Spending quality time with your children doesn’t have to break the bank or require a full itinerary of expensive outings. With the right plan and a bit of creativity, your upcoming weekend can be packed with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re searching for fun things for kids, cheap activities for kids, or simply wondering, What can I do with my kids today? This ultimate guide will inspire you with endless ideas.
Let’s dive into the best things to do with kids for your upcoming weekend!
Local Park or Nature Exploring
Outdoor adventures never go out of style, and kids love the freedom of being outside. Zoom out on a map of your town and look for a park to picnic in. If you’re fortunate enough to be near a nature reserve or a forest trail, embark on a family hike. It’s a great time to teach children about wild animals, get some fresh air, and take some scenic pictures.
Bonus Tip:
Use leaves, rocks, and insects to go on a scavenger hunt during your walk!
Home-Based Fun Day
When you’re asking, “What can I do with my kids today?” don’t overlook the comfort of your own home! You can create fun stuff to do with kids right in your living room or backyard.
Ideas include:
- Obstacle courses made with pillows and chairs
- Kitchen science experiments like baking soda volcanoes
- Homemade pizzas—let kids choose their toppings
- DIY crafts using paper, glue, and recycled materials
Bonus:
Use this time for cool things to play with, like LEGO sets, magnetic tiles, or slime kits.
Take a Family Trip to the Museum or Zoo
Exploring educational spaces like museums or zoos is both fun and informative. Look for free activities for kids—many places offer free entry on certain days or discounted Family passes.
Some great spots include:
- Science museums for hands-on experiments
- Children’s museums with interactive exhibits
- Zoos and aquariums with feeding sessions and shows
Have a Movie Marathon or Game Night
A cosy night can be one of the most enjoyable activities to do with kids. Set up your living room with blankets and popcorn for a family movie night or play board games that encourage teamwork and laughs.
Great picks:
- Movie series like Toy Story, Shrek, or Frozen
- Games such as Uno, Connect 4, or Jenga
- Don’t forget to give the kids some autonomy in picking a movie or a game. They feel involved and excited.
Try New Things in the Kitchen
The Kitchen is a wonderful place to connect with your kids, things to do with kids while teaching them a valuable life skill. Cooking or baking together can be so much more than just a fun activity to do with kids; it’s also a great way to teach patience, measurements, and following directions.
- Homemade cookies or cupcakes
- Mini pizzas
- Fruit kabobs
- DIY ice cream sundaes
Explore Free Community Events
Search your local community boards, Facebook groups, or town websites for free activities for kids happening near you. Libraries, community centres, and churches often host:
- Storytime sessions
- Craft workshops
- Outdoor movie nights
- Farmer’s markets with live entertainment
These events are great if you’re on a budget but still want to have fun with the Family.
Go Camping – Even in the Backyard!
Camping doesn’t have to mean driving hours to the woods. Pitch a tent in your backyard, tell ghost stories, and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. It’s one of the most exciting cheap activities for kids that feels like a big adventure.
What you need:
- Tent or blanket fort
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Sleeping bags
- Easy snacks and drinks
Especially a great activity for little kids who might not be ready for real camping yet.
Arts and Crafts Galore
Rainy weekend? No problem! Arts and crafts are excellent indoor activities to do with kids that spark creativity and imagination.
Craft ideas:
- DIY greeting cards
- Paper plate masks
- Paint-by-number kits
- Bead bracelets or necklaces
Crafting isn’t just fun stuff to do with kids; it also helps them develop fine motor skills.
Volunteer Together
Teaching your kids empathy and community responsibility is easier when done as a family. Many organizations welcome families to volunteer together, especially during weekends.
Consider:
- Sorting clothes or food at a shelter
- Cleaning up a local park
- Visiting animal shelters
It’s a rewarding way to make a difference and create lasting memories.
Create a “Fun Jar” for Weekend Inspiration
Struggling to decide what to do each weekend? Sit down with your kids and write fun things for kids on slips of paper—one idea per slip. Put them all in a decorated jar, and each weekend, take turns drawing an activity. Eliminates the “what should we do today?” dilemma and keeps things exciting.
Playtime with a Purpose
The power of playtime! Whether it is make-believe, superhero costumes, or forts, unstructured play allows kids to express themselves and develop problem-solving skills.
Get funky things to play with, like:
- Blocks and construction toys
- Costumes and props
- Sensory bins
- Playdough or kinetic sand
Conclusion
Weekends are a great opportunity to bond, enjoy, and learn about the world with the Family. Whether you want free, cheap, or just something fun to do with the kids, this guide has something for everyone, including family-friendly options across Queens. From backyard camping and arts and crafts to exploring nature or museums, there are countless ways to make memories with your children.
When planning your weekend, remember that it’s not about spending lots of money, it’s about spending quality time. So, the next time you ask, “What can I do with my kids today?” come back to this list and make the most of every moment.
FAQs
Q1: What are some cheap activities for kids on the weekend?
Try home-based fun like baking, arts and crafts, backyard camping, nature walks, or visiting community events.
Q2: Are there free things to do with kids?
Yes! Visit local parks, explore nature trails, attend free library storytime, or find no-cost community activities.
Q3: What are good indoor activities for little kids?
Building forts, painting, puzzles, and pretend play are all great indoor options for toddlers and preschoolers.
Q4: How can I make weekends more fun for my Family?
Mix in variety, rotate between outdoor adventures, game nights, learning experiences, and simple family time at home.
Q5: What cool things can I play with my kids?
Try magnetic tiles, LEGO, board games, kinetic sand, slime, or dress-up kits to encourage imagination and creativity.
