Need some fast inspiration to keep the kids amused without spending a cent? Here are 5 super quick ideas for free activities for kids — perfect for a rainy afternoon, a school holiday lull, or those “I’m bored” moments that seem to strike out of nowhere.
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If you’re looking for something that won’t cost much 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 it in turns to draw each other’s portraits, then set up a portrait gallery to view them all.
Or take a huge piece of paper, draw around each other, and have fun colouring in your features and clothes.
If you don’t have a large piece of paper, just draw around your hands and paint them, adding nails and fun jewellery like rings and bracelets.
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#2. Secret Spy Codes
Become secret spies for the day. Use a secret code and take it in turns to write messages to each other that the other person has to decipher. One code you can use is called Pigpen — it’s really easy to learn.
You can also make a simple number code by writing 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, hand it over with the decoder sheet, and let the other person work out what you wrote.
Or try writing in invisible ink or in an ancient alphabet called Ogham.
Here are some fun Science Experiments to try at home too.
#3. Masterchef
Have a Masterchef competition and have fun in the kitchen creating something delicious like smoothies, pizza, or cookies. Or pick a new recipe you’ve never tried before and give it a go. Your child might even be persuaded to make dinner for the family!
You might also enjoy making ice pops or ice cream — although you’ll have 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 — paint smiley faces, patterns, or your own designs.
#5. Mystery Hunt
Everybody likes a mystery hunt, whether it’s hunting for treasure or a scavenger hunt. These work indoors or 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.
Want More Free Activity Ideas?
If you need even more inspiration for free activities for 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
What are some quick, free activities to do with kids at home?
Simple ideas like drawing portraits, inventing secret codes, cooking together, doing make-up or face art, and running a mystery or scavenger hunt are all quick to set up and cost little to nothing.
Do I need any special equipment for these activities?
No — most of these ideas use things you already have at home, like paper, pens, kitchen ingredients, or face paint. The Mystery Hunt sheet is the only optional printable extra.
Are these activities suitable for younger and older kids?
Yes, most can be adjusted for different ages. Younger children might enjoy simple hand tracing or an easy scavenger hunt, while older kids can take on trickier secret codes or a full Masterchef-style cooking challenge.
Can these activities be done indoors on a rainy day?
Absolutely — all five ideas work well indoors, making them great options for rainy days or times when you need to keep kids entertained without leaving the house.
Related Articles 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
- 50 Fantastic Free Things to do with Kids Aged 8-12
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