Parenting is a constant adventure, and finding free things to do with kids can make that adventure both fun and budget-friendly! Whether you’re looking for outdoor playtime, creative activities, or hidden gems in your town, there are plenty of ways to keep your little ones entertained without spending a dime.
Here’s a roundup of free things I like to do with my kids that are engaging, educational, and, most importantly, fun!
Head to the Park
The park is the ultimate free outing! Whether you live in a city or a quiet town, there’s likely a local park with swings, slides, and open spaces for kids to run wild.
Ways to make your park visit even more exciting:
- Pack a picnic with homemade snacks.
- Try a nature scavenger hunt (find a pinecone, a bird, a stick shaped like a letter, etc.).
- Bring a frisbee or a soccer ball for an impromptu game.
Some parks even have free events like storytime, concerts, or fitness classes, so check your local community calendar!
Enjoy Public Splash Pads
If you’re lucky enough to have public splash pads, this is a summer lifesaver. These free water play areas keep kids cool and entertained for hours.
Tips for splash pad fun:
- Bring towels and a change of clothes to avoid soggy rides home.
- Pack water-friendly toys like cups or watering cans to make the play more interactive.
- Check park district websites for seasonal hours—some splash pads only operate in warmer months.
Explore Walking Trails
A walking trail might not sound exciting to an energetic toddler or grade-schooler, but you’d be surprised! Nature transforms into a magical place when kids are encouraged to look for animals, count different types of leaves, or listen to the sounds around them.
Ways to make a walk more engaging for kids:
- Collect treasures (acorns, leaves, cool rocks) along the way.
- Play “I Spy” to encourage observation.
- Try a color hunt where kids look for red flowers, green leaves, or blue butterflies.
Many trails have free guided programs, so check with your local parks or forest preserves!
Visit the Library
This is a personal favorite. I love libraries.
Your local library is an underrated gem packed with free things to do with kids! Beyond shelves of books, libraries often offer interactive activities like:
- Storytime sessions
- Craft workshops
- Play areas
- Summer reading challenges
- STEM programs
Libraries are also a great place to borrow free audiobooks and DVDs for at-home fun.
Browse Big-Box Stores Like Home Depot
Okay, this one might sound unexpected, but big-box stores can be a surprisingly fun place for an outing.
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s often host free kids’ workshops where children can build small projects like birdhouses or toy cars. Some locations even have displays that feel like interactive exhibits, where kids can marvel at the variety of tools or light fixtures.
Even a simple trip through the garden section can spark excitement—letting kids smell flowers, examine different types of plants, or talk about how trees grow.
DIY a City Scavenger Hunt
Kids love a mission, and a scavenger hunt is the perfect way to turn an ordinary outing into an adventure!
How to set up an easy scavenger hunt:
- Create a list of common sights in your town (a stop sign, a bakery, a dog, a yellow car, etc.).
- Give kids a small notebook to check off items as they spot them.
- Snap photos of the finds to turn it into a memory collage later.
This is a great way to make walks around town more interactive and educational!
Find Hidden Gems with Roadside America
Ever heard of Roadside America? It’s an online directory that helps you locate quirky attractions in your town—many of which are completely free!
Some fun roadside attractions could include:
- Giant statues
- Unique murals
- Historic landmarks
- Fun street art
- Unusual sculptures (think giant chairs, weird animals, or other oddities)
Finding these hidden gems is a great way to spark curiosity and make family outings feel like a treasure hunt!
Making Free Fun a Habit
Finding free things to do with kids is about getting creative with your everyday surroundings. Whether it’s spotting roadside attractions, splashing in community water features, or turning a walk into a game, every outing has the potential to be fun and memorable!
So, grab your adventure mindset, explore your town, and enjoy the joy of free family fun!
