^[1]

One thing we do every year is sit down and try to have a schedule planned for the boys. While we do have King’s Island and Museum passes, we don’t want to do that everyday (or our boys would probably love to visit KI everyday). There are several activities that are local and FREE to enjoy! I will be sitting down with my BFF’s and making our calendar of what activities we are sure to pencil in for our families to experience together.

Free Bowling

When you register at KidsBowlFree.com ^[2], your children are eligible for two free bowling games per day ^[2]. You can log into your account online and print off all of your bowling vouchers for the week for each child. Use ‘em, don’t use ‘em, but get them in case you want to include a fun and free day of bowling with the kids!

Also, when you sign up for AMF Bowling’s eClub ^[3], you will receive a Free game of bowling for up to 10 people.

Free Summer Movies

Every year theaters offer the Free movie days. While these are not typically new releases, they are still fun AND free so you can’t beat seeing a good PG or G flick on the big screen. The Free movie days are every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10a at the following participating theaters:

• Regal Movies ^[4]
• Rave Motion Pictures ^[5]
  Thanks, Deals for Dayton ^[6]!
• AMC Entertainment ^[7]
  AMC movies are not Free. Pay $1 admission each Tuesday at 10a with all proceeds going to benefit charities.

Summer Reading Programs

Our kids have to get to do summer reading or workbooks so they don’t lose all that they have learned throughout the school year :) But, it’s always fun when you can combine learning, specifically reading, with a reward like many retailers are doing. Some great summer reading programs to consider:

• Receive a Free Book when you read 8 books ^[8] and track them with the Barnes & Noble Passport to Summer reading.
• Free a Free Book when you read 10 books ^[9] in Borders’ Double Dog Dare summer reading program.
• Receive a $3 Half Price Books Shopping Card ^[10] when you read at least 15 minutes per day throughout the summer.
• Read 10 books and receive a Free H-E Buddy Shirt ^[11]!

Public Libraries

Always check with your public library too!! They offer fun reading activities and our library has weekly check-ins to keep the kids motivated and rewarded for the reading they have done!

If you are in need to purchase inexpensive books, check out BookCloseouts.com ^[12]!

Cincinnati/Dayton Free Summer Fun

Cincinnati Museum Center Free Friday’s

Receive Free admission from 4p-8p on the following days throughout the summer: June 25, July 30, August 27, September 27. More information can be found at CincyMuseum.org ^[13].

Newport Aquarium

Free Child Admission (ages 12 and under) with each full price adult admission from 4p-7p, Sunday through Friday. This is valid from May 31 – September 3. More details can be found on the Newport Aquarium website ^[14].

Summer Festivals

A comprehensive list of festivals ^[15] in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Free Activities on Vacation

If you are going on vacation, don’t forget that many season passes offer valuable reciprocity benefits. The Association of Childrens Museums has a Reciprocal Program ^[16] established. If you are on vacation, look up another facility in your destination (this also works great for short summer day trips as well)! We did this on our last vacation while visiting Florida. It was a nice break from the ocean and beach everyday…yeah, that sounds impossible but it was great for that one rainy day!

Want craft ideas? Review this list of Inexpensive + Easy Summer Crafts ^[17]
and get creative with the kids this summer!