With summer here, your kids are probably getting restless from all the free time they have. Without school and homework to keep them busy, children need something to do.

Read on for ideas and activities that will keep the little ones entertained this summer without breaking the bank.

Cheap Summertime Activities for Kids

Free Museums

A lot of art, natural sciences, or history museums are free or offer discounts to children. For instance, the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, is free Tuesday evenings and the Gaston County Museum in South Carolina is always free. Take advantage of these opportunities for a fun and educational summer activity. A lot of museums even offer hands-on activities for younger visitors.

Arts, Crafts, & Experiments

For the relatively small price of some art supplies, you can keep your kids occupied for hours. You can even use everyday household items like sponges, paper towel rolls, and pencils as craft supplies. Encourage them to get creative.

Is your daughter or son is more science-minded? Making slime, mixing household items, and other science projects can be great fun.  Here are some great crafts and experiments you can try at home.

Michaels hosts affordable art classes during summer months. These are a great way for your child to blow off steam while picking up a skill.

Explore Local Parks

Take advantage of the warm Carolina weather with a visit to a local state park. Hours can fly by simply exploring trails with your kids. You can also use the visit as a chance to teach them about the wilderness by identifying trees and other wildlife.

Bowling

Bowling alleys all over the country are participating in Kids Bowl Free, an event where registered member get a free bowling game every day of the summer. Find out if your local alley is participating here.

Check Out Your Local Library

Your nearby library can be a great source for summer activities. Many libraries host summer reading days or story time. It’s the perfect place for your young ones to catch up on some summer reading, learn about a new hobby, or use computers.

Start a Garden

Starting your own vegetable garden is an excellent way to get your kids outdoors and in the sun. They can get their hands dirty, learn responsibility, and help you cut your food budget. Your kids might even gain enough interest in vegetables to be willing to eat them. Maybe.

Still having money issues? Visit a Cash Fast Loan Center. We have several locations around the Carolinas, and our team is happy to help you. Appointments are just 15 minutes so that you can get your loan fast.