Need some fast inspiration to keep the kids happily busy without spending a cent? Here are 5 super quick ideas for free activities for kids — all simple, all fun, and all ready to go with things you probably already have at home.
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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 display them all.
Or take a large piece of paper and draw around each other, then have fun colouring in features and clothes.
If you don’t have a big sheet 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 turns writing messages to each other that the other person has to decipher. One easy code to try is called Pigpen — it’s simple to learn and great fun to write with.
You can also make your own number code: write down numbers with mixed-up letters assigned to each one (for example, 1=Y, 2=B, 3=F, and so on). This is your decoder sheet. Then write a message using the numbers and hand it over, along with the decoder sheet, for the other person to crack.
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 get creative in the kitchen making something delicious like smoothies, pizza or cookies. Or pick a recipe you’ve never tried before and have 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 — though 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.
Try some fun art on your hands too — paint smiley faces, patterns or anything your imagination comes up with.
#5. Mystery Hunt
Everybody loves a mystery hunt, whether it’s hunting for treasure or a scavenger hunt. These work well indoors or outdoors.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these activities really cost nothing?
Yes — every idea here uses things most families already have at home, like paper, pens, and kitchen ingredients. There’s nothing you need to buy specially.
What ages are these activities suitable for?
These ideas work well for a wide age range. Younger children will enjoy the drawing, hand painting and make-up games, while older kids often get more into the secret codes and mystery hunts. Adapt the level of detail to suit your child.
How much time do I need for each activity?
That’s the whole idea — each one can be set up and played in minutes, making them perfect for filling a spare half hour, a rainy afternoon, or those “I’m bored” moments.
Can these activities be done outdoors as well as indoors?
Yes. The mystery hunt and scavenger hunt ideas work particularly well outside, while portrait gallery, secret codes, Masterchef and make-up magic are easily done indoors on a rainy day.
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
Have your say! Any other ideas for free activities for kids? Tell us in the comments below.
Save These Ideas for Later
Short on time now but want to come back to these later? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourite parenting board so you’ve got these quick, free ideas ready whenever you need them.
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