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 doable with stuff you probably already have around the house.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our free newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
If you’re looking for something that won’t cost much and won’t take long to set up, here are 5 simple but quick ideas that are fun and practically free.
You may also enjoy 100 Fab Ideas For Free Activities For Kids
Super Quick Ideas for Free Activities for Kids
#1. Portrait Gallery
Take turns drawing each other’s portraits, then set up a little gallery to show them all off.
Or grab a big piece of paper, take turns lying down and drawing around each other, then have fun colouring in your features and clothes.
No large paper handy? Just draw around your hands and get creative — paint on nails, rings and bracelets for a fun twist.
You might also enjoy 50 Brilliant Ideas for Art & Crafts for Kids
#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 called Pigpen — it’s simple to learn and great fun to use.
You can also make your own number-letter code: write down numbers with mixed-up letters assigned to them, e.g. 1=Y, 2=B, 3=F and so on. This becomes your decoder sheet. Write a message using the numbers and hand it over along with the decoder sheet, so the other person can crack it.
Or try writing in invisible ink, or explore an ancient alphabet called Ogham.
Here are some fun Science Experiments to try at home too.
#3. Masterchef
Have a Masterchef competition in the kitchen and create something delicious, like smoothies, 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 family!
You could also try making ice pops or ice cream — though you’ll need a little patience while they freeze!
You may also enjoy 101 Activities for Kids that Don’t Involve Screen Time
#4. Make Up Magic
Get out some make-up or face paints and have fun making each other up.
Or turn hands into a canvas — paint on smiley faces, patterns or little characters for some easy, giggly art.
#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 trying your hand at geocaching.
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
FAQs
What are some quick free activities for kids?
Drawing portraits, inventing secret codes, cooking simple recipes together, playing with face paint, and running a mystery or scavenger hunt are all quick, low-cost ways to keep kids entertained with things you likely already have at home.
Do these activities need any special equipment?
No. Most of these ideas use everyday items like paper, pens, kitchen ingredients, or make-up you already own. That’s what makes them such handy go-to options for a rainy day or a spare half hour.
What ages are these activities suitable for?
These ideas work well across a wide age range. Younger children will enjoy the simpler drawing and hunt ideas, while older kids may get more out of the secret codes and cooking challenges.
How long do these activities take?
Each idea is designed to be quick to set up and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a full afternoon, depending on how far your child wants to take it.
Looking for more ideas?
Save this article to come back to next time you need a quick activity, or browse our full collection of free things to do with kids for even more inspiration whenever you need it.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free weekly newsletter, packed with fun activity ideas, family recipes, expert advice and parenting tips — delivered straight to your inbox.
You might also like
- 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
