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Sandy Journal

10 Free Or Cheap Activities For Kids This Summer

May 22, 2015 08:06AM ● By Joani Taylor
Summer season is the time when we are looking for things to entertain the kiddos and get them out and enjoying our fabulous Utah happenings. Here’s a handy list of things you can do with the kidlets this summer that won’t break the bank.

Kids Bowl Free (www.kidsbowlfree.com) – Kids can bowl two games for free each week at select bowling centers around the state. Shoe rental is additional and pre-registration is required on their website. 

Geocaching (www.geocaching.com) – Seek out a hidden treasure by using the free mobile app or your GPS. There are 1000’s of geocaches hidden, not only around Utah but, worldwide. Making this a great travel activity too. Check out my post on Coupons4Utah.com for all the ins and outs of how it works. (www.coupons4utah.com/geocache)

Barnes & Noble – Download a Reading Journal from the website or pick one up one at the store. Have your child read at least eight books during the summer and then take the completed journal to any Barnes & Noble store and your child can choose a free book. 

Murray City Park – Has a summer Children Matinee Series, where children matinees are held every Thursday at 2 p.m. in Murray Park Pavilion #5. These are free for all to attend.

Wheeler Farm – The farm is a fun place to visit to learn about farm animals. There is no admission fee to enter. But, there are fees for activities such as wagon rides, milking the cow and other special events. Wheeler Farm also has a kids summer camp that is $65 for an entire week of farming fun.

Megaplex and Cinemark Theaters – have summer movie passes for kids. A pass is $5.00 to $10 for 10 movies. While these are older movies, kids enjoy getting out of the heat and seeing their favorite movies again. Visit your local theater for details.

Splash Pads – Coupons4Utah has compiled a list of over 60 splash pads across the state. Visit one close to home or check the list for a vacation destination: www.coupons4utah.com/splashpads.

Conservation Park (conservationgardenpark.org) – The Garden host various camps and activities throughout the summer. Cost for these camps are usually around $7. You’ll want to register early as they are known to fill up. 

Lowe’s and Home Depot Building events – While these are held year round, they are a great one to put on your summer to-do list. The classes are completely free. Kids will get the materials needed for the build, a special apron, and participation pin or patch. Visit your local store for details.

Gardner Village - June 1-August 30 you can keep the kids busy with one of the “Busy Bee” camps at Gardner Village. Make your own jewelry at the Busy Beader Summer Camp at The Bead Farm. Learn to knit at Kamille’s. Attend a tea party at Georgell Doll Shop or Cookie College at Naborhood Bakery. And master the art of sewing at Pine Needles. Visit the Gardener Village website for a full list of event dates and times.

The next time you hear the kids saying those dreaded words “Mom, I’m bored!” break out this list and go make some fun summer memories.

Find more fun things for kids to do at www.coupons4utah.com/activities-for-kids