Are you looking for free activities for kids?

As a parent, it’s likely one of your goals is to involve your kids in activities they’ll actually enjoy.

Of course, many activities now cost money and when you’re on a budget, you will want to save money wherever you can.

The good thing, however, is that there are always activities that will enable your family to have fun without breaking the bank.

8 FUN FREE KID ACTIVITIES

1. GO TO THE PARK

Whether it’s a few minutes or a few miles away, the nearest park is a great place to have free family fun. Pack all the toys and playthings that you and your kids will enjoy using outdoors.

These could include kites, frisbees, balls, and badminton sets.

Put together some easy-to-prepare treats or go all out by taking along the grill. Your family will certainly enjoy homemade sandwiches or grilled hot dogs and burgers.

You can even play your favorite music so all your family fun can be had to the backdrop of your favorite song selections.

2. CAMP OUT IN THE BACKYARD

Make it a date with your kids to have an official camp out right in your own backyard. This is a fun way to simulate a true camping experience.

Borrow your neighbor’s tent or rent one. Equip it with sleeping bags, lanterns, and mosquito repellant to get the real feel of the outdoors.

Set up a dirt-filled pit for starting a campfire. Be sure to keep it controlled, so there are no issues with spreading flames.

You and your family can roast marshmallows while telling scary stories around the fire! Make all your meals on the campfire or use your outdoor grill.

3. ENJOY A TRIP TO THE BEACH

In most cases, the sun, sand, and sea are free of charge (you may have to pay for parking). Pack snacks or meals so you won’t have the expense of stopping at a restaurant for lunch.

Be sure to take beach toys like floats and beach balls so you can capitalize on every element of the beachfront.

Remember your camera to capture special family moments like your kids playing in the water and making a sandcastle.

4. PLAN A MOVIE NIGHT

There’s no reason to leave home for a movie night once you have a TV, warm blankets, and lots of popcorn. Create the mood you want by having everything available that the movie theater would.

Your kids’ favorite snacks are a must – popcorn, Skittles, and juice boxes are great for a movie night.

For added fun, let the kids pick out the movie or have a raffle to see what movie wins.

You can sign up for Redbox emails or texts and possibly score a free rental. Visit Redbox.com and scroll to the bottom to sign up for text alerts and emails. You can also borrow DVDs from friends or stream one on Netflix or Amazon Prime if you have accounts.

Related:

• How to Live Frugally Without Feeling Deprived
• Money Saving Challenge for Kids (Free Printables)
• 10 Best Money Apps for Kids and Parents

5. GO TO A FREE MUSEUM

Lots of Museums have free admission days throughout the year. You can check out FreeMuseum.org or follow them on Twitter and Facebook to find out if a museum near you is free!

6. GO TO THE ZOO

Just like Museums, your local zoo usually has a free zoo day. My local zoo is free on the first Sunday of every month. Just google “free zoo day in” then your city name, and it should come up.

7. TRY A FREE WORKSHOP FOR KIDS

Your local Home Depot, Lowes and Michaels stores often have free Kids Workshops. Check their websites for the schedules. These are always fun and kids get to keep what they make.

Home Depot is one of my favorites because the kids get a free apron and each time they go to a workshop they get a pin to put on their apron almost like a badge that they completed their project.

8. GO BOWLING

Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first-ever Kids Bowl Free Program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time in the summer.

Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games each day of the KBF program, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.

So as you can see, it’s pretty easy to have family fun with very little or even no funds.

To save money, all you need to do is show a little creativity and offer your family alternatives to the typical activities that cost an arm and a leg.

You’ll save money while still allowing your family to have good quality time together. These are the types of activities children will remember most.

What sort of fun free or frugal activities do you do with your children? Share them in the comments!

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