Before summer arrives I like to sit down with my kids and talk about some ideas of what we would like to do during summer break. We make a list and highlight things that seem really important. Then we pull out a calendar where I've already added any scheduled travel, appointments, and camps to see what we can make happen.
You don't have to have a large budget to have a fun summer. There are many free or low-cost ideas and activities out there. Plus, the Macaroni KID event calendar is FULL of local family fun as well.
Here are some free or inexpensive ideas to get you started, or to fill in some gaps. Whatever you choose to do, make some memories and have some fun with the kids!
1. Visit Local Parks
We have so many great parks to explore. Different playgrounds, walking trails, and more. Create a list and visit a different one each week all summer long. Here are 5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in Chico, CA to get you started!
2. DIY Crafts
Use recycled materials or items collected from nature (tip: take a bag on a hike and find some great items to use). Create some crafts such as nature collages, bird feeders, and rock painting. Here is an idea for using objects found in nature to paint.
3. Take a Hike... or Two
From local trails to county and state parks, there are lots of fun options to get everyone moving. Upper and Lower Bidwell Park has trails for beginners, experienced hikers, and everything in between. Here's a really awesome map you can download of trails, landmarks, playgrounds and everything else Bidwell Park has to offer!
4. Backyard Camping
This is an easier option (or go all out and plan a camping trip) that will make the kids' summer! Pitch a tent in the backyard and enjoy checking out the stars, telling stories around a fire pit, and don't forget to roast some marshmallows.
5. Scavenger Hunt
This can be simple or elaborate. Plan one for indoors if the weather is unbearably hot or raining. Plan for one at the park or while hiking and exploring. There's no limit to themes and ideas for scavenger hunts.
 Credit: CARD Website |
6. Visit a Splash Pad or Pool
Find local splash pads and pools to visit. Playing in the water is a great way to spend a day together. Chapman Park is a brand new playground here in Chico, and the splash pad is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm! CARD has Movies at the Pool events on June 8 (Barbie) and July 6 (Finding Nemo) at Pleasant Valley Pool. Sycamore Pool at One Mile is a really unique feature of Chico as well! If you're looking for more water fun, Gauche Aquatic Park in Yuba City is worth the drive!
7. Go Geocaching
Combine this one with your planned hiking trip or bike ride and enjoy a treasure hunt with the kids. Find out how to get started here.
8. Outdoor Movie Night
Check the Macaroni KID event calendar for local community movie events or organize your own outdoor movie night in your yard for your family and friends – invite the neighbors too!
 RDNE Stock Project from Pexels | Canva |
Prefer the movie theater? Check out the Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark 14 and pay just $1.75 per ticket!
9. Outdoor Games
Teach the kids those childhood favorites such as Red Light, Green Light and Mother May I or gather the neighborhood kids for a fun game of tag, hide-and-seek, jump rope, or kickball. Our kids really want to play badminton this summer!
10. Visit the Library (and other indoor places to play - especially when it's crazy hot out!)
Did you know the Butte County Library hosts free events all year long? From storytime events and crafts to movies and themed activities. Be in the know – you guessed it – by checking the Macaroni KID event calendar! Then check out 20+ Indoor Places to Play in Chico for more options at every budget.
11. Bike Rides
Get the kids out there on their bikes. Find a bike trail or a park with a nice path or other area with room to ride and enjoy bicycling. Here's that map of Bidwell Park again! And the 5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in Chico, CA has more choices with nice paths for riding as well, especially for the little ones who can't go as far. Chico has so many places to enjoy a nice bike ride as a family!
12. Community Events
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy local festivals, fairs, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts. Head to Downtown Chico for Thursday Night Markets from April 11 to September 26, and Friday Night Concerts from May 31 to August 30! Check the Macaroni KID event calendar for these types of events and so much more.
13. Science and STEAM Fun
There are lots of simple science experiments and activities you can do with the kids (or set them up to do on their own if they are old enough – tip: a table in the backyard is perfect for potential messes). Some of our favorites include 5 Fun Experiments Kids Can Do with Candy, A DIY Lava Lamp that Will Amaze and Teach Kids, and Make Giant Bubbles in your Backyard!
14. Gardening
Involve the kids in planting a small garden – or even a few pots – with veggies or flowers. Our kids love finding blueberries to eat on our bushes! I love this article with 3 Themed Vegetable Gardens Kids Will Love to Grow... and Eat!
15. Splash in a Creek or Stream
Spend the day cooling off in nature while they splash and play. It's fun to see how creative kids can be playing in nature. Hooker Oak Park and 5 Mile are both fun spots for kids to play that have access to Big Chico Creek!
 Photo Credit: Chico Unified School District: Nutrition Services |  Link to source: Nutrition Services |
16. Have a Picnic - The Kids Eat FREE!
All children under 18 can get a FREE lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, June 10th through August 9th! The only exceptions are June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4th and 5th. Hooker Oak Park is the best spot for these free lunches because the back playground is ages 2-12, there's lots of shade, and creek access!
Your kids must be present and must eat their lunch on site. No leftovers or extras. Look for the big van and table(s) with lots of food options and helpers! This program is provided by Chico Unified School District.
17. Community Service
Volunteer together as a family for community clean-up events, food drives, or other local opportunities to give back to the community.
These activities provide opportunities for kids to have fun, learn, and bond with family and friends while enjoying summer break – and without spending a lot of money. Enjoy your summer adventures!
Jennifer Hill is the publisher of Macaroni KID Fremont, Calif.
