Summer is almost here, and we’re ready to make the most of it. Longer days, sunny weekends, spontaneous adventures—it’s the season of saying yes to more fun. But between rising costs and packed calendars, summer magic can start to feel overwhelmingly expensive.
The good news? You don’t have to spend big to have a memorable season. We’ve rounded up affordable ways to maximize your summer fun, including discounted tickets, free family activities, seasonal experiences worth planning for, and budget-friendly product finds that make everything from backyard hangs to pool days even better.
Read on to discover how you can savor the season for less.
Table of Contents:
- Sign Up for Free DIY Workshops
- Score Dirt-Cheap Summer Movies
- Hunt Down Free Entertainment
- Check Your Local Library
- Use Membership Perks You Forgot You Had
- Things We’d Buy to Maximize Summer
Sign Up for Free DIY Workshops
The Lowe’s Kids Club
The Lowe’s Kids Club offers free monthly, hands-on DIY workshops where kids can build fun projects like toy boxes, vehicles, and seasonal crafts with a parent or guardian. Families can sign up through a free MyLowe’s Rewards account, and kids can earn badges, enjoy special perks, and build confidence while learning basic DIY skills together.
The Home Depot Kids Workshops
The Home Depot Kids Workshops are free monthly, hands-on DIY events where kids can build fun projects like birdhouses, toolboxes, and seasonal crafts alongside a parent or guardian. Held on the first Saturday of each month, the workshops include all materials, plus kids receive a commemorative apron, achievement pin, and certificate to take home.
Michaels Craft Classes/Kids Club
Michaels offers a mix of free and low-cost in-store crafting events, including seasonal projects, beginner workshops, and creative activities for kids and adults. The Michaels Kids Club features free, hands-on craft sessions for children where supplies are included, giving kids a fun way to get creative and make seasonal projects in-store.
Score Dirt-Cheap Summer Movies
Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark
Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse is a budget-friendly summer movie program that lets families watch kid-friendly films 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 Aug. 6) and also includes snack discounts, making it an easy, affordable outing for families.
Regal Cinema Unlimited
The Regal Cinemas Regal Unlimited program is a monthly movie subscription that lets members 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 get perks like discounted concessions, rewards through Regal Crown Club, and special bonuses, making it a smart option for frequent moviegoers. AMC Theatres 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 select kid-friendly films for just $1 per ticket at participating Regal theaters. Movies are shown on select weekday mornings throughout the summer, and many locations also offer discounted snack packs to help keep the experience budget-friendly.
AMC 50% off Discount Tickets
AMC Theatre’s Discount Tickets on Tuesday & Wednesday Program gives AMC Stubs members 50% off the adult evening base ticket price on movie tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday at participating locations. Members can also score 50% off select small popcorn-and-drink combos on those days, and signing up for the free AMC Stubs Insider program unlocks the savings.
Hunt Down Free Entertainment
Free Children’s Storytime at Barnes & Noble
Many Barnes & Noble stores offer free children’s storytime events where kids can enjoy book readings, themed activities, and occasional crafts designed to encourage a love of reading. Events vary by location and season, making it a fun, no-cost outing for families looking to add a little extra magic to storytime.
Community Events/Local Events
For free summer entertainment, look out for local concerts in the park, outdoor movie nights, and community festivals or street fairs happening throughout the summer. You can also enjoy farmers markets with live music, along with cultural experiences like Shakespeare in the Park or other free outdoor theater performances that bring the community together. You can search for free events on Eventbrite or check directly on your community’s website. Note: This summer is America’s 250th birthday, so check out free events in your area.
Check Your Local Library
Libraries are one of the biggest hidden gems for summer fun. Many offer:
- Free museum, zoo, aquarium, and attraction passes
- Summer reading programs with prizes (for kids and adults)
- Free movie streaming, audiobooks, magazines, and classes
- Teen events, crafting nights, trivia, and workshops
Use Membership Perks You Forgot You Had
Membership has its perks, but many times we don’t realize just how much access we already have. Pro tip: joining your local botanical garden or zoo may require an upfront cost, but it can unlock free or discounted activities all summer long. Warehouse clubs like Costco often offer members discounted attraction tickets, while AAA membership also includes savings on entertainment and travel. Don’t forget to check your employer and health insurance benefits, as they may offer additional discounts, and even your credit card could come with perks like free admission days or special event access.
Things We’d Buy to Maximize Summer
Note: Activate our cash back offers before you shop. Learn more about our cash back program here.
Cuisinart 3-Piece BBQ Grilling Set
Price: $22.74 (orig. $34.99) at Amazon
Toy Time Sensory Table
Price: $22.69 at Lowe’s
Ninja SLUSHi Machine
Price: $259.99 (orig. $349.99) at Shark Ninja
Ninja
Fireside360 Fire Pit and Outdoor Heater
Fireside360
Price: $499 at Shark Ninja
Ninja FrostVault 50qt Cooler in Olive
Price: $249.99 at Shark Ninja
Costway – Barrel Charcoal Grill with Foldable Side Table
Price: $109.99 (orig. $169.98) at Best Buy
Mark your calendar, from June 4 to June 8th we are holding our Summer Issue event – four days of some of the best deals and cash back offers of the summer!
The post How to Have Summer Fun Without Spending a Ton appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
