Having free things to do in Chicago will keep kids busy and happy throughout the summer without taxing your wallet. And you might be surprised at just how many family-friendly summer events in Chicago cost absolutely nothing. Of course, the city's playgrounds and splash pads are always free, but it's in the summertime that free things to do in Chicago really ramp up. 

As you can see from this bursting-at-the-seams list, there's almost something fun and free to do every single day of the summer—so there's no excuse for anyone to be bored. Outdoor movies, summer festivals, street fairs, concerts and performances, public art, cultural celebrations, and picnics–and you can leave your wallet at home for all of it! (In theory, at least. There's always ice cream to buy...)

Looking for more? Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up will do the trick, and find all the summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Summer in Philly can get expensive. With vacations, summer camps, and pool memberships, you're going to need some free activities in your back pocket. We've rounded up 39 free things to do in Philly that will keep kids entertained all summer long without breaking the bank. When school's out and camp is only so many weeks, that leaves tons of time to kill and plenty of heat to beat. Armed with this list of free nature activities, arts and culture festivals, block parties, performances, movies in the park, and more, you'll never hear the dreaded "I'm bored" chorus this summer!

For other ways to spend the hazy, lazy days of summer, browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philly Kids. Read on to discover our favorite, free activities in Philly this summer—and be sure to check our events calendar as we're adding more free fun to it every day.

Looking for FREE things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this summer? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

With school getting out soon, it's time for summer fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! With amazing parks and beaches offering hundreds of acres of outdoor space, it's no wonder that there are tons of FREE activities to keep kids occupied all summer. 

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Summer is the season for awesome FREE things to do all across New Jersey. We’ve rounded up more than 100 family-friendly events to enjoy this summer that don't involve breaking the bank, including fireworks displays galore, festivals that offer something for everyone, and outdoor movie screenings throughout the Garden State.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide and more freebies in our FREE Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with New Jersey Kids. Have a fabulous summer full of FREE fun!