Now that you have your summer camps booked, it is time to start thinking about some FREE ways to spend your summer days. (if you are still looking for summer camps, check out our guide here.)
We pride ourselves in giving you the most extensive local family event calendar full of low cost or free activities. Below are some ideas beyond our calendar to help you have a summer full of memories.
1. Splash Pads
Splash pads are such a great, FREE way to stay cool this summer. We love that you can spend as much or little time there as your schedule allows and they are great for all ages. We are fortunate to have 4 splash pads in Hendricks County! Each one hosts it's own unique features, definitely take your own tour to find your favorite!
Shops at Perry Crossing Pop Jet: NEW this year!
Hours: Everyday 11:00am-5:00pm
Washington Township Park:
Hours: Monday- Friday, 12:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 10:30am-6:30pm.
Watermill Splash Pad; Williams Park, Brownsburg:
Hours: Everyday 10:00am-7:00pm
Hummel Park:
Hours Everday 11:00am-7:00pm.
2. Libraries
ALL family library events are in our calendar but the libraries are also an amazing place to drop-in and cool off in the summer. Each one has a Summer Reading Program (see kick-off events in calendar), and many drop in activities. Avon recently remodeled their children’s area, Plainfield’s has a great play space for kids, Danville’s is a hot spot of Teen activity and Brownsburg’s has the large touch screen my kids can spend hours playing on. Clayton Library and Coatesville Library also hosts wonderful children areas that are great to relax in when the busyness of summer hits. Have you found your favorite yet?
3. Kids Summer Lunch Bunch
This county-wide program brings the entire community together in the summer. Kids get a free sack lunch AND book each visit. Local businesses and organizations support the program by providing the meals and activities. Their biggest location is at Ellis Park in Danville but they also have lunches in Plainfield and Brownsburg. Check out the schedule here.
4. Royal Theater Free Movies
We love this locally owned and operated historical theater in downtown Danville. This summer they are showing free kid movies every Wednesday at 10:00 am and 1:00pm starting June 8th. No concession purchase is necessary but I love treating ourselves to movie theater popcorn! Some of the movies include: Home, Minions, and The Peanuts. You can find the complete schedule here.
5. Summer Fun Runs
My goal is to earn a Summer Fun Run shirt this year! The Summer Fun Run series takes you to a new park every Wednesday night to run or walk a 1 mile or 5K course. Each participate who completes 10 out of the 13 runs gets a t-shirt. Runs are non-competitive. You can begin either course anytime between (6-7pm). June 1st- August 24th. See complete schedule here.
6. Indoor Playgrounds
A great way to keep cool but stay active is to head to an indoor playground and we have 2 great, free options here in our county.
Plainfield Christian Church has an amazing one that is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm. Elements are designed for ages 2-12 with a great area for parents to chat while watching their kids.
One that has been opened up recently is The Well Community Center in Brownsburg. There are areas set up for tots through teens and many days/hours to choose from. Their hours are: Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri 9:00am-1:00pm and Mon/Wed/Fri 5:00pm-8:00pm.
(Neither play area requires you to be a church member to attend and both are very welcoming to all families)
7. Vacation Bible Schools
Many churches hold Vacation Bible Schools at some point in the summer. Simply check with the church you attend or ones that you know of. Another idea is to plan a VBS with friends who attend another church to get your kids together for some summer bonding time. We have also started a VBS Guide here. (churches can join the guide for free, simply email meghans@macaronikid.com)
Stay tuned for ways to plan an entire free day using our summer calendar and articles!
