There comes a time every summer at which both boys and their parents begin to fantasize about the beginning of school: boys because it means that there will finally be something to do every day, and their parents because, well, having your son around all day every day can be trying! All of that energy needs to be channeled somewhere. Fortunately, there are lots of free things for you and your son to do in the waning days of summer.

If the summer heat has you down, consider one of the many free things your son can do indoors. First, there are several movie theater chains across the country that offer free movies during the summer. Yep, free. Now are you going to see first-run blockbusters? No. You will see family-friendly movies that were in the theaters in recent memory, though. And considering the price, it’s quite a deal. To sweeten the pot even further, the theaters often offer a reduced price on a snack tray for kids (popcorn, drink, and candy). Some chains that offer free (or nearly free) movies are Regal Cinemas, Dickinson Theaters, Rave Theaters, and Cinemark. There are many other free movie opportunities out there. Search for one specific to your city or state.

If movies aren’t your thing, you are still in luck. Your son can actually bowl free this summer, too. Through a national program called Kids Bowl Free, kids can get coupons for two free games of bowling each week all summer. While shoe rental is not included, if you’ve gone bowling lately, you know what a great deal this is.

Although not limited just to summer, many museums also offer regular free days. If you do an Internet search for “free museum days ____” in your own city, you will likely come up with a plethora of free museum options. As long as you’re flexible as to day and time, you and your son can experience all of the culture your city has to offer for free!

Of course, there are the days you don’t want to leave the house at all. Fortunately, thanks to the Internet, you have many free options in-home as well. Maybe you want your son to read something more edifying than comic books or zombie novels, but you don’t want to push him so much that reading becomes a chore. Check out Librivox online. Ordinary people (usually quite good) read books in the public domain. As an audiobook devotee, I wholeheartedly recommend Librivox readers. The Three Musketeers (which was written for boys after all) can be a little intimidating in print. When read, though, it becomes the thrilling adventure story Dumas intended.

Free summer activities abound. With some searching and planning, you and your son can enjoy the rest of the summer together, making the return of school seem almost bittersweet.