Need some fast inspiration to keep the kids busy without spending a cent? Here are 5 super quick ideas for free activities for kids — perfect for a rainy afternoon, a boring Sunday, or those “I’m bored” moments when you need something fun sorted in minutes.
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If you’re looking for something that won’t cost anything to do with your child, here are 5 simple but quick ideas that are fun and practically free.
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Super Quick Ideas for Free Activities for Kids
#1. Portrait Gallery
Take turns drawing each other’s portraits, then set up a little portrait gallery to display them all.
Or grab a huge piece of paper, draw around each other, and have fun colouring in features and clothes.
No large paper handy? Just draw around your hands and paint them, adding nails, rings and bracelets for a bit of fun.
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#2. Secret Spy Codes
Become secret spies for the day. Invent a secret code and take turns writing messages that the other person has to decipher. One easy code to try is the Pigpen cipher — it’s simple to learn and always a hit with kids.
You can also make your own number code: write down numbers with mixed-up letters (e.g. 1=Y, 2=B, 3=F, and so on). This becomes your decoder sheet. Write a message using the numbers, then hand it over with the decoder sheet so the other person can crack it.
Or try writing in invisible ink or the ancient Ogham alphabet.
Here are some fun Science Experiments to try at home too.
#3. Masterchef
Run your own Masterchef competition in the kitchen and whip up something delicious like smoothies, homemade pizza or cookies. Or pick a recipe you’ve never tried before and give it a go together. Your child might even be persuaded to make dinner for the whole family!
You might also enjoy making ice pops or ice cream — although you’ll need to wait until they’re frozen!
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#4. Make Up Magic
Get out some make-up or face paints and have fun making each other up.
Or try some fun art on your hands — a little hand drawing, or painted smiley faces make for a giggly ten minutes.
#5. Mystery Hunt
Everybody loves a mystery hunt, whether it’s hunting for treasure or running a scavenger hunt. These work just as well indoors as out.
We have a free downloadable Mystery Hunt sheet you can use — it’s a cross between a treasure hunt and an activity sheet!
You might also enjoy an Alphabet Hunt or try your hand at geocaching.
Need more free activity ideas?
If you need even more inspiration for free things to do with your child, check out:
- 100 Ideas for Free Activities for Kids
- 4 More Free Things to Do With Kids
- 50 Fantastic Free Things to Do with Kids Aged 8-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these activities really free?
Yes — every idea here uses things you’re likely to have at home already, like paper, pens, face paint or kitchen basics. No special equipment or spending required.
What ages are these activities suitable for?
Most of these ideas work well for a broad age range, from younger children with a little help to older kids and tweens who can run with them independently. Adjust the complexity (like the secret codes or the Masterchef challenge) to suit your child’s age.
How long do these activities take?
That’s the beauty of them — most can be set up and enjoyed in ten to twenty minutes, making them ideal for filling a gap between other plans or beating boredom quickly.
Related Articles
Looking for more ways to fill the day without spending? You might enjoy:
- 100 Fab Ideas For Free Activities For Kids
- 50 Brilliant Ideas for Art & Crafts for Kids
- 101 Activities for Kids that Don’t Involve Screen Time
- 10 Mega Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids
Save These Ideas for Later
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Have your say! Any other ideas for free activities for kids? Tell us in the comments below.
