Every summer, plenty of retailers and organizations offer freebies — from workshops to treats — for kids. You just have to know where to look for them. Take advantage of these family-friendly offerings while you can.
Kids Bowl Free is a nationwide program offering kids two free games of bowling every day in summer at participating locations (exact dates vary by location; mine local bowling alley offers the program May 1-Oct.1). They’ll be rolling strikes in no time.Shutterstock
There are a few days each year when entry into all 423 National Parks is free. This summer that day is Thursday, Aug. 4, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act which passed in 2020 to expand recreation opportunities on public land.Mint Images RF/Getty Images
And if you’re going to get free entry to a National Park, pay it forward by requesting one of these free park clean-up kits. They take one to three weeks to ship and include biodegradable bags, a bumper sticker, sunscreen, reflective vest, and more.Shutterstock
National Ice Cream Day is July 17, and in past years the unofficial holiday has meant a ton of sweet freebies. Stores that have previously offered ice cream deals include 16 Handles, Baskin Robbins, GrubHub, Carvel, Dairy Queen, Coldstone, and more.Navee Sangvitoon /EyeEm/Getty Images
Bookworm Wednesdays at participating Showcase Cinemas is a fun way to encourage reading and see a movie for free. Kids fill out a simple book report, and then get free admission to a kids’ movie (as do accompanying adults and kids under 6).FilippoBacci/E+/Getty Images
Craving waffles? This coupon will get you one free classic waffle from Waffle House through July 31, 2022.images by Tang Ming Tung/Moment Open/Getty Images
Home Depot offers kids’ workshops on the first Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon. Pick-up the camper for free in store on Aug. 6 while supplies last, or order a kit online for under $5 (it comes with the cutest apron).Home Depot
Check out your local library to learn about free summer offerings — like free concerts, LEGO and other DIY workshops, movie nights, or reading programs with great prizes — there’s almost always something going on nearby that doesn’t cost a dime.SDI Productions/E+/Getty Images
Want free pizza? Join Camp Book It! Enroll kids 4-12 in the program, then track your child’s reading progress (magazines and ebooks count). When your child meets their goal you’ll receive their certificate for a free personal pizza from Pizza Hut in your email.Shutterstock
A&W is celebrating Root Beer Float Day from July 6 through Aug. 6. Just sign-up for the A&W Mug Club to get your coupon, then head to any A&W restaurant during the 30 days to get a free small Root Beer Float. Donations to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) are encouraged. Ian Gwinn/Moment/Getty Images
