17 Fun and Free Things to Do with Kids: Unforgettable Activities

Being a parent is one of the most fulfilling yet challenging roles in the world and as a mom, I am always on the lookout for free things to do with kids. On one hand, you love your kids to bits, but on the other hand, they can drive you up the wall with their endless energy and demands – and lets face it, life can be expensive.

Especially during school holidays, it can be tempting to let them spend hours on end in front of screens or at amusement parks, but those options can be expensive and may not always be the healthiest or most educational choices.

Fortunately, there are many (nearly free) and free and fun activities that you can do with your kids. Here are some ideas that will keep you and your kids engaged, entertained, and connected.

Why Fun Free Things to Do with Kids is Important

Spending quality time with your children is not only enjoyable but also essential for building strong bonds and creating lasting memories. Engaging in fun activities together not only fosters a sense of closeness but also provides opportunities for learning, creativity, and adventure.

In this article, we will explore a variety of exciting activities that you can enjoy with your kids. From physical activities that promote active play to creative pursuits that unleash their imagination, there’s something for every interest and age group.

Let’s dive into the world of fun activities that will bring joy and laughter to your family.

1. Engage in Physical Activities

Encouraging physical activity in children is crucial for their overall development. Engaging in physical activities together not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also strengthens the parent-child bond.

Consider activities such as backyard games, bike rides, or family walks in the neighborhood. You can also explore organized sports like soccer, swimming, or martial arts, providing opportunities for your children to develop new skills and make friends.

2. Try Creative Pursuits

Nurturing your child’s creativity is essential for their cognitive and emotional development. Engage in creative activities that allow them to express themselves and explore their artistic side. Set up a dedicated art corner in your home where they can draw, paint, or sculpt.

Collaborate on fun craft projects, such as making homemade cards, creating a scrapbook, or building a DIY fort using blankets and pillows. These activities not only stimulate their imagination but also foster problem-solving skills and self-expression.

3. Play Card Games

Card games are a fantastic, cost-effective way to spend quality time with your kids, requiring just a deck of cards to engage in hours of entertainment and skill-building. They not only offer a fun way to connect but also help children develop cognitive and social skills.

For those who don’t have a physical deck of cards or want to play with distant friends and family, many classic games like Hearts or Spades are readily available online, allowing you to enjoy the same interactive and strategic gameplay in a digital format.

4. Educational and Learning Activities

Learning can be fun and engaging when approached in the right way. Incorporate educational activities into your routine to support your child’s intellectual growth. Explore science experiments, conduct simple chemistry experiments at home, or set up a mini-weather station to observe and record weather patterns.

Take advantage of online resources and educational apps that offer interactive learning experiences. Engaging in educational activities together not only enhances their knowledge but also strengthens the parent-child bond through shared learning experiences.

5. Enjoy Outdoor Adventures

Venturing outdoors provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Plan family outings to local parks, nature reserves, or hiking trails. Engage in activities like bird-watching, nature scavenger hunts, or camping in the backyard.

These outdoor adventures expose your children to the wonders of nature and promote an appreciation for the environment. Try planting a garden or exploring the variety of wildlife that can be found in your destination.

For an extra special experience, consider taking a horseback ride on the beach! There are so many activities to choose from and each one is sure to create lasting memories for your whole family.

6. Try Fun Games and Puzzles

Every family has a stash of board games hidden in the closet or the attic. Dust them off and have a family game day. Allow your kids to pick which ones they want to play, and let them take turns being the game master.

Not only will you have a blast, but you’ll also teach your kids valuable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Gather your family around the table for some friendly competition and brain-teasing fun. Engage in board games, card games, or puzzles that are suitable for your child’s age.

These games not only provide entertainment but also foster strategic thinking, problem-solving, and social skills. Choose games that are inclusive and allow everyone to participate, ensuring a fun-filled family bonding experience.

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7. Try Bonding Through Technology

In today’s digital age, technology can be harnessed to bring families closer together. Embrace the benefits of technology by engaging in activities that promote bonding and shared experiences.

Consider playing video games together, where you can collaborate, compete, and share exciting adventures in virtual worlds. Choose child-friendly games that align with your family values and provide opportunities for teamwork and problem-solving.

Additionally, create cozy family movie nights by streaming shows or watching family-friendly movies together. Discuss the themes and lessons portrayed in the movies, allowing for meaningful conversations and bonding moments.

Preserving home videos and reliving precious memories is another way to connect with your children. Prolong your VHS tapes lifespan by converting them into a digital format, ensuring that the memories captured on those tapes are preserved for future generations.

Seek out professional old video transfer services or explore DIY options using appropriate equipment and software. By digitizing your old videos, you can relive cherished moments and share them with your children, creating a sense of family history and nostalgia.

8. Go on a nature walk

Nature is free and abundant. Take your kids on a walk and let them explore the wonders of the great outdoors. Teach them about the different plants, animals, and insects they see, and ask them questions like “how do you think the leaves change color?” or “what do birds eat?” You can also collect leaves, rocks, and flowers to make a collage or a nature journal when you get home.

9. Learn Geocaching

Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt. All you need is a smartphone or GPS device and a sense of adventure. Geocaching involves using clues and coordinates to find hidden containers, also known as caches. Once you find the cache, you sign the logbook and sometimes even trade trinkets.

Geocaching can be done in urban or rural areas and is a great way to explore new places.

10. Visit the library!

With countless books, magazines, and movies for all ages, the library is the perfect place to spark your kids’ imaginations and foster a love of reading. And the best part? It’s completely free!

Many libraries also offer fun programs like story time and crafts, providing hours of entertainment for your little ones. Plus, you can even borrow books to take home and read together as a family. So why not plan a trip to the library and enjoy a day filled with adventure and learning?

11. Create a time capsule

As a mom, I know that every parent is looking for ways to make memories with their children. By creating a time capsule with your kids, you’ll be able to capture a moment in time that you can share for years to come.

This is an activity that doesn’t require any special skills or materials, just your imagination and some time to spend together. You can gather items that have special meaning to your family, such as artwork, letters, or photographs, and seal them up in a container to be stored away.

Then, set a date in the future when you’ll open the capsule together and revisit the memories that you’ve made. This is a fun and easy way to create a meaningful tradition with your kids that they’ll cherish forever.

12. Make art together

Art is not just for the creative geniuses or the professional artists. Grab some paper, paints, pencils, and glue, and make some art together. You can draw portraits of each other, make paper mache masks, or paint a mural on the wall. Don’t worry about making mistakes or being perfect – the process is what matters most.

13. Bake or cook as a family

Cooking or baking together is another fun and educational activity to do with your kids. Let them help you measure the ingredients, mix the batter, and decorate the final product.

You can make pizzas, muffins, cookies, or even a fancy three-course meal. In addition to learning about food and nutrition, your kids will also build their confidence and independence in the kitchen.

14. Go Backyard Camping or Glamping

If you can’t get away for a camping trip, you can still have an adventure by camping in your backyard. Pitch a tent filled with snacks, sleeping bags, and glow sticks.

Let your kids help with setting up the camping gear and building a pretend campfire. Spend the night in your camping tent, and tell stories and share s’mores around the fire, it’s a fun way for your family to bond.

15. Volunteer or visit a local attraction

Finally, you can also give back to your community or explore the local sights for free. Look up local volunteer opportunities, like cleaning up a park or reading to elderly people. You can also visit museums, libraries, or cultural centers that offer free admission.

This way, you’ll not only expose your kids to new experiences and cultures but also instill in them a sense of empathy, compassion, and curiosity.

16. Have a staycation

Consider taking a staycation! No need to pack up and leave town, there are plenty of exciting local activities and attractions to explore right in your backyard. From picnics in the park to museum visits and even family-friendly cooking classes, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you’ll save money on travel costs and have the convenience of staying close to home.

Plus, by staying close to home, you’ll save on travel expenses and avoid the stress of packing and planning long-distance trips. So why not create some unforgettable memories with your kids this summer by having your very own staycation?

If you do decide to venture further afield, look for places where you can create unforgettable memories with your family. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure in the mountains or relaxing days spent lounging beachside, the perfect spot is out there waiting for you.

Look for hotels and resorts that offer family-friendly amenities like supervised play areas, game rooms, and even special kid’s menus.

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17. Movie Night Under the Stars

Transform your backyard into an outdoor movie theater. All you need is a projector, a screen (or white sheet), some blankets and pillows, and your favorite snacks. Pick a family-friendly movie, and snuggle up under the stars for an unforgettable movie night experience.

Where to Find more Fun and Free Activities for the Kids

Looking for some fun activities for the kiddos that won’t break the bank? Why not check out some of the free options available right in your community! Kids can skate for free at many local rinks, or bowl a few games at no charge thanks to the “Kids Bowl Free” program.

Want to mix things up? Consider visiting a nearby museum that offers free admission for children and engages them in interactive exhibits. From outdoor parks and playgrounds to indoor play spaces, there is no shortage of kid-friendly and free activities that will keep your little ones entertained and active.

So get out there and explore all the fun your area has to offer!

Search for: Free activities near me, free with kids near me, free family activities near me.

Finding great, family-friendly activities doesn’t have to put a strain on your budget. There are plenty of free activities for the whole family to enjoy within reach! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or fun indoor activities, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye and provides an enjoyable experience for everyone.

In conclusion, spending quality time with your kids doesn’t have to involve spending a lot of money. By being creative, resourceful, and open-minded, you can find plenty of free and fun activities that will entertain, educate, and bond you and your kids.

Whether you go on a nature walk, have a family game day, make art together, bake as a family, or volunteer in your community, the memories you create will be priceless. So go on and have fun – your kids will thank you for it.

Engaging in fun activities with your little ones not only creates joyful moments but also strengthens the parent-child bond. Physical activities, creative pursuits, educational endeavors, outdoor adventures, games, and technology-based bonding activities all contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling family life.

Embrace the opportunities to connect with your kids through these activities, and cherish the memories you create together.

Remember, the gift of quality time and shared experiences will have a lasting impact on your children’s lives. So, get ready to set exciting adventures and sit down with them for endless laughter on fun-filled activities.

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Travelon Jo

Travelon Jo is a mom and travel blogger who believes that taking your kids travelling is one of the best things you can do for them. As a former travel agent, she knows all about the ins and outs of planning a trip, and loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge with others.

17 Fun and Free Things to Do with Kids: Unforgettable Activities