You don’t have to splurge on expensive outings or fancy toys to make your kids happy. It’s about spending time together, and there are many ways to entertain your kids without spending money. Some of the most engaging activities for children involve little to no cost. You just need creativity and enthusiasm. Here are 14 fun and free ways to entertain your kids without spending money.
1. Nature Walks
Whether you go to a local park or a nature reserve nearby, there are plenty of scenic routes you can explore with your children. Bring sunscreen and plenty of snacks and water, and enjoy a full day in the great outdoors. Some trails offer fun facts and information along the way about various flora, fauna, and wildlife. Teach them to identify different types of trees, flowers, and animals.
2. Library Visits
Your local library is a treasure trove of free entertainment. Beyond borrowing books, most libraries offer free events such as story times, craft classes, and even ice cream socials. The library offers a plethora of ways to entertain your kids without spending money. Plus, you get the extra benefits of getting your kids off their screens and instilling a love of reading and learning.
3. Craft with Recyclables
Use recyclable materials like cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, and plastic bottles to create fun crafts. Building a robot, a spaceship, or a dollhouse can provide hours of creative play. It’s also a fantastic way to teach kids about recycling and repurposing. There’s almost always a new use for items that are thrown away.
4. Cooking Together
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that kids ages eight to ten are spending around six hours per day on screens. All that screen time could be hurting their chances to learn practical skills like cooking. Involve your kids in meal preparation. Simple recipes like making a pizza from scratch or assembling their own fruit salads can be fun and educational.
5. DIY Science Experiments
Conduct simple science experiments using household items. For example, mix baking soda and vinegar to create a volcano, or teach kids about diffusion using Skittles. These activities make learning fun and accessible. They’re also an entertaining way to spend a rainy day.
6. Backyard Camping
Kids are always up for an adventure! Set up a tent in the backyard and have a camping night at home. Tell stories, lay back and look at the stars, and make popcorn and s’mores for snacks. It’s wonderful to have an outdoor adventure without the cost of a campsite.
7. Scavenger Hunts
As long as you’re creative, a scavenger hunt is an excellent way to entertain your kids without spending money. Create a list of items or themes to find and look around your neighborhood or home. You can also branch out and explore a new area to find these items. Scavenger hunts not only encourage observational skills but also get kids engaged in their surroundings.
8. Fly Kites
Is it a gorgeous, breezy day? Get outside and fly kites in your front yard or at a local park. Your kids will love watching how high the kite can go in the air. Challenge them to see how long they can keep it flying. This is a great way to bond and teach your child something new.
9. Create Storybooks
With a few sheets of paper, markers, and a stapler, you can entertain your kids for hours. Encourage them to create their own storybook based on a topic you provide or one they choose if they’re strong creative thinkers. Let their imagination run wild as they write their story and draw pictures. Later, you can flip your bedtime routine around by asking them to share their story with you.
10. Play Sports
70% of kids drop out of youth sports according to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you want your kid to participate in a sport, then practicing at home ahead of time could be the way to go. Bring out the sports equipment from your shed or garage and organize a game in the backyard. Experiment with different sports to see which one they latch onto and enjoy the most.
11. Free Community Events
Chances are, there are plenty of ways to entertain your kids without spending money in your area. Many towns have free concerts, festivals, petting zoos, holiday parties, workshops, and sports events that families can enjoy together without cost. Look for free events in your community, and schedule a time to go visit. Your kids will have a blast, and your wallet won’t be impacted too badly by the outing.
12. Ride Bikes
Kids love to ride bikes on their own. However, if you want a bit of exercise, then why not join them on their next ride? Make sure everyone’s wearing a helmet and try a new path you haven’t tried before. It’s a simple, free thing to do with your kids that’s still a ton of fun.
13. Build Forts
Everything you need to entertain your kids is right at home! Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to build forts right in your living room. This simple activity uses items you already have and can lead to hours of fun playing in and decorating their new “house.” Watch movies from the comfort of the fort, or simply read books or play with toys inside.
14. Volunteer Together
Teaching kids empathy is one of the most important traits you can instill in them when they’re young. Introduce your children to the joy of helping others by volunteering together at a charity or non-profit. Food banks, community gardens, and animal shelters are all appropriate places for kids to volunteer. They’ll learn compassion for others and how to give back to the community.
Have Fun
You can easily entertain your kids without spending money; it just takes a little creativity and effort. Sometimes it’s the free, out-of-the-box activities that cultivate the best memories and offer the most valuable life lessons. By utilizing the resources you have at home and in your community, you will bond with your kids while teaching them how to amuse themselves without screens or expensive outings. Have a blast!
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.