Looking for engaging family activities that won’t break the bank? Check out these free activities for kids.
After school pick-up every day, we have a glorious two-hour period to fill before dinner and bedtime routine. Below is a list of our favorite free activities that keep our munchkins entertained and engaged. And yes, you heard it right. They’re all totally free.
- The Great Outdoors – Our Local Parks
- Visit Your Local Libraries
- Get Active – Community Sports Programs
- Museum Free Days
- DIY Backyard Fun
- Stay Connected
1. The Great Outdoors – Our Local Parks
First up on the list is my kids’ all-time favorite – the local parks. Honestly, parks are like a universal kid-pleaser. Whether it’s running around the playground, throwing frisbees, or flying kites, there’s never a dull moment. Some parks even have water features for hot summer days and host free events, such as scavenger hunts or family movie nights. Do check out the parks in your neighborhood. They’re like a treasure trove of free fun!
2. Visit Your Local Libraries
Libraries are not just for bookworms anymore. Our local library is a haven for all sorts of activities – they host free storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, and even puppet shows.
Many libraries have computers for kids, game tables, puzzles and play areas to keep the littles engaged while Mama checks out a few books for herself. Besides books, many libraries let you borrow STEM kits, DVDs, and audiobooks to mix things up a bit.
Upon every trip to the library, each of our kids is told they can choose up to five books to check out. Most libraries actually let you check out a crazy high number of books, but capping it at five ensures that we can carry all our loot to the car. And since kids LOVE to “doot” the books themselves, five books apiece limits time spent at the counter.
Not only do libraries provide lots of entertainment onsite, but they also provide for some awesome story/snuggle time at home throughout the week. It’s so much fun to watch them fall in love with the stories!
To keep kids engaged during those long summer months, be sure to ask your library if they have a summer reading program.
If your library has an email list, I would encourage you to join it for invitations and announcements that might be of interest.
3. Get Active – Community Sports Programs
Local community sports programs are often overlooked. Many towns and cities offer free or very affordable sports clinics or open gym sessions. Soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, running, badminton… whatever your local offerings, it’s a great (and inexpensive) way to let kids try new things, engage with other local kids and wear off some of their energy. Plus, it keeps them off screens, and that’s always a win in my books.
4. Museum Free Days
Check out your local museums for their free days. Many museums offer monthly or weekly free admission days and my kids absolutely love these. From art to natural history to science – there’s something for every curious little mind. My personal favorite is when they host hands-on interactive exhibits. These are perfect for kinesthetic learners or just active kids that need to touch everything. (Can you relate?)
Be sure to check out The Best Free Museums in the USA.
5. DIY Backyard Fun
And finally, don’t forget the wonders of your own backyard. Create your own mini-adventures right at home. We’ve had loads of fun with homemade obstacle courses, collect and compare leaves and seeds, backyard scavenger hunts, camping, gardening, picnics, and heck, even collecting weed bouquets (fun for the littles AND keeps down the weeds – double win!). Turn on the sprinkler and jump in. Open a bottle of bubbles and blow to your heart’s content. You’d be surprised how a bit of creativity and outdoor space can spark hours of fun.
6. Stay In the Know about Free Activities for Kids
Be sure to regularly check your city’s community calendar online and periodically search Facebook for events near you. Don’t be afraid to join email lists if they might provide activities you and your family would enjoy – it’s easy to unsubscribe if you find them cluttering your inbox.
The next time you’re on the hunt for free activities for kids, give these a try. They might just become your new favorites, as they have ours.
After all, the best things in life are free, right? 😉
Sending love and encouragement your way,
Laura
P.S. I would love to hear from you. Share your favorite free activities for kids in the comments below. We’re all in this parenting adventure together!
Pin It For Later
Leave a Reply