Top 4 picks for affordable family fun this summer

Summer is upon us, and keeping our children entertained is top of mind. Here are four budget-friendly ideas for families with kids that won’t break the bank.

1. The Summer Movie Fun Pass

Offered by Harkins Theatres, the Summer Movie Fun Pass is an affordable family favorite we have gotten for years. For $8 per person, you can watch eight movies throughout the summer (one movie per week). That is only $1 per movie! Yes, that’s the price even for adults accompanying the kids. The movies they offer are not necessarily new, but tend to be family favorites that have been out of theaters for a little bit. The schedule and specifics can be found on their website.

2. Free bowling for kids

The KidsBowlFree.com website shows which bowling centers participate in this free program. Over 1,500 bowling centers provide two free-of-charge games each day for kids! Casa Grande, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson all have participating centers.

3. City pools offering open swim

Visit the parks and recreation website of the city where you live to view the aquatics section, which will have information about open swim and swimming lessons. These tend to be reasonably priced, and in fact some even have free open swim times.

4. Story time at public libraries

My family loves to engage in the story times offered at our nearby public library. Library staff read stories, play music and have crafts for all ages. This is a free way to get your children out of the house and engaging in literacy. For specifics, look up the calendar of events for your local library. 

What are your top picks for family fun this summer? Let us know at @ArizonaEducator on Twitter or Arizona PBS KIDS on Facebook.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (7). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent over 10 years educating third graders, with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.