Free Kids Fun!

8 Great Ideas for Free Fun with Kids

By:  Tammy Smith-Chen

When you have children to entertain and not a lot of money to contribute towards the cause, finding free ways to keep them occupied isn’t always easy.  However, there are opportunities that are just waiting to be explored.

Here are eight great ideas for free kids fun.

1.    Take them to your local library. There is a lot more to offer now at most local librairies than ever before. Kids always love the books and storytelling at the library, and many creative librarians have come up with additional ideas to make kids love the library even more!  They may learn how to make playdough or do some role playing where they act out their favorite story book character.

2.    Help them learn the fine art of cooking great cuisine.  You should be able to find some simple recipes on the numerous cooking shows on television if you don’t have any cookbooks that are appropriate. There are also resources in some of the larger neighborhood grocery stores including free classes for kids or free recipes that are kid friendly. They will love being able to eat something that they have created by themselves and you will enjoy knowing that they are learning an important skill.

3.    Take advantage of free programs in your city or area.  Many neighborhoods have begun providing kids or entire families with free movie nights. If you have a local park, check to see if they have any free programs that your child would enjoy.  In addition to “free movies in the park”, some have programs that are designed to let kids get close to nature and learn about different plants and animals.

4.    Play beauty shop. Almost every little girl loves to get dressed up and you can spend time covering all the bases.  Give manicures and pedicures, and then fix each others hair.  Put on just the right make-up and then pick out the perfect outfit.  Dress-up hand-me-downs that other family members no longer have any use for make great dress-up clothes for her special wardrobe.

5.    Go on a fun treasure hunt.  Kids have always loved these and they work for equally well for one child or a group of twenty. Make a list of things to find and then designate the area where they can search (for instance, in the backyard). 

6.    Go on a picnic. Let them help with preparing the food and then go out in the backyard or to the neighborhood park where they can play after they enjoy their food. There’s nothing better than enjoying your favorite foods outdoors.

7.    Put on a play. If you have more than one kid to keep busy, let them put on a play for their neighborhood friends and their families.  You can spend time building props and practicing for their parts.  Let them use their creativity to come up with costume ideas.

8.    Call your child’s school to see if they have any free fitness programs. With the increase of childhood obesity and diabetes, many schools are developing programs to help keep kids active in ways that they can enjoy.

Keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to be expensive.  Just use your imagination and all your community resources to find new ways that can not only keep them busy, but will also give them an opportunity to learn more about what their own interests are.