Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: the Seacoast has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in the Seacoast, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near the Seacoast, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 25+ free and cheap things to do with kids in Seacoast, NH this summer.
More Summer Fun in the Seacoast
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
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Great Island Common, New Castle
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit Great Island Common for an easy afternoon outside. With a beach and fantastic updated playground, you can't go wrong!
- Take a hike at Stratham Hill Park, or try one of your family’s favorite walking spots.
- Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at Four Tree Island.
- Plan a Seacoast playground tour and visit a few playgrounds and at least one new-to-you park.
- Explore Prescott Park.
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting at Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
- Take family photos at one of several beaches along the Seacoast.
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Odiorne Point State Park, Rye
Water Fun
- Cool off at Aqualand Splash Pad.
- Spend the day at Hampton Beach.
- Skip rocks, search for shells, or look for beach glass at Odiorne Point State Park.
- Check out Peirce Island Pool during a free or low-cost community swim time.
- Take a sunset walk near the Portsmouth Decks.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
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Great Bay Discovery Center, Greenland
Free Events & Entertainment in the Seacoast
- Attend a free outdoor concert at Prescott Park Arts Festival.
- Watch an outdoor movie at Hampton Beach.
- Explore Great Bay Discovery Center where admission is free.
- Browse a local farmers' market and let kids pick one small treat or snack.
- Check the upcoming free museum days or family days at Portsmouth Historical Society.
- Plan ahead for the free kids’ events at the Children's Festival at Hampton Beach.
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events in the Seacoast.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Seacoast calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
- Visit your local library for story times, special events, and air conditioning.
- Join the summer reading program.
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from your local library.
- Attend a free craft, STEM, music, or performance event at one of the many Seacoast libraries.
- Make a weekly library visit to your favorite local library as part of your summer routine.
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Seacoast Science Center, Rye
Cheap Places to Take Kids in the Seacoast
- Visit Albacore Park.
- Get a discount at Strawbery Banke Museum if you buy your tickets online.
- Use a family membership to the Seacoast Science Center to make repeat visits cheaper.
- Plan a small treat outing to Lickee's & Chewy's.
- Catch a $1 movie at Regal Cinemas.
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in the Seacoast.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for Seacoast families.
