13 Fun (Free) Things to Do This Summer

This week edition of my Thursday Thirteen is up a bit late. But better late than never..

Here are list of things you can do with your kids during Summer for free or very affordable in and around Atlanta area.. or even other states. Since we can't just live by the beach all Summer long.. :)

1) Free Family Films Festival @ Regal Cinemas - Check out Regal Cinema for your local theatre for a free kids friendly movie all Summer long. Movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday from Jun to July.

2) $1.00 Movies for Charity with AMC Summer MovieCamp - It's not free but it's for a good cause. For a dollar, you get to watch movie with your kids at AMC theatre. Their shows are on Wednesday at 10AM. Check AMC website for your local participation theatre.

3) Free Family Films @ Movies 400 - This one is closer to home. It's in Cumming area. Every Tuesday & Thursday at 10AM all Summer long you can watch free movies with your kids. You can also get good discount during the show for $1 popcorn and $1 drink. Or bring a can of food to support their food drive and receive a free popcorn. Check Movies 400 site for schedule.

4) Free VBS class at your local church for one week - Check out Lifeway VBS Outrigger Island program for the free one week VBS program at your local church

5) Go to your library - Most library will have Summer reading program with story telling. At Forsyth county, they offer a program every Thursday at 10AM and 1:30PM and also every Saturday at 5PM and 6PM (for some of the week). Check out the website for event of the day.

6) Swimming at your local park - We live not too far from Gwinnett county. I have to say I'm impressed with their Park and Recreation area. The aquatic center there is a little water park by itself without the same cost of the high price water park. We did it recently and will be going back there again all Summer long.

7) Pick your own strawberry - It's the season of picking berries. Check out this site for your local pick-your-own farm. The Washington Farm that we went was fun and we wouldn't mind going back there again.

8) Fishing at Rainbow Ranch Trout - I have never been there but got the information from my friend. I drive pass by it all the time. It looks like a fun day out. There are picnic tables that you can enjoy your lunch and a little fishing. Your kids won't be disappointed as fish there is quick to bite the bait. Check out their website for direction and pricing.

9) Dairy Tour at Mayfield Dairy Farm - For a short drive go to Braselton, GA to tour the milk operation. But if you are an ice cream lover, you might want to check out their Athens, TN location. Check out here for direction.

10) Hiking to the Amicalola Falls - Just a short drive from downtown Atlanta and even shorter drive from my house. I haven't been back since last year to see if the water has come back yet. But the trail is easy enough and there are several entry points to accomodate different level of hikers. Then you can enjoy a picnic at the park or drive up for a lunch buffet at the lodge.

11) Water Tubing in Helen - With less than 2 hours drive from Atlanta, it's the perfect day trip for a quick change of scenary and fun summer day. The water tubing is one thing that we didn't get a chance to try when we went there recently. This Summer it's high on our to-do list.

12) Picnic in your backyard - Pack things up and trek back to your own backyard and enjoy a nice day out in the backyard.

13) Visit Miniature Petting Zoo @ Tanglewood Farm - Kids will love to see over 100 miniature farm animals and enjoy the trip back to the past. Located in Cherokee county it's a fun day out for the whole family. Visit their website for more detail.