If you’re on a budget, it may feel like you’re going to be stuck at home all summer figuring out how to keep the kids busy. But luckily, the Chippewa Valley is full of free fun that’ll get you out of the house and won’t put a dent in your pocketbook.

1. Hit up the museum

You can explore the Chippewa Valley Museum in Carson Park free of charge every Tuesday from 5-8pm through Labor Day. From interactive exhibits where you can catch “fish” to historic buildings, farm machinery, and fascinating videos, the museum has something for everyone. And if you have a few bucks to spare, there’s an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with reasonable prices and adorable ambiance.

2. Picnic and board games in the park

Dominoes anybody? Grab a couple of board games, pack some sandwiches and water bottles, and head out to your favorite local park. While the kids are burning off energy on the playground equipment, mom and dad can get comfy on a blanket in the shade and have a mini-date! Want to check out someplace new? Check out our Map of Play (chippewavalleyfamily.org/play) for ideas!

3. Visit the library

Register for the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, and you’ll enjoy everything from story times to family comedy performances and jugglers! They even offer free bus passes (valid on Tuesdays and Thursdays) for children who participate in the program. For more information and program registration, call Youth Services at (715) 839-5007 or email ysstaff@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.

4. Take in a free concert

It doesn’t matter if you’re young, old, or somewhere in between – there’s just something about good music that hits you right in the soul and makes the whole day better. And let’s be honest, if that soul-punching bit of happiness also happens to be FREE, it’s all the better. Most communities in the Chippewa Valley have at least one free concert each season, but many of them have weekly concerts. Check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List at chippewavalleyfamily.org/bucketlist for an entire listing of free concerts. Just click on “dance like no one is watching,” then pick a concert and do just that!