How to have fun this summer without spending a lot of money

Summer is almost here. We’re ready to make the most of summer. Tis the season for more fun: longer days, sunny weekends, and spontaneous adventures. But between rising costs and packed schedules, the magic of summer can start to feel overwhelmingly expensive.

Good news? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable season. We’ve rounded up affordable ways to maximize summer fun, including discounted tickets, free family activities, seasonal experiences worth planning, and finding budget-friendly finds that make everything from backyard hangouts to pool days better.

Read on to find out how you can enjoy the season for less.

index:

• Register for a free DIY workshop
• Score Dirty Cheap Summer Movies
• Hunt Down Free Entertainment
• Check out your local library
• Take advantage of forgotten membership benefits
• Things to buy to make the most of summer

Register for a free DIY workshop

Low Kids Club

Lowe’s Kids Club offers free monthly hands-on DIY workshops where kids can work with their parents or guardians to create fun projects like toy boxes, cars, seasonal crafts and more. Families can sign up through their free MyLowe’s Rewards account, and kids can earn badges, enjoy special benefits, and build confidence while learning basic DIY skills together.

Home Depot Kids Workshop

Home Depot Kids Workshops are monthly free, hands-on DIY events where kids can work with their parents or guardians to create fun projects like birdhouses, tool boxes, and seasonal crafts. Workshops, held the first Saturday of each month, include all materials and children receive a commemorative apron, achievement pin and certificate to take home.

Michaels Craft Classes/Kids Club

Michaels offers free and affordable in-store craft events, including seasonal projects, beginner workshops, and creative activities for kids and adults. Michaels Kids Club offers free, hands-on craft sessions for kids with supplies included, giving kids a fun way to get creative and create seasonal projects in-store.

Score Dirty Cheap Summer Movies

Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse

Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse is a budget-friendly summer movie program that allows families to watch kid-friendly movies on the big screen for just $1.75 per ticket at participating theaters. The series runs on select weekday mornings throughout the summer (June 1 to August 6) and includes snack deals, making it an easy and affordable outing for families.

Regal Cinema Unlimited

Regal Cinemas The Regal Unlimited program is a monthly movie subscription that allows members to watch as many standard format movies as they want at participating Regal theaters, with no blackout dates and the ability to reserve tickets in advance through the app. Members also receive benefits such as discounted concessions, rewards through Regal Crown Club, and special bonuses, making it a smart choice for frequent moviegoers. AMC Theaters offers a similar monthly fee program called A-List AMC Stubs.

Regal Cinema Summer Movie Express

Regal Cinema Summer Movie Express is a family-friendly summer movie program that offers a selection of kid-friendly movies at participating Regal theaters for just $1 per ticket. Movies are shown on select weekday mornings throughout the summer, and many venues offer discounted snack packs to keep the experience budget-friendly.

50% off AMC discount tickets

AMC Theaters’ Tuesday and Wednesday Discount Ticket Program offers AMC Stubs members 50% off the standard adult evening ticket price on movie tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday at participating locations. Members can also save 50% off select popcorn and drink combos on those dates, and save by signing up for the free AMC Stubs Insider program.

Hunt Down Free Entertainment

Free Children’s Story Time at Barnes & Noble

Many Barnes & Noble stores offer free children’s story time events where kids can enjoy reading books, themed activities, and crafts designed to encourage a love of reading. Events vary depending on location and season, making this a fun, free outing for families looking to add some magic to story time.

Community Events/Local Events

For free summer entertainment, look for local concerts in the park, outdoor movie nights, and local festivals or street fairs held throughout the summer. You can also enjoy farmers markets with live music, as well as cultural experiences like Shakespeare in the Park and other free outdoor theater performances that bring the community together. You can search for free events on Eventbrite or check them out directly on community websites. Note: This summer marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, so check out free events happening in your area.

Check out your local library

Libraries are one of the biggest hidden gems for summer fun. Many suggestions:

• Free admission to museums, zoos, aquariums and attractions
• Summer Reading Program with Prizes (for Kids) and adult)
• Stream free movies, audiobooks, magazines and classes
• Youth events, craft nights, quizzes, workshops

Take advantage of forgotten membership benefits

Membership has its benefits, but we often don’t realize how much access we already have. Pro tip: Joining a local botanical garden or zoo may require an upfront fee, but you can enjoy free or discounted activities all summer long. Warehouse clubs like Costco often offer members discounted attraction tickets, while AAA memberships also include discounts on entertainment and travel costs. Don’t forget to check your health insurance coverage with your employer. They may offer additional discounts, and your credit card may also come with benefits such as free admission days or access to special events.

Things to buy to make the most of summer

Note: Activate your cashback offer before You shop. Learn more about our cashback program here.

Cuisinart 3-piece barbecue grilling set

price: $22.74 on Amazon (originally $34.99)

toy time sense table

price: $22.69 at Lowe’s

Ninja SLUSHi Machine

price: $259.99 at Shark Ninja (originally $349.99)

ninja Fireside 360 Fire pits and outdoor heaters

price: $499 at Shark Ninja

Ninja Frostbolt Olive 50qt Cooler

price: $249.99 at Shark Ninja

Costway – Barrel Charcoal Grill with Foldable Side Table.

price: $109.99 at Best Buy (originally $169.98)

Mark your calendar. We will be holding a summer issue event from June 4th to June 8th. 4 days of summer’s best deals and cashback offers!

The post How to Have Summer Fun Without Spending a Lot of Money appeared first on The Real Deal on RetailMeNot.