Summer 2025 is just around the corner. After a busy school year, the kids (and parents!) are ready to have some summertime fun. There's plenty of ways to Find Your Family Fun® this summer without breaking the bank.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to have fun this summer. These free and cheap summer fun ideas will help make the summer blues turn into summer cheers in your family. Check out our Lynchburg VA Parks Guide on our website.
1. Go wading at a local water hole or play in the Sprayground at Riverside Park or the Splash Pad at English Park - Find your favorite Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
2. Play a game of backyard kickball
3. Set up a sprinkler or slip and slide in your yard OR hit the road and visit area spraygrounds and splash pads! - Sprayground and Splash Pad Fun in Lynchburg and Beyond
4. Take a hike - go hiking off the Blue Ridge Parkway
5. Make ice cream cones at home
6. Enjoy a picnic - 10 Family Picnic Sites in Lynchburg and Central Virginia
7. Make cupcakes, cookies, or brownies
8. Explore Lynchburg's history at the CityArts Mosaic display across from Amazement Square
9. Go fishing at English Park in Altavista, Clemmons Lake at Ivy Creek Park, or one of the parks in Amherst County. Check our Lynchburg Area Parks Guide for information about all of the area's parks.
10. Ride bikes or hike on the Blackwater Creek Bikeway - Here's 10 places to ride bikes in Central Virginia
11. Enjoy a free or inexpensive summer movie - Lynchburg Summer Movies: Regal Summer Movie Express and Outdoor Movies
12. Hike on Candlers Mountain - park at SnowFlex, check the trail map at the kiosk, and choose your hike
13. Take a walk together - 25 Places in the Lynchburg Area to Walk or Hike
14. Visit the playground at Riverside Park, Miller Park, or Peaks View Park
15. Play a round of disc golf at Peaks View Park, Sandusky Park, or the New London disc golf course
16. Turn off the electronics and have a family board game day
17. Plan an outdoor dining adventure with the family - Lynchburg Area Outdoor Dining Restaurants
18.Teach the kids some of your favorite summer games - Summer Throwback: "Classic" Outdoor Games
19. Pull out the dress up box and let the kids present a play
20. Just for fun, make a movie about your family's adventures. It’s easy to do using your phone. Share with family and friends
21. Blow bubbles in your backyard, draw with sidewalk chalk, color with crayons or markers, or paint with watercolors
22. Buy ice cream treats from your favorite sweet treat shop. Check out our guide of Lynchburg area sweet treat shops
23. Visit the Anne Spencer Garden or Old City Cemetery and take family photos. Here are the top 25 family photo shoot locations in Central Virginia
24. Take the family camping - Lynchburg VA Area Campground Guide
25. Roast marshmallows and make s'mores
Add these ideas to your summer fun bucket list -- and ask your kids to help think of some additional inexpensive ways to have fun. You may also enjoy these articles, found on our website:
Structure Summer Days to Keep Away the "I'm Bored" Blues
Nine Tips To Perfect Your Toddler's Summer
22 Summer Activities For Families With Special Needs
10 Things to Do at Percival's Island
Be sure to check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid event calendar to keep up with all of the family-friendly events in the area. Find Your Family Fun® this summer!
