Picnic in the park
Pack a simple picnic and head to your local park. Parks often have playgrounds for kids, walking trails, and plenty of open space to run around. Bring a frisbee, a soccer ball, or even a kite to add to the fun. Nature is the perfect playground, and it’s completely free!
Nature trails or hiking
Explore nearby nature trails or hiking paths. This is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, get some exercise, and spend quality time together. Most trails are free to access and offer a chance to spot local wildlife.
Craft projects
Get creative with some DIY crafts.
Turn plain old pasta into a work of art!
Bombs away! Make your own bath bombs
Have some squishy fun with oobleck
Movie night
Transform your living room into a cosy cinema. Pick a family favourite movie, make some popcorn, and snuggle up with blankets and pillows. You can even have a themed movie night with costumes or special snacks that match the film.
Hit the kitchen
Get everyone involved in the kitchen. Cooking and baking together can be both fun and educational. Try making homemade pizzas where each person gets to add their favourite toppings or bake a batch of cookies and decorate them together. It’s a delicious way to spend time together.
Make your own mason jar ice cream
Check out your local library
Libraries are treasure troves of free entertainment. Many libraries offer story time sessions for kids, craft activities, and even movie screenings. Adults can browse through a wide selection of books, magazines, and DVDs. It’s a peaceful place to relax and learn.
Community events
Keep an eye on local event calendars for free community events and festivals. From farmers' markets to outdoor concerts and street fairs, there are often free or low-cost activities happening in the community that are perfect for families.
Dust off those bicycles
Go for a ride around the neighbourhood or nearby bike paths. It’s a great way to explore your local area, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air (don’t forget your helmets!).
Geocaching
Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with geocaching. All you need is a smartphone and a free geocaching app. Search for hidden caches in your area, follow the GPS coordinates, and enjoy the thrill of discovering hidden treasures. It’s an exciting way to explore new places and engage in a fun, family-friendly activity.
Puzzle/board games
Gather your favourite puzzles and board games for a night of friendly competition. Or introduce your kids to some retro schoolyard games!
Dance party
Turn up the music and have a dance party at home. Create a playlist of your favourite songs and let loose. Dancing is a fantastic way to get some exercise, lift your spirits, and have a blast.
Rock painting
Rock painting is a fun and inexpensive way to express creativity. You can even hide your painted rocks around the neighbourhood for others to find, spreading joy in your community.
And if your kids have reached that age where they squirm with embarrassment at the thought of being seen with their parents, take a look at our activities for tweens!
