5 ways to beat the heat this summer

Rising temperatures can trigger unexpected costs when you’re trying to beat the heat—but summer doesn’t need to be a bummer! There are plenty of ways to have fun with the whole family—while staying cool—without breaking the bank. Whether you take advantage of free community activities or stay in the comfort of your own backyard, any of these five fun ideas will help you make the most of the season while spending less.

Gather your friends, pack a picnic and grab your favorite blanket—summer is outdoor movie season. Many cities have free or discounted summer movie series, with showings at parks, amphitheaters, rooftops and more. This is a great way to stay cool in the summer as screenings usually begin after the sun sets. For AC lovers, many indoor theaters participate in summer promotions, including discounted tickets and deals on concessions. For just $3 on Mondays and Wednesdays, you can see popular movies with AMC Theaters Summer Movie Camp at participating theaters. Regal Summer Movie Express offers $2 movie tickets for kids every Tuesday and Wednesday, and The Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark Theaters features $1.75 movie tickets and discounts on popcorn combos and kids’ snack packs. Many regional chains also participate in summer movie deals—check with your local theaters to see if they have any special offers.

Forget the fuss of waterparks and overpriced admission fees—bring the fun to your own backyard with a DIY slip and slide. Rather than spending money on a store-bought slip and slide that falls apart before the summer ends, you can easily DIY one that is cost-effective, built to your specifications and ready to go in under an hour. All you need is a hose, a tarp and weights to hold the tarp down. Just add something to lubricate the slide (baby shampoo works in a pinch) and water, and—voila!—you have an easy and affordable activity that’s fun for all. If you have little ones, this hack also works well for an at-home DIY splash pad. Remember, safety first! Make sure to set up your slide in a safe area, avoiding hard surfaces like concrete or rocks, and always use it with adult supervision. Pro tip: Nothing pairs with a slip and slide quite like a good old-fashioned water balloon fight.

The local library is a great place to spend the summer with your family! Libraries across the country offer free summer reading programs with prizes and activities to encourage kids to read while they’re out of school. Don’t live near a library or want to avoid the trek? From April 26 through September 3, visit the Scholastic summer zone—a free digital destination that offers stories, games, author events and more. Kids in grades 1-6 can earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Pizza Hut even offers a summer reading program called Camp Book It! where kids can earn a free personal pan pizza by meeting the monthly reading goal. Summer reading programs offer several benefits—they can generate interest in the library and books; entice reluctant readers with activities and prizes; and provide free, meaningful family time.

If you’re looking for activities to keep your kids occupied at home, find camaraderie in creativity with arts and crafts projects everyone can enjoy! There are endless opportunities for easy and creative projects with kids. Explore the exciting world of tie-dye, make homemade bubbles or create colorful pasta jewelry. Whether you’re crafting melted crayon rocks, making potato stamp artwork or creating a splat painting masterpiece, there is something for everyone to enjoy and keep boredom at bay. The best part—with a little creative thought, many craft projects can be adapted to use materials you already have on hand!

Does the summer sun have your kids craving a frozen treat? Homemade popsicles are a great, cost-effective way to enjoy a sweet, hydrating treat without all the added sugar in ice cream. Plus, they’re simple for kids to help make! Picky little ones who don’t love spending time in the kitchen will love being able to create their own unique and delicious dessert. Enjoy a fun, low-stakes way to keep the kiddos entertained and satisfy sweet cravings. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and have on hand—just blend the ingredients of your choice, pour the mixture into molds and freeze.

Rising temperatures don’t have to mean more stress. The heat is no match for creativity and a can-do attitude. Keep your kids entertained—and actively learning—for hours this summer with these fun, stimulating and safe activities that everyone can enjoy.