Free and cheap things to do with kids in the Brockton area this summer

BROCKTON — With summer break well underway, it can be hard to keep kids occupied with new and exciting activities — especially ones that don’t break the bank.

Luckily, there are plenty of free and cheap Brockton-area events and activities for kids to enjoy before the start of the school year.

Make the most of the last few months of summer with an art class at the Children’s Museum in Easton, a free movie night at D.W. Field or a day at the ballpark, bowling alley or town pool.

Here are five of the best free and cheap things to do with kids this summer in Brockton.

Catch a ball game (Brockton)

Catch a ball game at Brockton’s Campanelli Stadium for a fraction of the cost of a ticket to Fenway Park. The New England Knockouts, the newest member of the Frontier League, kicked off its inaugural season in Brockton for the first time this summer. Tickets range from as low as $8 to $13, with discounts for seniors, students, military personnel and first responders. Tickets can be purchased online at any time, as well as in person at the Campanelli Stadium box office.

The Knockouts' summer season: Baseball is back in Brockton. Here's what to know about the Knockouts' upcoming season

Watch a free movie at D.W. Field Park (Brockton)

With more than six miles of paved roadways, D.W. Field Park is the perfect, stroller-friendly park. The left side of the roads are for pedestrians only, making it a safe place to walk with kids of any age. Don’t miss the park’s free movie nights, which will include showings of Encanto, the live-action version of "The Little Mermaid" and "Jumanji," scheduled on Saturday nights throughout the summer. The park is open to pedestrians from dawn to dusk and free parking is available at several lots throughout the park, including the main lot at 330 Oak St.

Strikeout at the bowling alley (Brockton, Abington, Hanover, Raynham, Hanson)

Self-described as a “family entertainment center,” kids can entertain themselves at Westgate Lanes in Brockton with 62 bowling lanes and 45 arcade games while parents can enjoy a pint of beer at the facility’s sports bar. Each game is around $5 per person and the facility is open daily. Webster Timber Lanes in Abington, Boston Bowl in Hanover, Ryan Family Amusements in Raynham and Hanson Bowladrome in Hanson are also good options.

Cool off at a public pool (Brockton, Stoughton, Randolph)

Many local communities provide access to public swimming pools and splash pads with free or cheap admission. Brockton's Manning Pool ($5 per person) or the newly opened Cosgrove Pool (free) are two great places to cool off on a sunny day. Bored of a traditional outdoor pool? Try Ames Long Pond in Stoughton ($5 per person) for a sandy bottomed, lake-style swimming experience or the splash pad at Randolph's Imagination Station (free).

Full list of local pools: Best swimming spots in the Brockton area: Opening dates, entry fees and more

Learn to paint at the Children’s Museum (Easton)

From balloon painting to spin art, music classes, live animal shows and more, the Children’s Museum in Easton has plenty of creative, hands-on activities for children ages one through seven scheduled throughout the summer. Located at 9 Sullivan Ave., the museum is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the months of July and August. Admission is $12 per child and adult. Most of the summer classes are free with admission. A full schedule of events can be found on the museum’s website.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Free, cheap Brockton-area summer activities for family fun with kids