10 Fun Family Things to Do For Free
Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster
Even if you’re trying to meet some financial goals, you can still do fun things together with your family. In fact, there are tons of ways to spend time together without spending a dime. Today, I’m sharing with you 10 fun family things to do for free! (Yes, completely free!)
Go for a Nature Walk
Head to your local state park and go for a nature walk on an easy hiking trail. Not only is it fun to enjoy the sights and sounds of the trail, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise. Make it even more fun for the kids by creating a nature scavenger hunt! Look for different animals, plants, and rocks as you trek through the woods.
Visit the Library
Going to the library is a fun, free outing that has something for everyone! Check out some new books for the week, or most libraries even offer CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks to grab. Check out the library’s calendar of events and join a book club together or attend a free story time. Your local library has so much to offer, and it’s all completely free.
Have a Picnic in the Park
Pack a picnic basket for lunch and head to your local park. Relax on a bench while the kids get their energy out on the playground. Bring along a kite to fly in an open field or splash in puddles if it has rained recently. Play basketball, tennis, or baseball. Your local park has lots of outdoor fun to offer!
Have a Movie Marathon
Pop some popcorn, make a blanket fort, and enjoy a movie marathon! Have everyone pick a movie that they love and watch them one after the other, or have a movie marathon of a particular series, like Star Wars or Harry Potter.
Camp Out in the Backyard
Pitch a tent in the backyard and sleep under the stars! This is a fun, free way to go on a “mini-vacation” in the great outdoors. Tell scary stories, have a campfire, and enjoy some s’mores together. If it’s too cold out, you could also camp out in the living room with tons of pillows and blankets.
Bake Cookies
Get messy in the kitchen and bake some cookies! Make a family cookie recipe that has been passed down through the generations or try a brand new cookie recipe. Bake some extra ones and make cookie deliveries to your neighbors, family, or friends.
Have a Board Game Night
Break out the board games and have a board game night together. Play old school favorites from your own childhood or have your kids pick out the ones that they like best. Put together a prize for the winner to enhance the friendly competition.
Visit a Museum
Many local museums are either free to visit or offer free family days. This offers a fun, educational experience for everyone! Many museums also have fun kids activities like activity sheets and scavenger hunts.
Start a Garden
All kids love getting a little dirty, so spend some time planting a garden together. Give them their own pot and have them plant their own flowers and herbs. If you have the room, start a food garden. They’ll love seeing the veggies grow and then eating them. It’s both a fun and learning experience!
Visit a Lake or Beach
A trip to the lake or beach is always a fun day together! There are lots of activities to do by the water, including building sand castles, swimming, or collecting shells by the shore. Even if it’s not the summer season, spending time by the water is a family activity that is fun and free.
