Summer’s already here but it’s never too late to break out the calendar and start filling up what’s left of your summer schedule.

Here’s a list of 10 free or nearly free activities you and your family can do that will still ensure summer is full of fun and free or low cost things to enjoy.

Plant a garden.

Planting a garden is one of the most productive and rewarding things you can do, do in the summer. It’ll keep you busy all season long, and bonus – you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious produce, too!

Build a DIY slip n’ slide.

Throw down a couple of tarps, stake them down at the sides, then run your sprinkler over them for a wet, slippery ride.

Make your own popsicles.

You may have to buy a mold, but there isn’t much else you’ll need; things like fruit juice, fresh fruit and yogurt are just some of the ways to make your own cool summer treats.  

Paddle or swim around a local waterway.

Take your kayak, raft, or canoe (even inner tubes will do in some places) and paddle local rivers, streams, and creeks for a fun day in the sun.

Read in a hammock.

If you’ve got a hammock, put it up in your backyard, grab a book you’ve been meaning to read, and enjoy a few hours of reading in the shade.

Visit museums and galleries.

While some museum exhibits might cost a few dollars to visit, odds are there are free exhibits and art shows in galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and university campuses, close by. Check out Spokane Art Walk and Sculpture Walk for ideas. 

Camp in your backyard.

Use your own backyard to pitch a tent, roll out the sleeping bags, and have a back yard cookout and sleepover complete with homemade smores.

Stargaze or watch a meteor shower.

Find a quiet spot away from city lights, and bring a telescope or even just lawn chairs or a blanket make a comfy spot to watch the stars from.

Start a book club.

You can finally start on those all those books you’ve bought but never read (oh, we know). Reach out to some friends and see if they’d be interested in meeting up once a week (or whatever works best) to discuss the book you’re all reading.

People watch.

Scout your neighborhood, downtown, shopping malls and other high traffic locations for a good spot to just stop and watch the world go by. You’ll be surprised and amazed by the wonderful and strange things you might see.