Having the kids home all summer means constantly figuring out how to keep them entertained. You might think that means spending a ton of money, but that doesn’t have to be the case! Whether you are looking for some inexpensive local area attractions or low cost at home activities, this post is sure you help you plan your summer entertainment. Take a peek at these inexpensive ideas to keep your kids entertained this summer and start planning that summer bucket list.
Potter Park Zoo
If you are looking for a few hours of outdoor fun and entertainment, Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is a must see local attraction. Potter Park has a lovely zoo with a variety of animals both big and small. Whether you are in search of a fascinating reptile house or large animal exhibits you can find something for everyone at Potter Park Zoo. My family enjoys the up close and personal view of the lively sea otters at the entrance, brushing goats in the farmyard, watching the lions bathe in the sun and echo their roars, and walking through the reptile house with a rain forest feel.
Potter Park Zoo offers memberships or individual ticket prices based upon age. Year round admission prices change based on the time of year. Current rates (April – October) include: Children 3 years and under (free), 3-12 years ($5.00), resident adults ($8.00), and non-resident adults ($15.00).
Ways to save when going to Potter Park Zoo:
- Non-holiday Monday mornings are FREE for all residents from 9:00 am- 12:00 pm.
- Potter Park Zoo family passes are available at the Capital Area District Libraries. This includes free admission and parking for your household.
Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden
A summer morning or afternoon in the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden is full of natural curiosity, imagination, and wonder. This delightful children’s garden on Michigan State’s campus is full of nearly 100 theme gardens and areas. Navigate through all the gardens to find a maze, treehouse, musical stepping stones, sandbox area, and a beautiful bridge surrounded by frogs and lily pads. Don’t forget to pack a snack or picnic lunch to enjoy eating in the garden. This summer the Garden will be offering another exciting season full of family fun events that are FREE or a small fee of $5.00/child.
Check out the Children Garden’s summer fun series here: Summer Fun Series Events
Eli Broad Art Museum
If you enjoy art, creating, crafting, or just appreciating beautiful architecture, be sure to stop by the Eli Broad Art Museum for a worthwhile visit. This museum is FREE of charge and is packed with show-stopping exhibitions, an open art space for adults/children, a small gift shop, and a children’s open play space. Every month, the museum offers a FREE family day on the first Saturday of the month from 11:00am -3:00pm. You can imagine and build with hands-on arts and crafts activities and explore the galleries with guided activities. Be sure to take a stroll outside before or after your visit to appreciate the alluring architecture of the Eli Broad Art Museum.
Be sure to check out the current exhibits at the Eli Broad Art Museum here.
Rock Painting
Bring your paint outside this summer and decorate some rocks instead of paper. This is the perfect way to be creative and hands on with your children and keep the mess outside. We love to collect rocks throughout the Spring and Summer on walks and keep them in a pile “to be decorated” for easy access when the time comes.
Rocks are fun to personalize with pictures or words to keep. You could spread some kindness by making “kindness rocks” to place around your neighborhood or any local area you visit. You can keep your creative rocks as garden stones or give them away as gifts throughout the year. Be sure to stock up on paint and paint brushes this summer and have some fun!
Lemonade Stand
The ever popular lemonade stand is an absolute favorite summer activity in our household. Every summer we have a lemonade stand (or two) and make a big deal out of it. We like to plan it out, make decorations and set up a cute stand. You can put as little or as much effort as you would like into having a lemonade stand. However, to make this activity low cost, be sure to use materials you have at home (paper for decorations, table/chairs, etc) and buy lemonade or cups in bulk or on sale to save money.
Having a lemonade stand is a great way to keep kids entertained at home this summer and foster play skills, early literacy and math concepts, social skills and more. If you are looking for more summer toys to stock up on for your children, take a look at the Top 12 Summer Toys for Kids.
Backyard Camping
When the warmer weather and longer days hit, backyard camping is a great low-cost, at home activity. First, challenge your children by having them brainstorm all of the items they would need or want to go on a camping trip. Next, have them explain why each item is important for their backyard camping trip! Then be sure to set up a fun “tent” to start your camping adventure. If you don’t have a real tent to use you can use a low cost beach tent from Amazon or even two chairs with a towel or sheet draped over them. Be creative with what you have at home!
Here is a great low cost kids tent from Amazon.
Once you have your tent and belongings, have your children set up their camping area. Then they can plan out 3-5 activities to do while “camping.” Whatever you do, be sure to add in some fun s’more roasting to your camping fun!
