Summer is almost here. Ready to enjoy summer to the fullest. It’s the season for longer days, sunny weekends, spontaneous adventures, and more fun. But with rising costs and packed schedules, summer magic can feel overwhelmingly expensive.
The good news? You don’t have to spend a lot of money 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, and discovering budget-friendly products that make everything from backyard lounging to pool days even better.
Find out how to enjoy this season for less.
table of contents:
- Register for a free DIY workshop
- Score very cheap summer movies
- hunt down free entertainment
- Check your local library
- Take advantage of membership benefits you forgot about
- Things to buy to enjoy summer to the fullest
Register for a free DIY workshop
Loews Kids Club
Every month, Lowe’s Kids Club hosts free, hands-on DIY workshops where kids can work with their parents to build fun projects like toy boxes, vehicles, seasonal crafts, and more. Families can sign up through a free MyLowe’s Rewards account, and kids can earn badges, enjoy special benefits, and boost their confidence while learning basic DIY skills together.
home depot kids workshop
The Home Depot Kids Workshop is a monthly, free, hands-on DIY event where kids can work with their parents or guardians to build fun projects like birdhouses, tool boxes, seasonal crafts, and more. The workshop, held on the first Saturday of each month, includes all materials, plus children receive a commemorative apron, achievement pin, and certificate to take home.
Michael’s Craft Class/Kids Club
Michaels offers a mix of free and low-cost in-store craft events, including seasonal projects, beginner workshops, and creative activities for kids and adults. Michael’s Kids Club offers free handmade craft sessions for kids, materials included, and a fun way to get creative and make seasonal projects in-store.
Score very cheap summer movies
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse
Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse is a budget-friendly summer movie program that lets families watch kids’ movies on the big screen for just $1.75 per ticket at participating theaters. The series takes place on select weekday mornings during the summer (June 1st to August 6th) and includes snack discounts, making it an easy and affordable outing for families.
Regal Cinema Unlimited
Regal Cinemas Regal Unlimited program is a monthly movie subscription that allows members to watch as many standard format movies as they like at participating Regal theaters. There are no blackout dates and you can book tickets in advance through the app. Membership also offers benefits such as discounts, perks through the Regal Crown Club, and special bonuses, making it a smart choice for frequent moviegoers. AMC Theaters 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 offering select children’s movies at participating Regal theaters for just $1 per ticket. Movies will be shown on select weekday mornings throughout the summer. Many locations also offer discounted snack packs for a budget-friendly experience.
AMC 50% off discount tickets
The AMC Theaters Tuesday and Wednesday Discount Ticket Program offers AMC Stubs members 50% off the base adult night price for movie tickets at participating locations every Tuesday and Wednesday. Members can also get 50% off select small popcorn and drink combos that day, and discounts are available when you sign up for the free AMC Stubs Insider program.
hunt down free entertainment
Free children’s story time at Barnes & Noble
Many Barnes & Noble stores offer free children’s storytime events where children can enjoy reading aloud, themed activities, crafts to encourage a love of reading, and more. Events vary by location and season, making it a fun, inexpensive outing for families looking to add a little magic to story time.
Regional events/regional events
For free summer entertainment, look out for local concerts in parks, outdoor movie nights, and community festivals and street fairs held throughout the summer. Enjoy cultural experiences such as a farmers market with live music. shakespeare in the park or any other free outdoor theater performance that brings the community together. Search for free events on Eventbrite or check directly on our community website. Note: This summer marks America’s 250th anniversary, so check out free events in your area.
Check your local library
Libraries are one of the biggest hidden gems of summer fun. Many services include:
- Free passes to museums, zoos, aquariums, and attractions
- Summer reading program with prizes (for kids) and adult)
- Free movie streaming, audiobooks, magazines, and classes
- Teen events, craft nights, trivia, and workshops
Take advantage of membership benefits you forgot about
Membership has its perks, but people often don’t realize how much access they already have. Pro tip: You may have to pay upfront to attend your local botanical garden or zoo, but you’ll have access to free or discounted activities all summer long. Warehouse clubs like Costco often offer members discounted tickets to attractions, and AAA membership also includes discounts on entertainment and travel. Don’t forget to check your employer and health insurance benefits. Additional discounts may be available, or your credit card may come with benefits such as free admission days or access to special events.
Things to buy to enjoy summer to the fullest
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Cuisinart BBQ Grill 3 Piece Set
price: $22.74 (originally $34.99) on Amazon
Buy now on Amazon
Toy time sense chart
price: $22.69 at Lowe’s
Shop now at Lowe’s
Earn 10% cash back at Lowe’s
Ninja SLUSHi Machine
price: Shark Ninja for $259.99 (originally $349.99)
Buy now at Shark Ninja
Earn 10% cashback on Shark Ninja’s SLUSi
ninja
fireside 360 fire pit and outdoor heater
price: $499 at Shark Ninja
Buy now at Shark Ninja
Earn 5% cashback with Shark Ninja
Ninja FrostVault 50 quart cooler (olive)
price: $249.99 at Shark Ninja
Buy now at Shark Ninja
Earn 5% cashback with Shark Ninja
Costway – Barrel Charcoal Grill with Folding Side Table
price: $109.99 (originally $169.98) at Best Buy
Buy now at Best Buy
Earn 2% cashback at Best Buy
Mark your calendars. We will be holding a summer edition event from June 4th to June 8th. This summer’s great deals and cashback offers are available for four days.
The post How to enjoy summer fun without spending a ton of money appeared first on The Real Deal on RetailMeNot.
Source: The Real Deal by RetailMeNot – www.retailmenot.com
