Summer is in full swing, and although there are lots of activities for children, some families may not have the funds to send a child to a weekly camp or activities before school resumes. Budget-friendly options can require digging for opportunities online and making calls. If you are seeking strategies to improve how to find events and resources faster and earlier, follow social media pages when you notice an event that could interest your child or children, search Eventbrite listings, and subscribe to newsletters or email lists to stay informed about future opportunities. Do not forget to network with other parents and build a tribe of people who are willing to exchange information via text, group chat, or some agreed-upon method of sharing helpful resources and in-person event details. Below is a list of things to do and offers to get you started.
Annapolis Recreation & Parks Department is throwing a party on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at “Pip” Moyer Recreation Center (273 Hilltop Lane). Enjoy games, food, and music. See https://www.annapolis.gov/189/Recreation-Parks.
Introduce computer programming to your students at home. Find an online coding class for them to take. Learn more about Create & Learn by visiting https://www.create-learn.us/coding-for-kids/free-classes
Sign up for Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/signup) to keep your young learner thinking over the summer and beyond.
Stay in touch with your local library to find out about upcoming events.
See Baltimore County Library https://events.bcpl.info/events?n=2&r=months and Pratt’s calendar (https://calendar.prattlibrary.org/#tabs-47117420486632-47117432136773) if you want to stay informed in Baltimore. Check events for teens and kids.
Home Depot offers in-store kids’ workshops the first Saturday of every month for participants to build a project. Check workshop schedules and locations here: https://www.homedepot.com/c/kids-workshop.
Do not overlook free or low-cost attractions in nearby towns that are close to home. Museums such as the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum promote appreciation of African American history and culture. Plan a day trip https://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/plan-your-visit to visit 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, Maryland. Admission is free.
Plan an educational excursion to explore the Naval Academy https://tickets.navalacademytourism.com/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=TKTS&c=WT, or if it is too hot, upgrade from a walking tour to ride in a five-passenger electric vehicle https://tickets.navalacademytourism.com/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=TKTS&c=GRTm.
Save food coupons that are mailed to your home in case you are out and about with children. Keep some of them in the car for road trips. Check app offers and look for discount codes to save money on meals. For example, Wendys offers a Free Kids Meal with a Premium Combo Purchase. See https://www.wendys.com/offers-coupons?utm_source=paid-search&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=always_on_offers. Find out how to claim the offer by visiting https://order.wendys.com/rewards-store?lang=en_US.
Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT!® program (https://www.bookitprogram.com) rolled out a new digital app to empower families to track progress of their child’s reading and set goals. Pre-K through six graders can earn pizza rewards and prevent the “Summer Slide.” Learn more via https://blog.pizzahut.com/pizza-hut-debuts-first-ever-book-it-app.
Planet Fitness offers a High School Summer Pass for teens ages 14-19. They can sign up to work out for free. Youth under 18 must bring a parent or guardian. Learn more about the program and find a Planet Fitness location via https://www.planetfitness.com/summerpass.
Visit a nature center.
The admission for Irvine Nature Center https://www.explorenature.org includes trails, animal exhibits and wetlands, located at 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, Maryland. Entry is just $5 a person ages six and up for nonmembers. Some Friday dates are free. See https://www.explorenature.org/series/free-fridays for hours and details.
Find free breakfasts and lunches at a meal serving site for the Summer Food Program in Baltimore City by visiting https://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/summerfood/.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, YouthVoice Wellness Live Podcast & Youth Networking Event for ages 14 and up will offer game time and all things health, wellness, real talk, and a networking hour with youth in a welcoming space. The event will be held at Gallery About Nothing located at 805 East Baltimore Street Baltimore, Md. from 5:30- 8 p.m. Entry starts at 4:45 p.m. The private event requires registration. See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youthvoice-wellness-wednesday-youth-podcast-game-night-tickets-1247843255769?aff=ebdssbdestsearch for more information.
Save the date
Hug Don’t Shoot & Focus Movers 8th Anniversary Back-to-School Giveaway & Teen Summit
Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 2-6 p.m., located at Langston Hughes Resource Center, 5011 Arbutus Avenue.The American Indian Festival 2025 on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The event held at Patuxent River Park located in Prince George’s County is free. See https://arts.pgparks.com/event_list/aif.