As June ends and schools out for summer break families often have the opportunity to travel but many enjoy “staycations”. It can be hard to find things to do that won’t break the bank so we’ve compiled a list of fun free or inexpensive things to try during the warm days ahead.

  1. Go geocaching.

“Geocaching” is like a worldwide treasure hunt using a GPS or other mobile device to find secretly hidden containers called “geocaches.” The geocaches usually contain a logbook to let you say, “I found it!” before you re-hide it in exactly the same spot for the next geocacher to find. Google “geocaching” to find out more.

  1. Local Events.

Watch for events nearby such as the Berry Festival, The Aldergrove Fair, Abbotsford Agrifair, etc. These usually have many free events for kids and plenty of food and drink venues.

  1. Make homemade ice cream.

Homemade ice cream is easy and quick to make with a neat method using two different sized plastic bags, one placed inside the other along with ice and rock salt.

  1. Go fly a kite.

Kite flying can make you feel like a kid again, and building your own kite from inexpensive materials you might already have around the house is half the fun.

  1. Stage a summer film festival.

Choose a theme — like summer romance or vacation road trips — and have everyone bring their favorite flick for a weekend of binge watching with friends. You can borrow DVDs from some public libraries for free or use Netflix or Crave.

  1. Upcycle a shipping pallet.

Wooden pallets used in the shipping business can be transformed into all sorts of fun summertime projects, including furniture, tree houses and portable gardens. Many business give away spare pallets for free. Look for designs ideas on Pinterest.

  1. Have an epic water gun fight.

Rinse out plastic squeeze bottles from dish soap and shampoo to use instead of store-bought squirt guns for a good old-fashioned backyard water fight.

  1. Gaze at clouds.

There’s nothing more relaxing than laying on your back in the summertime on a lush, green lawn and gazing up at the clouds drifting overhead. Make a game of it by snapping pics of formations that remind you of something then playing 20 questions with your friends to see if they can guess what you’re thinking of.

  1. Take a hike.

The Fraser Valley has many amazing trails from casual walks to truly rough and challenging uphill climbs for every fitness level.

  1. Blow backyard bubbles.

Mix 6 cups water, 1 cup corn syrup and 2 cups regular strength liquid dish soap for the biggest, longest-lasting bubbles ever. And a bent coat hanger makes a terrific bubble wand.

  1. Go see a movie.

Many theaters offer special summer deals for kids and even adults, often for matinees or go farther afield to watch a movie in Stanley Park.

  1. Explore your local library.

Libraries aren’t just about books anymore; they’re multimedia resources with computer access, e-books, audio books, DVDs and free programs for people of all ages. And why not use their air conditioning — rather than your own — to keep cool this summer?

  1. Make a gravestone rubbing.

Lots of tombstones — particularly older ones — feature some amazing designs and works of art. Transfer the etched designs on to butcher paper using either charcoal or a crayon to make unique wall hangings. Warning: Make sure rubbing is allowed at the cemetery first.

  1. Host a watermelon seed spiting contest.

Watermelon is synonymous with summertime and, with practice, spitting the seeds can become an art form. Check out this youtube for tips on spitting techniques — and some laughs.

  1. Visit a pick-your-own farm.

Pick-your-own farms not only let you get the freshest of the summer harvest at bargain prices, but they can also provide for a fun outing on a nice sunny day.

  1. Take the kids bowling.

A couple of hours of throwing a weighty object down a long narrow alley will relieve pent up energy and stretch muscles wearing your little ones out enough that a nap could be on the horizon!

  1. Play in your yard’s sprinklers.

Punch lots of small holes in a two liter plastic soda bottle, then attach it to the end of a garden hose with a male-to-male hose coupling. Hang the bottle over a tree branch, turn on the hose, and enjoy a refreshing outdoor sprinkler shower.

NOVO Dental Centre’s Monthly Draw for June is a $50 Visa gift card. After doing all the fun free activities our winner, Kaitlyn, can use her gift card for something fun….like shoes!