Are you looking for some free ways to entertain the kids? We take the hard work out of planning your free family time with 101 FREE things to do with kids that will cost nothing but time (and perhaps just a few store cupboard items!).
If you need some inspiration for amusing the kids, we are here to help! We have put together this list tried and tested, free things to do with kids that are really easy, quick to prepare and, most of all, lots of fun!
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Fun and FREE Things to Do with Kids
#1. Go for a Walk
Head out to your local woods, beach or park for a walk. Make your walk more fun with our free nature scavenger hunt list turning a walk into an adventure!
Family walks are a great opportunity to get out and active, have the kids run around in the fresh air and off screens. But if you need a little incentive to entice them for the walk, then games and a little competition can really help. These entertaining games to play on a family walk are suitable for a range of ages and need nothing more than a little imagination and creativity!
#2. Create an Obstacle Course
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Create a fun obstacle course, indoors or outdoors, and test your skills in a friendly family competition.
The course possibilities are endless and you can change it around each round, becoming more challenging as the players improve their skills.
If you want to increase the motivation of the children you could award a unique medal for the ultimate winner.
Customised Award Medals can be easily created and ordered online. Use your creativity and cool graphics that the kids will love to customise a medal that can be given and treasured for years to come.
#3. Learn Magic
Wow your friends and family, and learn some magic tricks – here are 10 easy magic tricks for kids to master.
#4. Create a Time Capsule
Create a time capsule together. Put things in it that are happening right now and then open it in 12 months and see how things have changed.
This is a great activity for birthdays. You could create a sheet of questions that you answer annually and see how your ideas change as you grow. They could be favourite bands, foods you like, friends, goals etc.
#5. Enjoy Gardening Fun
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Gardening with kids is great fun – they love to get mucky and see the results of their work. If you have room, why not assign them their own flower bed and help them plan out their planting? Here’s how to make your garden a fun place for kids.
Give them their own pot/planter. Herbs and salad leaves are quick to grow, and most kids enjoy eating what they have grown! Here’s a how to grow your own pizza garden.
#6. Play Water Balloon Dodgeball
Fill water balloons or buckets, and place them equally on opposite ends of the garden.
- Split up into teams and stand facing each other.
- When the signal is given, begin throwing water balloons at the other team.
- When a player is hit, the other team scores a point.
- Play until all the balloons are gone, the members of one team have all been hit, or a certain number of points have been reached.
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#7. Host a Teddy Bear Picnic
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Teddy-bear-picnic.jpg Get out the blankets and cushions, make and deliver the invitations and decide on whether your picnic will be indoors or outdoors.
Cut out some teddy bear footprints from pieces of paper and put these on the floor leading to the picnic area. Footprints could also lead to other activities if you are having them. You could include a teddy bear themed pass the parcel game or even dance with your teddy bear.
#8. Tongue Twisters
Take turns saying these fun tongue twisters and see who can say them the best. Tongue twisters like “If two witches were watching two watches, which witch would watch which watch?” will surely leave you in fits of giggles!
#9. Make a Camp/Den
Let your kids make a camp/den using old blankets/duvets, cushions and chairs for props. Or gather some sturdy sticks from the wood and use some old tarpaulin as a roof.
#10. Play Card Games
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A fun and inexpensive way to pass an afternoon, so grab a deck of cards and gather around a table to begin.
We have compiled a list of fun card games for kids to get you started, or the kids might like to learn some easy card tricks.
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#11. Make a Home Cinema
Set up a home cinema and settle down to watch some fun family movies together.
Wondering what to watch? Try these feel-good movies, introduce your kids to some 80s classics, or work your way through our A to Z of fab family movies!
#12. Create a Hairdressing Studio
Create your very own hairdressing studio and take turns doing each other’s hair. No scissors needed for this one!
#13. Scavenger Hunt Fun
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Scavenger hunts are great fun for kids as they adore the thrill of hunting. It’s also a great excuse to get them active outdoors, so a win-win for everyone! But we know that the weather doesn’t always play ball, so we’ve also got lots of indoor options to make sure you can enjoy the fun whenever the mood takes. Here are some mega fun scavenger hunt ideas for kids to turn your little darlings into mini-explorers!
From sounds and colours to shapes and nature, we’ve got printable scavenger hunt downloads all ready for you.
#14. Go for a Cycle
Strap on the helmets, grab the bikes, and go for a cycle. Cycling is a great activity that the whole family can do together – it’s an opportunity to get out with the kids and get some exercise and fresh air. But being cycle-safe is important too, so here are 9 essential tips for safer cycling and bike safety for kids that you should keep in mind.
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#15. Be Mad Scientists!
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Homemade science experiments can get messy, so if weather permits, move the “lab” outside. Here are some ideas:
- 5 fun science experiments for kids
- 18 easy science experiments for preschoolers
- How to have fun with kitchen chemistry
- How to make playdough
- How to make honeycomb
- How to make slime
#16. Sand Play
Kids love to mess around in the sand, particularly at home in the garden. Even if you don’t have a sand table, it’s easy to make your own, with a large shallow plastic container, and some play sand. We’ve got lots of great sand play ideas for kids – just remember to cover when finished, to keep the cats away.
#17. Have a Big Bug Hunt
Love them or hate them, bugs are fascinating to kids! Download our free Big Bug Scavenger Hunt List to search for critters in the park, woods or closer to home.
#18. Go for a Picnic
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We all love to dine alfresco, and kids especially love a picnic. Pack a basket of homemade goodies, a flask with tea for yourself, and a waterproof blanket. Why not try our easy recipes for homemade sausages and homemade lemonade?
This cheddar and bacon quiche is delicious hot or cold, while these baked berry squares are a tasty treat with oaty goodness for all that running around!
Picnics are such a fun way to enjoy food casually, and kids particularly love the fun that goes with eating outdoors. Whether you’re planning to picnic in the garden at home or out and about this summer, these practical picnic ideas for the perfect day out, will help keep the focus on the fun and family time that it’s all about.
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#19. Go to the Playground
Going to the playground is a great way to get the kids active outdoors. Most towns have a local playground, but for a change, why not try a different playground in a nearby town? Pack a picnic and make a day out of it.
#20. Build Something
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Design and build a LEGO or plastic brick structure. It could be a castle, a house, a fire station, or maybe a small town. Or have building competitions, where have to make structures using only one colour brick.
Give your creativity and imagination a boost with more than 50+ LEGO instructions and how-to videos that are sure to turn you into a Master Builder. Our list of LEGO instructions has it all – from Yoda and Minion favourites to chocolate cake, hot air balloons and vintage cars!
And don’t miss our 30 Day LEGO Challenge or fun LEGO Bingo Challenge if you need even more ideas!
#21. Splash in Puddles
Kids love to run and jump in puddles. Dress them in their wet gear and head out for some rainy day fun! Take some inspiration from these fun outdoor rainy day games.
#22. Play Classic Childhood Games
We asked Mykidstime parents for their favourite outdoor childhood games when they were young – you know those games that occupied our free time and summer days, before computer games? Here are their 20 great childhood games, perfect for parties, weekends or to play in the garden.
Teach your child some of your favourite childhood games – from Bulldog and What’s the Time Mr Wolf? to rounders and elastics, these outdoor games are lots of fun!
The best bit? You can play too!
#23. Fly a Kite
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Wait for a windy day, and head to an open space to fly a kite. You could even try your hand at making the kites.
#24. Have Mini Fun Sports Day
Host a mini fun sports day, with obstacle courses, long-jump, and novelty races like 3-legged, sack, and egg and spoon.
Hours of fun and exhausted kids guaranteed!
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#25. Feed the Ducks
Take a trip to your local park, river or lake, and feed the ducks or swans. But please don’t take bread, as this isn’t good for birds. Other options that are better for them include grapes cut in half, cracked corn/barley/oats/birdseed, frozen peas or corn kernels (defrosted, but no need to cook) or duck feed pellets available from pet shops.
#26. Dominoes
Play a game of dominoes or for something even more creative, set up a huge long line of dominoes and then have fun knocking them down!
#27. Have a Treasure Hunt
A much loved activity in my house, treasure hunts are great fun! All you need are some pens, paper and of course, treasures! Here’s some tips on setting up a kid’s treasure hunt.
#28. Go Camping
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A night out in a tent is definitely a must for all kids – I still remember my first night out camping, and having to run back inside when the worst ever thunderstorm erupted!
Even if you don’t get away, you can set up the tent in the back garden, and enjoy sleeping outdoors.
Here are some essential tips for first-time camping with kids, and some delicious ideas for camping meals that are more than just s’mores!
#29. Make Mudpies!
All you need is some sand, water and a desire to get mucky!
#30. Measure a Tree
Head out the nearby park or woods, with a ruler and tape-measure, and measure a tree. See who can find the tallest tree.
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#31. Go Fishing
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Child-fishing.jpg Fishing is a great outdoor activity, but remember, it requires lots of patience on your part. Gear the day/expedition to their level, and assume they will want to get wet, and look for everything else but fish!
However, it can be a great way to spend time with your child, and you might even bring home dinner!
Fishing nets on the beach are ideal for catching crabs in rock pools, and a lot easier too!
#32. Try Star Gazing
On a clear night, bring the kids outside for some star gazing. If you have a telescope all the better, but is not necessary.
See if you can recognise any of the well-known constellations with our tips on fun astronomy for kids.
#33. Get Arty with Pavement Chalk!
Let the kids loose on your pavement or driveway, with some pavement chalk, and stand back and watch their creations unfold!
#34. Watch Clouds
Watching clouds is a very relaxing way to spend time, for all ages. Get the kids to lie on a blanket in the garden or at the park. Clouds all look the same but yet can be so different as they morph into different shapes and objects.
#35. Run a Lemonade Stall
A lovely summer’s activity and a great way for your kids to learn about money. All they need is a table/box, sign, paper cups, jug, and lemonade.
Help them make homemade lemonade instead of buying lemonade. Alternatively, they could sell some cupcakes they have made themselves.
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Cuddle up and get ready for a cosy bedtime with our list of 100 brilliant bedtime stories for kids and adults to enjoy together – all recommended by parents!
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#36. Wash the Car
Washing the car = fun for kids! They most likely will get wet, have a chance at using the hose, and might even earn some pocket money! They could even do a neighbourhood car wash.
#37. Skip
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Skipping can be done individually, or if there are a few friends around, get a large rope, and get the kids doing some skipping games.
Jump Elastics are also great fun. Do you remember them from childhood? Inside, Outside on the rails? All you need is a long piece of elastic, stitched together at the ends.
#38. Make a Garden Waterfall
Let the kids make a temporary waterfall in the garden, using large stones, hose, plastic tubing, and any other props they might require.
They could also make a marble-run but use water instead of marbles.
#39. Make Bird Feeders
Provide some treats for our feathered friends and help the kids make some bird feeders.
#40. Plant Flowers
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- Gather any old welly boots your children have outgrown.
- Poke a few drainage holes in the bottom of them and then fill them with some compost.
- Choose which flower seeds you would like to plant. Sunflowers are a favourite among kids as they grow very quickly and are very easy to grow.
- Place them along your path or outside your front door. Your kids will love to see their old wellies blooming!
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#41. Crazy Golf
Get the kids to let their imaginations run wild, and set up a crazy golf course in the garden, using buckets, plastic cups/glasses, ramps, car tracks, boxes etc. Anything will work, to make the hole as crazy as possible!
Aim for 3 or 4 holes minimum in their course, and then have a competition, counting lowest number of shots to reach hole as a win.
#42. Make a Scarecrow
This is a lovely project for the kids to do, particularly if they have helped you with the gardening. And even if the scarecrow is never used in the garden, it’s a fun project to do. All you need is some old clothes, hat, canes, straw or old newspapers for stuffing, needle and thread, and plastic bag. Here’s how to make a simple scarecrow.
#43. Paint
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Kids love painting. How about moving it outdoors if the weather is good?
Use lots of outdoor interesting shapes for painting, like grass blades, or sticks, or unusual plant leaves. Get them to gather some leaves and do leaf patterns.
If you need more ideas, try these easy painting ideas for kids.
#44. Make Sandcastles
A great beach activity, enjoyed by kids, time after time. As well as using the bucket and shovel, why not use some flat knives and spoons to help carve out their structures. Collect shells and stones to decorate your amazing castles!
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#45. Blow Bubbles
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Blowing bubbles should lead to giggles! Make your own bubble mixture at home, then use different blowers for a range of bubbly fun. When all the bubbles are used up, why not try making your own using washing-up liquid, sugar and water?
#46. Make a Slip ‘n’ Slide
Why spend money on a slip ‘n’ slide, when you can easily make your own, with strong refuse bags or a large plastic sheet, washing-up liquid, and a hose.
Guaranteed hours of fun!
#47. Hunt for Animal Tracks
Look around your garden or if you are out for a walk, and see if you can spot any animal tracks. Borrow a book from the library to help you identify the different animal/bird tracks.
#48. Car Racing
Most houses have a toy box full of cars. Bring it outside and let the kids have car races down the driveway, seeing which car goes furthest. They could even award “cups” to the winners!
Use tape or chalk outside to make roads, race courses, roundabouts and parking spaces.
#49. Cardboard Box Fun
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We all know that when you give a child a toy, they often have more fun playing with the box!
There are lots of great cardboard box ideas to make with kids – from a doll’s house to a jack-in-the-box, the only limit is your imagination!
#50. Play Tag in the Dark
Great fun for older kids. Head outside with torches to play chase or tip the can in the dark – amazing how the whole game can change when played in the dark.
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#51. Make Sun Shadows
For this, you will need:
- Sunshine
- Nature items e.g. leaves, twigs, flowers
- Construction paper – darker colours work better
What to do
- Find a sunny spot outside late morning. Arrange the items on a sheet of paper.
- You might need a stone for each corner to keep it from blowing away if it’s breezy.
- Leave the paper for several hours in direct sunlight.
- The sun will fade the construction paper, it will create silhouettes where your items are located.
#52. Make Homemade Ice Pops
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These can be as simple as you like, just blend your favourite fruit and pour mixture into ice pop moulds. Freeze until firm and enjoy!
If you want some more inspiration, try these healthy ice pops that kids will lick clean.
#53. Play Dress Up
Let the kids and the adults swap roles and clothes for the day- or at least an hour or two. It will be lots of fun choosing what to wear as well as trying to find children’s clothes to fit the adults!
#54. Create Pretty Vases
Upcycle old jam jars by painting them to use as pretty vases on your window sills.
#55. Make Pizzas
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With some simple ingredients, the kids can enjoy helping make homemade pizza and pizza dough (you could use ready made pizza bases too if you want).
Chop up some vegetables and other toppings, and let each person arrange on their own pizzas. Make some funny or scary faces out of your pizzas. Pop in the oven and serve for dinner.
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From avocados to carrot tops to pineapples, have fun with these 12 playful planting projects for kids – they’re a great way to introduce your child to gardening and growing their own fruit and veg!
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#56. Design Your Own Clothes
Cut up old jeans to make shorts or an old T-shirt to make a sleeveless top, then design and decorate as you like. Adorn them with sequins, add buttons, or tie-dye them for something unique.
#57. Hold Toy Races
Root out any toy at home that works using a remote control. This could be a car, a dog, dinosaur or anything at all. Let your children choose which toy will be theirs for the race and line them up at a chalked out start line. Then let the race begin as each toy must compete to cross the finish line first. The toys can be swapped around for each race.
#58. Bake a Cake
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Kids love to bake and nothing beats the smell of home cooking. Enjoy some quality time baking a cake, be it for a birthday, a special occasion or just for fun.
If you’re looking for some ideas, you could try:
- Lemon bars
- Easy homemade Swiss Roll
- Upside-down ice cream cone cupcakes
- No butter and no eggs needed for this ‘Depression’ cake
- Easy bunny cupcakes
- Classic homemade flapjacks
- The always-popular lemon drizzle cake
- Melt in the mouth chocolate brownies
- A versatile vanilla traybake
- Berry muffins for breakfast or snacks
#59. Pasta Bead Jewellery
My children love to design their own jewellery using penne pasta. This is a great way to pass a few hours on a rainy day.
First the children paint the pasta. Once dry, thread some string through various coloured pasta to make bracelets and necklaces.
#60. Make Music
Perhaps there’s an old tin whistle or piano lying around at home. You could download some instructions and simple songs to learn too. You could also make some cheap instruments, using kitchen utensils (most popular in our house are pots, wooden spoons, tins, spatula) and form a band – check out our tips here.
#61. Head to the Beach
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A trip to the beach is always a fun day out, no matter what the season! If it’s a nice sunny day, you might want to check out our summer beach checklist, to make sure you don’t forget to pack an essential item!
Why not collect some stones and shells, and paint them when you return home to make some garden decorations? Try these beach craft ideas and 50 fun things to do at the beach with kids.
#62. Play Board Games
Play some games together. Parents recommend their top 20 board games for families, or you could try one of these unusual board games that are lots of fun!
Alternatively, enjoy more traditional ‘parlour’ games such as Consequences.
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#63. Make Shakers
- Use old bottles that have a screw top, such as a water bottle. Remove any labels from the bottle.
- Paint the outside of the bottle using some fun coloured paints.
- When dry, fill the bottle with rice or lentils or beans. Each item you use to fill inside will make a different sound.
- Close the lid and add some stickers to the outside and your shaker is ready to use.
#64. Make Daisy Chains
The art of daisy chain making is one that should be passed down to your children. Put a small slit in the stem of a daisy with your nail, and thread a stem of another daisy through it, and repeat to extend length. “Fashion” into necklaces and bracelets, or challenge the kids to see who can make the longest.
#65. Write a Story or a Play
Have a story writing competition or write a play for puppets or for you all to perform. Help younger ones who may be unable to write but can still make up their own story. Let them illustrate their story with pictures.
Or create your own stories playing Chinese Whispers. See how different the story is by the time it reaches the end!
#66. Have a Read-a-thon
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This is a great activity for older kids – set a challenge to see how many books/chapters can be read during the day. During summer, encourage your kids take part in a summer reading challenge.
Visit your local library to stock up on books, and if you need some suggestions we’ve got plenty!
- 20 Top Dinosaur Books for Your Little Bookasaurus
- 15 Weird and Wonderful Neil Gaiman Books Your Child Will Love
- These Humorous Books for Kids Are All Good for a Giggle
- 14 Epic Stories with Giants for Kids Who Love an Adventure!
- 30 Amazing Books for Kids Who Love David Walliams
- 23 Fantastic Books Like Harry Potter Your Child Might Enjoy
#67. Learn Some Clapping Games
Remember playing Miss Mary Mack? Or A Sailor Went to Sea? Play these and make up some of your own ones too. More nursery rhyme activities here.
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#68. Visit a Museum or Library
Many local museums are free to visit, they can be inspirational places and provide a learning experience. Often they have kids activities such as treasure hunts or activity sheets. Or join a tour to find o
