11 FREE Ways to Squeeze More Fun Out of Your Summer Break

To me, it feels like the kids just got out of school. However, my kids are young, so the school schedule doesn’t affect us much. Parents with school-age kids, how are you feeling? Are you still hanging in there?

In case you’re experiencing summer burnout or just want to squeeze in as much fun as possible, this handy guide will help your family make the most of the last few weeks of summer. Oh, and the best part? All of these ideas are FREE!

Free Summer Fun!

Watch a movie under the stars. See the showtimes HERE.

Listen to a community band concert at Fairbanks park. The final summer concerts are on August 2 and August 16.

Go bowling. (Yes! It’s free until August 29th! Check out THIS POST for more information.)

Shop the farmers market. (The third and final kids’ day is August 9th.)

Check out one of the Saturday parties or storytime events at Barnes and Noble. These events are completely FREE! The next party will be on August 9th at 2 p.m. There will be snacks, crafts, and a story! The theme for the next party is “Farm Animal Fun.”  (And there’s a pirate party coming up on September 6th!)

Feed the geese or ducks at the park.

Swap your kids’ clothes, gear, and toys for new-to-you goodies at the Maryland Church FREE swap on Saturday, July 26th. Everything is free! Bring what you can; take what you need.

Hang out at the Downtown Terre Haute Block Party on August 23rd. (I can’t wait! More info HERE.)

Take the kids to the pet-themed First Friday fun on August 1st.

Splash in the ISU fountain. My four-year-old could play here each and every day.  One note: we overheard the facilities manager reminding some older kids that they shouldn’t block the spray with their feet. The sprayers (is that the right word?) need to remain unobstructed.

Visit the Dobbs park nature center.

Play in your own backyard. Have you exhausted the usual swing set/sandbox/bike riding ideas?  You can see my favorite summer fun ideas in my “Sunshine!” pinterest board!

Bonus idea: As much as I love watching my kids have fun, I also want them to know that they don’t have to be consumers in order to have a good time.  Families can bond (and have fun!) through shared service. CODA and the public library are two places that are often on the lookout for volunteers. If that sounds too daunting, why not take the kiddos on a clean-up walk around your neighborhood?

You can get a glimpse of the fun we’re having this summer on the Haute Happenings Instagram page!