Let’s face it, there are days in the summer when it’s too hot to be outside, all the activities are too expensive, you’ve already visited the library a hundred times, but you still need something to do to get out of the house! Afternoons can be difficult because they’re the long stretch of the day between naps and dinner time when you’re tired but your kids are wired. Sometimes leaving the house and doing something very simple can completely change the tone for everyone. Here are 12 free or inexpensive ideas to break up a hot afternoon!
Where to go for Happy Hour for the Kids:
- Head to Publix and get a free cookie at the bakery!
- Get a half off milkshake at any Jack’s Family Restaurant. From 2PM-5PM daily, you can get half off any size milkshakes.
- Order a slushy, drink, or cold brew at Sonic for half-price each afternoon from 2-4pm.
- Head to Doodles in Cahaba Heights and get some Italian ice! They offer kids scoops, which are the perfect size and price even for the older kids and adults.
- I don’t know what it is about Barnes and Noble, but we love the children’s book area! Mom, get yourself a coffee, then let the kids browse the books. Maybe they’ll get on the stage and put on a play!
- Freezy’s Creamery in Helena has a $3 kids scoop! If you have a child with an allergy, their vanilla flavor is safe. Add blue or rainbow sprinkles for an extra special treat!
- A little trick I keep up my sleeve is dessert at Urban Cookhouse. We share a half-baked cookie or a basket of orange rolls and feel like we went out to eat!
- Paramount has half-off arcade games all day on Monday and from 3-6PM Tuesday-Friday, offered at both of their locations.
- When my three kids were younger, they loved to peruse the appliances at the local Lowes or Home Depot. Walk through all the ovens, refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Then, take a walk outside to look at all the plants.
- Drive to Leeds and visit Bass Pro to see the fish in the aquarium. Or, go to Buc-ees and let your kids pick out a special snack!
- Join the Kids Bowl Free program at Trussville’s Spare Time bowling alley. Kids get two free games per day.
- Join the Kids Skate Free Club at two of Birmingham’s skating rinks. Free offers vary depending on location.
Sometimes we just need a simple idea to turn a mundane afternoon into something exciting! Mom, we know you’re the perfect cheerleader to take a boring afternoon and turn it into the best trip your kids have ever had to Lowe’s, Publix, or Jack’s. When those afternoons strike this summer, and we all know they will, come back to this post and take your kids out for Happy Hour!
