Inexpensive Activities for Middle Schoolers During Summer Break

Having a middle school-aged child you need to keep busy during summer break can be challenging. They’re still children, no matter what they may want to think, and need supervision while they’re off from school. They may not be interested in the simple summer activities they liked in elementary school, but letting them spend the summer shopping or at the movies gets expensive.

It can also be a battle struggle to get tweens and young teens away from their screens and outside to actually take advantage of the things summer has to offer!

These ideas will help you find non-electronic ways to occupy your middle schooler during summer.

Summer camp

Summer camp is frequently the best solution for working parents in the summer. Children will get to do all sorts of activities, including sports and arts and crafts. The Y has many affordable camps around the country. Many community centers, art centers, and libraries also hold summer camps.

Make sure compare facilities and programming if there are several options in your area. If there are themed camps, like sports camps, talk to your child to see what they are interested in.

Overnight camps can cost more, but they offer different opportunities and can help your child become more independent. Depending on the camp, they may also will learn new skills such as orienteering and fire building.

Find free printables online

Google and Pinterest are your friends! There are so many free coloring pages, activities, and games available online.

Although many of these printable activities are geared towards younger children, there are plenty things for middle schoolers, too. They may enjoy this free printable 4th of July word search, for example. Tween and early teen girls would probably also love these mermaid coloring pages!

Play tourist in your own town

Make a list of local places you’ve never been to or haven’t visited in a long time. It’s so easy to skip seeing the sights in your hometown! Make a point of finally visiting some of them this summer.

Many museums have free or reduced cost admission days, so be sure to check their website!

Look for inexpensive local events

Check the local paper for any free or cheap events coming up that your family would like to attend. If you don’t subscribe to the paper, look for a community events listing online or check bulletin boards at your local library.

You can also check at Lowe’s and Home Depot for kids building project days. Many of these DIY projects are perfect for middle schoolers.

Attend a free concert

If your child enjoys music, check for local free concerts. Many towns have a free public concert series in the summer, and there are usually free concerts available for holidays like the Fourth of July.

Theater and movies at the park

Some communities also have open air live theater and/or movie nights at the park. Check to see what’s available in your area!

Learn a new hobby or craft

Do you have a hobby you’d like to show your children? Or maybe you’d like to learn something new, like scrapbooking, together?

Check local craft stores for classes. Most have a monthly schedule of classes on popular topics like stamping, jewelry making, and scrapbooking.

Try these ideas to keep your middle school-aged child occupied during the summer without breaking the bank.

Natasha is a certified high school history teacher and blogger at The Artisan Life where she shares her love of crafting and gratitude.