Free summer activities in Utah to entertain without breaking the bank
Jun 12, 2019, 9:20 AM

(Stock Photo) It's summertime now, so what are some free or cheap activities that you can do to keep the kids entertained?
(Stock Photo)
SALT LAKE CITY — By now you’re either well into your summer routine, or you’re tearing your hair out.
Never fear!
There are lots of free or cheap summer events all around the state and KSL Newsradio’s Mary Richards found out what some of our listeners are up to during these warm summer months. We asked members of the $1,000 Challenge Facebook group what their best ideas were for staying busy and entertained without going broke.
Summer fun at the library
Fourth-grader Mahima Adhikari and her family spend a lot of time at their area branch of the Salt Lake County Library over the summer.
“Lots of people from the community come here,” she said. “You can make new friends here, and check out books and read them.”
But books aren’t the only thing that happen at the library. There is a whole summer calendar of events, from things like magic shows and arts and crafts to lectures, movies and concerts.
“[The library] is one of your best returns on investment as a taxpayer,” says Liz Sollis, Communications Manager at the Salt Lake County Library.
One of the greatest assets, she says, comes in the form of their summer reading and activity trackers.
“This year the theme is A Universe of Stories which is obviously is space-based, and everyone, regardless of their reading ability is invited to participate,” Sollis said.
Other options
KSL Newsradio listeners also chimed in on what their favorite free things to do during the summer are.
Some of the most popular activities include splash pads, parks, picnics and hikes.
Cities also put on a lot of events over the summer season, so be sure and check your local municipality’s website for their calendars.
Museums also were a popular answer. Hill Air Force has its Aerospace Museum, museums at BYU or the University of Utah, or around Temple Square.
Other popular answers are finding $1 showings at the local movie theaters, sidewalk chalking, geocaching, rock hunts and having a yard sale.
The $1,000 Challenge
Join the $1,000 Challenge Facebook group to see other brilliant ideas on how to get your budget in check and to be a part of a tribe that’ll encourage you every step along the way.