School is coming to a close and kids activities can get expensive fast. As a result, free kids activities are mom’s best friend! Especially when you’re looking for something to get out of the house without spending an arm and a leg.
Now let me preface this by saying that you do not always have to have an activity planned for your kids. Boredom is wonderful for kids! In fact, being bored really gives their imagination a chance to shine! It can be easy to fall into the social media rabbit hole that makes you feel like you always have to do something for your kids.
This post is not intended to make you feel that way! I find that sometimes I need to get out of the house. Or the kids just have a case of cabin fever, and getting out is great for all of us.
5 Simple and Fun Free Activities for Kids
Like I said before, sometimes taking the kids somewhere for an activity is just as much for me as it is for them. These are 5 free activities for kids that my own kids enjoy, and that we regularly rotate into our days.
Not to mention that when it comes to kids activities, the more simple, the better. Here’s the thing. Social media makes it seem like we need to do all these over the top activities, vacations, adventures, and so on. However, kids aren’t that complicated. They like simple things. Have you ever seen a kid get excited about a rock?
Simple activities are what kids really enjoy. Things they can have some freedom with, and aren’t so structured that we end up micromanaging them. I am a big advocate for letting kids be kids. They already grow up so fast. Why rush it?
1. Kids Bowl For Free
Kids bowl for free is a nationwide (U.S) program that allows kids to bowl for free all summer long! Simply check the Kid’s Bowl Free Website (here) for participating bowling alleys in your area.
When you sign your kids up for the program, they can bowl up to 2 games a day for free (just pay for shoe rental!) all summer long. Children ages 2-16 are eligible for the program. And the also offer a family pass for purchase so that parents, guardians, older siblings, grandparents, etc can also bowl 2 games for free.
Check out all the details on the Kids Bowl Free Website above!
2. Pet Store
The pet store can be like a free zoo! Walk around and see the birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, lizards, snakes, fish, and more. In my area, we have local pet store that has puppies, cats, ferrets, rabbits, etc. And the best thing about it is that they let you to pet, hold, and play with the animals! It’s so much fun, and my kids absolutely love going there. Honestly, when I’m feeling a little stressed, I like to take my kids there so I can get some puppy love. haha!
Additionally, when we are finished we usually buy a little treat for our dog, so I guess it’s not always totally free… But it’s still awesome!
3. Living Spaces Indoor Playground
This is one I recently found out about myself. Surprisingly, Living spaces is actually a furniture store. (You may have heard the catchy little jingle on a commercial.) Inside they have an indoor playground that is totally free! Not only do they have the free playground, they also have tables for coloring, computers with learning games, board games, books, and a tv area with movies!
Another thing I appreciate about Living Spaces, is that the playground area is very secure. They take all your information when you come in, there is an alarm on the door (so kids can’t just leave), and they give you all matching bracelets. Additionally, they check the bracelets when you leave so no one takes someone else’s kid home.
So head over, grab a free cup of coffee and let the kiddos run themselves ragged!
Find a location near you on Living Spaces website here.
4. Visit your Local Library
Going to the library is one of my kid’s favorite activities. And you may be surprised to find that there is a lot to do at the library.
A few things our library offers that we enjoy participating in are: (Keep in mind that things will vary from library to library. Visit your local library to find what kinds of activities and programs they offer.)
- Kid’s section with kid’s books, toys, blocks, scavenger hunts, etc.
- Kid’s activities and meet ups
- Story time
- Summer reading challenge (with prizes upon completion!)
- Free book box subscriptions
- Special events like craft times, magicians, author meet and greets, and more
- Free experience passes to the zoo, museums, etc. that are available to checkout.
5. Home Depot Kid’s Workshop
On the first Saturday of each month, Home Depot offers a free, in-store, workshop for kids. This is a program that has been around since I was a kid! I loved going to the kid’s workshop when I was little, and I love taking my kids every month.
Each month there is a different project for kids to build. After they’ve finished building they have the option to paint their project, and take it home! Home Depot provides kid size aprons (to keep!), tools, building kit, paint, and clean up! Sometimes, our Home Depot even has free popcorn!
Check out more info on Home Depot’s website here.
A Few Bonus Free Activities for Kids
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Kids are bursting with energy, and any kind of activity that helps with that energy is a win in my book.
These are a few extra free activities for kids that may seem more obvious. However, they can still be fun and beneficial in many ways.
1.Go for a Walk, Hike, Bike Ride, etc.
Getting outside in the fresh air will do wonders for everyone’s mood, energy levels, sleep, and more. One of my favorite things to do with my kids is go for a walk with no goal in mind. We simply walk, they stop and look at bugs, run in the grass, pick flowers, pick up sticks, toss rocks in the creek, climb stuff, and so on.
Another benefit of doing child-led walks is that it gives them freedom to just be kids. Sometimes we as adults get so caught up in out daily to do list that we are always rushing our kids. A child-led walk gives everyone a chance to slow down and just enjoy being outside.
I’ll be honest, it has taken me some time to build up the patience for walks like this. My natural instinct is to keep moving and keep the kids on task. So don’t feel discouraged if you try this and it doesn’t go perfectly. Start small and work your way up to a longer walk time. After some time, you will really learn to enjoy slow walks with your kids.
2. Go to the Park
I know, the park feels like the obvious choice. But maybe that is for a reason! The fact is that all kids love the park! It’s the perfect place for kids to run, play, scream, meet other kids, get some fresh air, and just get some energy out in general.
What may feel boring to you, is likely your kids favorite activity.
3. Check out a Splash Pad
Splash pads are such a fun summer activity. In general, these are free and can be found alongside playgrounds, etc. Let them run around in the splash pad for a while, and then dry off with some time on the playground. This is an activity that is sure to wear the kids out!
4. Visit a Lake or Beach
Depending on where you live, going to the lake or beach is another fun activity with a lot of potential. Swimming, splashing, sight seeing, digging, building, fishing, collecting rocks, skipping rocks… These kind of places are a kid’s paradise!
And while this makes for a super fun day, don’t forget to practice water safety!
- Stay with your kids at all times.
- Put the phone away and watch your kids, accidents can happen quickly!
- Wear life jackets, sunscreen, water shoes, etc.
- Wear bright colored swim suits. Avoid blues and greens. Bright colors are easier to see!
What are some free activities you like to do with your kids? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
If you’re looking for some more activity inspiration, check out these posts as well.
Family Activities You Can Do At Home
100 Screen Free Activities for Kids
You are doing great!
