Free Kids Activities Near Me for Creative Family Fun (Games, Crafts & More)

Discover dozens of free kids activities perfect for creative family fun. From indoor games and crafts to outdoor adventures, find inspiration to entertain and educate your children without spending a dime.

free kids activities

Maximize family fun with our handpicked selection of free kids activities. Kick boredom to the curb with backyard explorations, innovative crafts, and cozy indoor adventures, all crafted to thrill, engage, and educate your children—zero cost involved.

25 of the Best Free Kids Activities

 

1. Lowe's "Build and Grow" Program

Lowe's offers the "Build and Grow" program, where children can engage in hands-on construction projects. These free workshops are designed to teach kids basic building skills as they create wooden crafts that they can take home, like birdhouses or small vehicles.
 

2. Play with Crafts at Michaels "Kids Club"

Michaels craft stores host "Kids Club" events where children can participate in various craft projects. These sessions are often free or available for a small fee and provide an opportunity for kids to explore their creativity through painting, beading, and more.
 

3. Free In-Store Kids Workshops at Home Depot

Home Depot isn't just for the adults anymore. Every first Saturday of the month, Home Depot hosts free in-person kids workshops between 9 and 12pm. It's only while supplies last, though, so be sure to sign up early!
 

4. Free Museum Trips with Bank of America's "Museums on Us" Program

On the first full weekend of every month, eligible cardholders get free general admission to over 225 cultural institutions across the United States with their "Museums on Us" program. From art museums to science centers and botanical gardens, this program offers a wealth of educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family.
 

5. Enjoy Free Bowling with Kids Bowl Free All Summer

With Kids Bowl Free, kids who register get the chance to bowl two games each day all summer long. In fact, 35 million kids and families have taken advantage of this free kids activity since 2007.
 

6. Get a Free Play & Music Class at Gymboree Locations

Gymboree Play & Music locations offer the first class for new students for free. This complimentary class serves as an introduction to early literacy, math, and social skills, aiming to engage children in learning and foster excitement about attending future classes.
 

7. Enjoy Free Exclusive Events with Pottery Barn Kids

At Pottery Barn, both adults and kids can catch fun free events. From DIY workshops and in-store creator meet & greets to holiday craft parties with Pottery Barn Kids, there are free activities the whole family can enjoy.
 

8. Pick Flowers

If you're lucky to live near a nice nature trail or park, simply picking wildflowers can be one of the best free kids activities. You can even elevate this activity with a picnic in the park and time to customize little bouquets.
 

9. Ride Bikes

Dust off the bicycles and set out on a biking adventure. Many cities have bike paths or trails that are safe for children and provide a fun way to tour different parts of your area.
 

10. Explore the World for Free with a Virtual Museum Tour

Take advantage of virtual museum tours to explore art, history, and science exhibits from around the world right from the comfort of your home.
 

11. Go for a Hike or Forest Adventure

Take the family on a nature trail or a hike through local forests and reserves. It's a great way to exercise and teach children about local flora and fauna while exploring the beauty of nature.
 

12. Have a Park Playdate with Friends

Local parks offer a plethora of play equipment and open spaces perfect for a picnic, running, climbing, and imaginative play, all at no cost. It's a fantastic way for kids and their friends to socialize and expend energy.
 

13. Make Food Together

Involve your child in the kitchen, experimenting with simple recipes like no-bake cookies or homemade pizzas. This can be a fun way to teach your child the basics of how to cook food and play with new recipes.
 

14. Create Your Own Board Game

If you're looking for free activities that are indoors, a DIY board game night may be just the answer. Have a family game night with a twist by creating your own board game. Design the board, craft game pieces, and establish rules together for a personalized play experience.
 

15. Host a Glow-in-the-Dark Party

Kids love things that glow! Create a glow-in-the-dark atmosphere by turning off the lights and using glow sticks, LED lights, or other glow-in-the-dark items. Play games, have a dance party, or simply enjoy the unique ambiance.
 

16. Have a Summer Beach Day

If you're located near the coast, take advantage of the warm summer weather and have a day at the beach! Collecting seashells, playing in the waves, going for a walk along the water, and building sand castles are all wonderful outdoor activities that offer hours of free fun for all ages.
 

17. Escape into New Worlds with Outdoor Storytime

Take books outdoors and have a storytime session. Choose a comfortable spot, perhaps under a tree, and let the kids listen to the stories while surrounded by nature.
 

18. Play with Fun Science Experiments

When it comes to free kids activities, there's nothing quite like the wonder and awe that comes from homemade science experiments. Whether its a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or exploring static electricity, there are dozens of free activities for kids who enjoy experimenting.
 

19. Enjoy the Stars with Stargazing

On a clear night, lay out a blanket and gaze up at the stars. It's a peaceful activity for kids, teens, and adults alike that can spark conversations about astronomy and the universe.
 

20. Explore Free Community Sports

Many communities offer free sports fields or courts where kids can play soccer, basketball, or other sports. It's a great opportunity for exercise and teamwork.
 

21. Start a Garden

Simply by getting some soil, a pot, and a pack of seeds, you can engage your children in something fun while also teaching them the basics of gardening!
 

22. Make Suncatchers

What better way to welcome the warmer weather than with homemade cardboard suncatchers! Just grab some cellophane, cardboard, tape, and some fun shape ideas and you're child will be on their way to catching some colorful sun.
 

23. Get Creative with Sidewalk Chalk or Puffy Sidewalk Paint

If you've got some nice sidewalks or concrete space near you, have your children decorate it with sidewalk chalk or puffy paint! This not only gives them a fun and creative activity, but it gets them outside!
 

24. Make Up a Play

If your child is particularly imaginative and likes to perform, having them make up a play to act out can be one of the best free activities. Just give them a story, a few props to work with, and see what they put together!
 

25. Explore a National State Park or Botanical Garden

Many national parks offer free admission days or free admission to kids under a certain age. If you're fortunate to live near a national state park, botanical garden, or even an aquarium, see if they offer any free admission and plan a trip!

Find Free Kids Activities in Your Community

From free art and food festivals to holiday markets and movie screenings, your very own local community is a hub for outdoor activities and events the whole family will love. See if your local area is hosting any of these:
  • Free movie nights in the park
  • Public (and interactive!) art installations
  • Art festivals
  • Fairs, concerts, or public performances
  • "Free entrance days" to local museums or attractions
  • Farmers Markets
  • Local shopping markets

Pair Free Kids Activities with a Free Kids Meal

Did those free activities work up an appetite? Treat your kids to lunch or dinner at one of these restaurants where kids eat free! 

  • IHOP: Kids eat free every day from 4 pm to 8 pm with the purchase of an adult entrée.
  • Denny’s: On Tuesdays from 4 pm to 10 pm, kids can enjoy a free meal from the kids' menu with an adult purchase.
  • Applebee's: Mondays are fun days with one free kid's meal per adult entrée. Additional kids eat for just $1.
  • Chili’s: Keep an eye out for special promotions where kids eat free with a paying adult.
  • TGI Fridays: With the purchase of an adult meal, kids can eat free on Tuesdays.
  • Ruby Tuesday: Every Tuesday from 5 pm until closing, one child can eat free with one adult entrée purchase.
  • Cici’s Pizza: Kids under 3 eat free every day with a paying adult.
  • Golden Corral: Kids under 3 always eat free, and there are special deals for older kids on certain nights of the week.
  • Bob Evans: Tuesday evenings offer a free kid's meal with every adult meal purchased after 4 pm.
  • Texas Roadhouse: Participating locations offer a free kid's meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on a select weekday.

Remember to check with your local restaurants for participation and specific details, as promotions can vary by location and are subject to change.

Other Things Kids Can Enjoy for Free

Free activities for kids aren't the only savings parents can enjoy. Here are some other things your kids can enjoy for cheap or entirely free:

For more family-saving tips and deals, be sure to follow MySavings on Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, and Twitter.
 

- Vanessa