put on costumes and help them put together a play.
• Make up a dance to their favorite song together.
• Make homemade sunscreen.
• Set up a portable pool and create a water ecosystem with toys.
• Go to story time at the library.
• Create story books inspired by their Summer reading.
• Make a backyard tepee.
• Have a movie night in the backyard with a projector.

Ages 8-10

The kids are finally old enough or big enough at this point to do more grown-up things but still have an interest in those fun, silly games of childhood. Take advantage of this golden time!

• Throw a Halloween-in-July party for all the neighborhood kids. Just dress up and play games!
• Set up relay races.
• Go to the beach and have a sandcastle-building competition.
• Make homemade pizzas together.
• Have a scavenger hunt at the local park and add a superhero or princess (or both) theme to it.
• Have a dance party.
• On a rainy day, have a beach day inside with towels and bathing suits.
• Set up butcher paper and washable paints outside.
• Have a story-writing competition.
• Have a water balloon fight!
• Host a lemonade stand.
• Make friendship bracelets.

Ages 11 and Up

Preteens and teens are sometimes hard to relate to and reel in their interests. All those lovely hormones are in full force! Just dive into what they like, or what the kid inside of them is still interested in, and make it a bit more "adult."

• Throw a board game night complete with mocktails (don't forget the fancy straws) and currency in the form of not having to do a chore.
• Take a hike or long bike ride for the nature-lovers.
• Have a giant scavenger hunt in a local park with a prize of something they love. (Extra screen time perhaps?)
• Learn to make their favorite dessert together.
• Have a family pool volleyball competition.
• Take a trip to the library to get the next YA novel.
• Do a scrapbooking project.
• Have karaoke night.
• Make a campfire in the backyard and swap scary stories.
• Find murals around town perfect for their Instagram feed.
• Volunteer at a local charity.

All Ages

Sometimes your children are spread apart in age, and it can be hard to find common interests. However, there are still so many things that would make everyone feel included and interested, allowing for a little more of that important family time.

• Plan a picnic at the beach with fun snacks you made at home.
• Have family movie night complete with popcorn and everyone's favorite candy.
• Have Harry Potter [4] reading night (all ages love it!).
• Do a family baking day.
• Have family food night (everyone makes their favorite food . . . and then votes for whose is best).
• Host family game night.
• Play badminton, soccer, basketball, mini golf, lawn bowling, giant Jenga, etc.