Frugal summer activities for kids?

[jasonbinary]

I just found this forum and I'm really happy that I did. I've been having a great time going through and see that a lot of good advice is being given. I hope this question hasn't been asked in the past, and if it has I hope that somebody can point me into the right direction so that I can see the answers.

I'm looking for frugal activities that can be done during the summer with my kids. Although I do have some that we do quite a bit, I would like to add some new ones so that it's a bit different this summer than it has been in past summers. I'm just curious what other people do with their kids during the summer that is frugal? I really look forward to hearing all your ideas.

#1: Shoot funny home videos of singing, dancing or just acting goofy. Most smartphones let you shoot videos on your phone.
#2: Start a scavenger hunt.
#3: Go camping - even if it's just in the backyard.
#4: Learn pottery by making figures out of backyard mud.
#5: Browse books at the library.
#6: Arrange a play date with cousins or neighborhood kids. Once you get enough children together, their imagination takes over and they'll entertain themselves.
#7: Visit the park.
#8: Encourage your children to start a make-believe "detective agency."
#9: Climb trees (if it's safe!).
#10: Watch educational movies on Netflix or Hulu.
#11: Bake cookies and other desserts. Learn the art of cooking.
#12: Fingerpaint using non-toxic wet paint.
#13: Hike in the mountains or a nearby forest.
#14: Build a lemonade stand.
#15: Make pizza together at home.

[VanReb]

Museums, parks, beaches, libraries. Take them on a trek or for a picnic. Make exercise and outdoor activity a habit. Have them take up a sport or a hobby.

[cwg9409]

Go for a hike. Its great exercise, costs nothing, and will make it easier to put the kids to bed later.

[Jerry91]

Read an interesting book to your kid or download a good e-book for your kid. Encourage your kid to indulge in some easy craft projects. With your kid in toe, shoot a funny home videos. Go camping in your backyard or learn pottery making. Go for finger-paint using non-toxic wet paint.

[MaraJadeC]

Thank you all for these suggestions. Great ideas indeed for the kids this summer!

[Baby_nurse]

Check out local activities in your area. In my town, several of the local theaters offer free kids movies 2 mornings a week. Even the popcorn and drinks are discounted or can be free with the donation of canned goods for a local charity.

If you are a BofA customer, the first weekend of the month has offers for free entry to many local museums.

A picnic in the park is cheap.

Year round zoo passes are inexpensive and fun.

Your local library might offer free kids activity programs, too.

[Jennsnoopy]

Here's what we do:
Bowling alleys have cheap summer programs for kids
Dollar movies
Barnes and nobles and other bookstores and libraries have summer reading programs where kids can earn prizes
Collecting and painting rocks
Dollar store water balloon for water balloon fights
Free hardware classes at lowes and home depot for kids