Free Summer Activities
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, your children are eligible for two free bowling games per day. 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, 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
- Rave Motion Pictures
Thanks, Deals for Dayton! - AMC Entertainment
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 and track them with the Barnes & Noble Passport to Summer reading.
- Free a Free Book when you read 10 books in Borders' Double Dog Dare summer reading program.
- Receive a $3 Half Price Books Shopping Card when you read at least 15 minutes per day throughout the summer.
- Read 10 books and receive a Free H-E Buddy Shirt!
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!
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.
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.
Summer Festivals
A comprehensive list of festivals 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 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
and get creative with the kids this summer!
There are several other reciprocal programs including zoos and science centers.
http://www.dealsfordayton.com/site/vacation_activities/
Thanks for reminding me about the children’s one!
Ooh, thanks Amy!! Definite good to have on the reciprocity agreements for season passes/memberships!
Thanks for the info! We have a family fun calendar we have started on the blog with all free or inexpensive events. Hope you can find some goodies on there when you are making out your calendar!
http://motherhoodsupport.blogspot.com/p/family-fun.html
J
We live a few hours south of you in KY and love to visit the krohn conservatory whenever we’re in the area. It’s free and educational and the perfect place to jump start your kid’s imagination.
Great Escape Theater also offers free movies this summer.
http://www.greatescapetheatres.com/Promotions.html?banner_id=22
Thanks, Melissa!! I haven’t heard of that theatre before!
Another reading promo I just found – the Florence Freedom are offering 2 free child admissions to selected games when you read 4 books – sign up on their website. My 7 yr old read 4 books in 2 days in order to go to the game! (adult tix are $8 in conjunction with this offer)
Thanks so much for all the wonderful ideas! My kiddos also LOVE the Daily Vacation Bible School activities in our church along with that, they’ve also been invited by friends to attend the VBS at their church! Great fun and great stuff for their souls as well!
Nancy, that is a huge fun thing for our kids too!! Our boys just went to one VBS this year, but they usually do multiple ones. Good suggestion!
I really like this website to find free things for my family and I to do together. We live in Cincinnati and have recently fell on some hard times,so I’m always looking to find things for my children to do that are affordable for our family. This website is a great resourse for that,so I want to say thank you for that!!!!!