Free Summer Events, Activities, Freebies for Kids

50+ Free Summer Kids Events, Activities, & Freebies!

With summer in full swing (woooo!), I thought it'd be a good idea to compiled a list of all the free kids summertime events & activities.

Check out some of these free events before summer 2023 ultimately ends (boooo!)

It's important to point out that while many of these are traditional freebies available each summer, you may encounter some offers are slowly rolling back out due to last year's shutdown. Therefore, I strongly suggest calling ahead and confirming your local establishment is participating in any of these.

Get freebies and discounts simply by reading books!

The free reading programs are always a big hit each year. Over 13 companies such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chuck E. Cheese, Pottery Barn, and many more reward good behavior by offering freebies and prizes for reading. Most stores have a free reading companies guide or tracker that you can print at home, fill out as your child reads over the summer, then turn it in for freebies!

Kids bowl free every day all summer long!

In fact, they get two free games of bowling! All you have to do is register ahead of time.

“It's about that time for the return of the favorite kids bowl free all summer deal! Sign up and your children will get two free games of bowling every day this summer. That's valued at over $500.”

Don't forget kids skate free during the summer too.

Multiple locations in 36 states offer free kids roller skating passes. If there are no locations near you, you can send a letter encouraging them to join!

Attend a free in-store kids event at multiple stores!

At least seven stores offer recurring, monthly in-store free kids events. Some of the most popular summer activities are from such stores as:

As more free events are found, I update them to the list so you never miss out.

Enjoy a show with cheap admission to kids movies (average $1) all summer long!

At least 17 different cinema and theater chains across the nation, both big and small, offer some sort of summer movie ticket admission deals. In many cases, you can either get free admission or super cheap tickets for G and PG movies. Some chains are also offering discounted concessions and snacks as well.

They're cheap, they're air conditioned, and they're all summer long!

Good grades and report cards freebies are a real thing as well!

Get discounts and outright freebies at nine confirmed restaurants and retailers! We've found another half dozen potential freebies as well

Enjoy a weekend outdoors during free National Parks admission days

The next National Parks free admission day August 25, 2019! Pay no entrance fee at any of our nation's 58 wonderful national parks scattered across the country.

Don't get lost, especially since most states give out free state road maps.

Go fishing for free during all 50 state's free dates!

While some states only hold license-free fishing dates early in the year, others hold multiple dates throughout the summer and even into fall! Check out your state's dates and then go reel in a fish or two with the little ones! These free fishing days are awesome. Take it from somebody who learned the hard way that you needed a license to fish 😀

Explore the outdoors for free by Geocaching!

Geocaching was one of my family's favorite activities back when multiple young ones were running around the house. All you need is a phone or GPS to access over 2.5 million free geocaches hidden all over the world! No matter how big or small your community, you'll be surprised how many geocaches are nearby!

Reuse old pieces with free LEGO instructions

LEGO has a huge, searchable database of free LEGO instructions to download! Put those old toys back to good use by building a long-forgotten LEGO or maybe even something new!


Free Kids Summer Reading Programs for free books and prizes

2023 Kids Summer Reading Freebies & Deals

As long as you count the back of cereal boxes, I'm quite the voracious reader. I read on average two books a month and if your children are anything like me, they might be interested in this list I compiled of free summer reading programs! I've been updating this list since 2014 and was pretty surprised at how many of the offers still existed in 2023!

Below are all of the 2023 summer reading freebies and deals for kids! Most follow the “read X books, get 1 free” model, but there are a few that differ. Hopefully your little one enjoys reading or at least getting freebies 🙂

I also have an idea I wanted to pass along. With some of these programs, you earn a free book off a list of available books. If your child reads this summer, but isn't interested in the freebies, consider donating them! School and public library are always desperate for books. Donating them to The Salvation Army or Goodwill is another possibility. Regardless, showing your child that freebies can be fun and helpful to others is a cool idea!

Finally, if you're still looking for additional summer reading resources, then I would start with this collection of summer reading information from the NEA.

Confirmed 2023 Summer Reading Freebies

Barnes & Noble – For kids in grades 1-6, get a free book after reading 8 books and filling out a Reading Journal by August 31. For adults, share your school's required reading list and get a free tall hot or iced coffee from the cafe. They also have coupons and discounts listed under the “Coupons & Deals” tab.

Books-A-Million – Read 4 books from their list and write about each book on this logbook, then take the form in-store to get a free water bottle.

Chuck E. Cheese – They have a ton of methods for kids to earn freebies, from good grades to sports achievements to reading in Spanish or English! This reading rewards calendar doesn't expire until 12/31/23 and gets 10 free Play Points with any food purchase.

Department of Defense – The DOD offers a summer reading program for military families & children stationed worldwide. In partnership with iREAD Summer Reading, library programs will include activities, graphics, crafts, reading lists, incentives, and much more for children, teens, and adults.

For more information, please contact your installation library (here's a full list with direct links!) or email them.

Half Price Books – Registration is now open! Starting on June 1, children 14 and under who read 300 minutes over June and July (that's only 5 mins/day) will earn $5 free Bookworm Bucks and a camp stickers sheet. There are also additional summer reading activities.

Teens can also earn HPB Bookworm Bucks by reading any of the listed titles and writing a short review.

H-E-B – Texas children can take part in the H-E-Buddy summer reading club. They have to read 10 books, including 1 Read-3 book, and send in this form by October 1 in order to receive a “cool prize,” which looks to be a free t-shirt.

H‑E‑Buddy 2023 Summer Reading Program
10530 Sentinel
San Antonio, TX 78217

New York Times – Every Friday from June 9 through August 18, any middle and high-school student can read one article in the NYT and write in about why they read it or what interested them. At the end of the week, judges from the Times newsroom pick favorite responses and publish them here. Aside from broadening their horizon's and randomly posting some of the selected weekly responses, there doesn't look to be any “reason” to do this. Still, 15-year-old-Goob would have gone crazy over this offer so maybe there's a kindred Hiffer out there who would enjoy this.

Pizza Hut – This classic program lets children earn a free personal pan pizza in exchange for reading anything over the summer. Parents can sign up and track their child's progress online without any forms.

Public Libraries – Be sure to check with your local libraries, as they often host multiple weekly, monthly, and seasonal events and reading competitions.

Reading with the Rays – Florida children can read anything they desire and receive free baseball prizes! Each child who completes their Reading with the Rays game card is eligible for two (2) free Lower Reserved tickets, subject to availability. Other prizes include sticker sheets, snap bracelets, and arm sleeves.

Scholastic – Now through September 7, kids can log their reading time online as part of the Scholastic Summer Reading ‘Home Base' Program. Over the course of 10 weeks, kids can unlock digital rewards as they complete weekly reading challenges; and access book excerpts, videos, and other summer-exclusive content. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7.

Maintaining a reading streak will also unlock donations of 100,000 books from Scholastic to kids in rural America with limited or no access to books.

Showcase Cinemas – Bookworm Wednesday rewards your little one with free admission to a select children's film when they present a book report. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six years of age receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report!

SYNC – This free program offers free audiobooks each week to teens at least 13 years old. Two audiobooks are available each week through the Sora reading app now through August 2, 2023.

Previous Summer Reading Deals Unconfirmed for 2023

The items below were summer reading deals during 2018-2022. If I find confirmation they'll return this year, I'll move them up above.

American Girl – Select locations in large cities are being held for girls ages 8 and up. Kids get to decorate their own bookmark and summer reading log and can take home a doll-sized poster.

DOGOBooks – Ten participants who review the most books will be eligible to win a Prize Pack of seven books shown on the site. The next twenty-five participants with the most reviews will be eligible to win a $10 Gift Card.

LifeWay – Take your completed Summer Reading Journal to the register at your local LifeWay store to get one of nine books plus receive a free Bible, while supplies last.

TD Bank – We can't forget the classic offer by TD Bank! Kids in grades K-5 have from June 1 until Aug. 31 to read 10 books. They'll be rewarded with cold, hard cash in the form of $10 added to their free savings account.


Free Summer Movie Deals

2023 Summer Movie Deals, Discounts, & Freebies

Eagle-eyed Hiffers (holy crap, how did you get an EAGLE'S EYE?!) know that my current offspring count sits equal to the number of home runs I've hit for the Seattle Mariners this season. That said, growing up with tons of siblings, I have an inkling for what it's like with bored, moping children around the house. For you see, I myself get bored. A lot. And if your kids are anything like me, it must be insufferable to be around them when they have nothing to do. Plus it's hot outside. we need some cheap, air-conditioned entertainment!

As such, here's a huge list of all the free & cheap kids summer movie events! Almost every theater chain has a dedicated page advertising their summer deals, plus a helpful list of participating locations. So be sure to make sure your local spot is holding a deal before heading out.

I've included both nationwide and smaller, regional chains so as many Hiffers can take advantage of these deals as possible. I'm sure there are more, so please leave a comment if you find any I missed.

Confirmed Kids Movies Deals for 2023

Alamo Drafthouse – Their summer Kids Camp shows children's classics with tickets at $5, depending on location. Kids earn stickers for your Alamo Kids Club Prize Book and 100% of proceeds go to local nonprofits. You can even buy your tickets online, making this super easy and relaxing!

AMC Theaters – Bring in your kids and enjoy family favorite movies back on the big screen with our Summer Movie Camp. Get tickets for as low as $3+tax on Wednesdays and $5+tax on Saturdays at select locations.

Cinemark Century Theaters – Their Summer Movie Clubhouse is 8 weeks of $1.50 movies for kids every Wednesday from June 19 – August 12. They're also offering $1 off deals on kids; snack packs, large popcorns & large drinks during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.

Cineplex – Saturday mornings, from May 13 – June 24, will feature Cineplex Family Favourites at 11am. Watch a family favorite film each week for only $2.99 per ticket.

Classic Cinemas – Running June 7 – August 9, take part in the Wednesday Morning Movie Series. Ticket prices are just $2 on Wednesday mornings, with all movies rated G or PG. Showtimes begin at 10:00am, but doors open at 9:00am where you can arrive early to meet some of your favorite characters and join in on the fun games & activities.

Georgia Theatre Company – Join them for the Summer Kid Show Series at 10:00am every Tuesday and Thursday in June and July. They've got $2 admission, $2 drinks, and $2 popcorn. Doors open at 9:15am and sensory friendly shows will be available for all films.

GQT Movies – They're offering free family movies every Wednesday & Thursday at 10:00am from June 7 – August 10! Movies change each week and all seats are first come, first serve.

Harkins Theater – Each week from June 5 through July 28, see a family favorite movie for only $2 per film. As an added deal, you can buy a ticket to all 8 movies at once for $8, making each movie only $1!

Free Summer Movie Discounts Freebies

Marcus Theaters – Join them June 13 thru August 5 while they feature a favorite family flick for just $3. Special sized popcorn and fountain drinks are $3 as well.

New this year to their Summer Kids Dream Film Series is the option to purchase a Kids Dream Passport, which entitles the passport holder to see each film at any theatre hosting the series for just $15.

Marquee Cinemas – Each week they offer family-friendly flicks, usually at 9:30 am on Tuesday or Wednesday, with regional sales and discounts. Click on your local theater to see a full schedule and offers.

Megaplex Theatres – Each location starts at a different time, on a date between May 27 – June 7, and they'll show 10 popular family films over the course of 10 weeks. Individual tickets are $1.50 or you can buy a 10-week pass for only $10, making each movie only $1! This years schedule has movies on Mon-Wed at 10am with sensory friendly shows at 10:30am.

Metropolitan Theaters – Get $2 admission to movies at 10am Tuesday and Thursday, starting June 13 – August 10.

Phoenix Theatres – Absolutely free select 10:00am showings of kid movies every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through June, July, and into August. Doors open at 9am and all ages are welcome. There's also a “special kiddie meal” available, but I'm not sure what's included in that.

Regal Cinemas – All summer long, watch select G or PG family movies for just $2 a ticket! Show dates are Tuesdays & Wednesdays and run from May 23 through September 6.

This deal is also offered at participating United Artists and Edwards Theaters.

Studio Movie Grill – Their Summer Children's Series is every weekday at noon from June 12 until August 24. Tickets are $6 and include a small popcorn and small drink.

Showcase Cinemas – Their Bookworm Wednesdays allow kids to bring in a book report (6 and under don't need this) in exchange for free admission. Tickets must be reserved in advance online and the promo runs from July 5 through July 26.

The best I ever got for a book report was the promise of no more book reports.

Ultra Star Cinemas – Finally, see a different movie every week at 9:30am for just $2. New movies are rotated each week and the deals run every Monday-Friday from June 19 – August 11.

So there you have it. Like I said earlier, please leave a comment if you know of any programs I missed.

Previous Summer Movies Deals Unconfirmed for 2023

Bow Tie Cinemas – Select locations are showing free kids movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am from June 25 to Aug. 21.

Paragon Theaters – Scroll down to find their Free Kids Movies promotion. In 2019 they offered free admission for 10am movies on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Seats are limited to first come, first serve.

Other Summer Freebies


Kids Bowl Free all Summer

Kids Bowl Free All Summer

It's about that time for the return of the favorite kids bowl free all summer deal in 2023! Sign up and your children will get two free games of bowling every day this summer. That's valued at over $500.

Not a bad deal if you ask me. Though to be fair nobody asked me. I guess that's what I get for being single, living alone, and working from home.

Too bad I still don't live at home, because my family are pretty big bowlers. Oh, we don't take the actual bowling part too seriously. We're more of a “who wants another round of nachos and beer?” type enthusiasts! 😀


Free Schaeffer Adventures With Nicholas Coloring Book

Free Schaeffer Adventures With Nicholas Coloring Book

Signup here to get a free Schaeffer Adventures With Nicholas coloring book. Your freebie should arrive in 2-3 weeks, but I'm not sure how many of these are actually available since it's from a regional company. So be sure to sign up today if you want one!


Free Fidget Spinner

Free Fidget Spinner

In you have children aged 6-17 with ADHD, then fill out this form to get a free fidget spinner from Qelbree. Make sure you opt into receiving the free welcome kit so you get the free spinner.

You might have to copy and paste the link for it to work:


Free Oregon Trial Activity Book

Free Oregon Trail Activity & Coloring Book

You can order a free Oregon Trail activity & coloring book. The dates on this are a little old, so I'm not 100% certain they're still sending these out. But the form is accepting submissions, so worst case you can just sign up and see if it arrives.

There's also a digital version you can download on the same page.


Free Cuties Diaper Samples

Free Cuties Diapers

If you missed out earlier, this signup form is still active for newborns to size 7. Enter your email, then you'll immediately receive a message with a link to the signup address form. Samples will ship within 3-5 business days.

If the form goes down, just tell your kid to hold it for a while. I'm sure they'll understand.


Free Vision Board

Free Joann Kids Crafts Each Month! Next is January 7

Here's a great offer for those with a local Joann Fabric and Craft store! They offer a free kids Take It & Make It craft on the first Saturday of every month.

That means the next freebie kit is available Saturday, January 7! This month they're making a free Vision Board to celebrate the new year.

Don't worry, I'll post reminders about this each month, just like I do for the Lowe's, Home Depot, and JCPenney monthly kids freebies.


Free Bass Pro Shop Halloween Events

Free Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s Halloween Events

Continuing their annual tradition, you can join Bass Pro Shop's Halloween events and get all sorts of freebies. Their costume parade will be Saturday, October 29 and Sunday October 30 at 3pm. They will also hold trick-or-treating throughout the weekend.

There will also be a free Cabela's Halloween Event on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday October 30 at 3pm.

In previous years, they gave away the following items. However I can't tell if they're doing all of these in 2022.

  • FREE Photo
  • FREE Crafts
  • Pumpkin Toss
  • Trick-or-Treating
  • Costume Parade with prizes
  • Cookie Decorating

Free Cordless Window Shade

Free Norman Cordless Window Shade

Norman is offering an amazing high-value freebie by giving away a free cordless window shade to any household with a child 8 years old or younger!

They'll let you pick the width and height, which seems to imply they're sending an actual full-sized product instead of just a sample, right? Or am I missing something entirely here?*

Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) recommends that only cordless window coverings or window coverings with inaccessible cords be used in homes with young children. Parents and parents-to-be have a million things on their minds when it comes to raising their children. But every parent needs to be aware of child safety, and this begins in the home.

They only have a select amount of freebies to give away each day, but they always restock their supply after midnight. A lot of other freebie sites posted this offer last week and it kept expiring quickly, so I held off on posting it for a little while so as many Hiffers as possible could get a freebie.

*spoiler alert – my brain has not been working properly since Juls' death, so I readily admit I might be missing something here.