10 Fun And Free Activities To Do With Your Kids

Keeping your kids constantly busy and entertained is part of parenting, but if you have more than one child or are trying to do something different everyday, fun activities can get expensive.

Amongst all the other things you have to think about, coming up with cost-effective activities may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s important to engage your kids in the type of play that not only keeps them stimulated and content, but that doesn’t break the bank.

If you’re looking to do some new hobbies with your kids, consider trying one of these 10 activities that won’t cost you a dime.

1. Bird Watch

Grab a pair of binoculars and head outside to take a look at the sky. Make the activity fun by seeing how many different types of birds your kids can spot and creating a list.

Whether you’re in your backyard or at the park, bird watching can help pass the time as well as strike up some scientific conversation.

Find a book about your state’s birds by clicking here.

2. Read Together

Create a challenge by turning your reading session into a “book marathon.” Let your kids pick out their favorite books and see how many they can get through. Or, for a more active day, head to the local library, where many children’s storytelling events happen frequently. Check your library’s calendar to see if they offer any special activities during the week.

3. Go On A Nature Walk

Depending on the age of your kids, you may want to just take a stroll down the creek — or maybe they’re able to conquer a full-on hike. Regardless, you can make the walk more exciting by collecting some shells or rocks and pointing out interesting bugs, plants or animals.

4. Paint With Water

If it’s a hot day, skip the mess of regular paint by doing some art just using water. All you need is a paint brush and a cup of water, and you can work with your kids to make designs on the concrete. Try to beat the clock to see how much you can paint before the water dries up.

5. Make Your Own Play Dough

You don’t have to buy play dough for your kids to enjoy making their own creations. Whip up your own play dough using some flour and cream of tartar, or get even more creative by creating an edible play dough using peanut butter.

6. Stage A Play

Gather up some old clothing, set up a mini stage, and work with your kids to create a mini script so they can stage a play of their own. Use props from around the house, and even encourage your kids to create their own programs and tickets.

7. Have A Scavenger Hunt

Make being at home a little more special by creating a scavenger hunt for your kids. Create some clues and hide some household items around your home, and your kids will be entertained for some time searching for their hidden treasures.

8. Do A Science Experiment

You don’t have to do anything fancy, but teach your kids a little bit about harmless chemical reactions by doing some at-home science experiments. This can be anything from creating your own rock candy to making your own volcano.

9. Fly Some Paper Planes

Everyone has got some paper at home, so work together to create and decorate some paper planes, and then head out to the backyard and fly them. Consider even getting creative with other types of basic origami, and create a fun collection of your own.

10. Shoot Some Photos

Whether you work with your kids on an older digital camera or you have a disposable camera on hand, let your kids experiment with this form of art, and teach them the art of landscapes and portraits. Teach them the basics, or give them some fun directions such as taking a picture of something that starts with each letter of the alphabet.

Photo by Yachichurova

Photo by artispu