103 Free or Cheap Things to Do with Kids Every Season

Looking for ways to keep the kiddos entertained without breaking the bank? Whether it’s sunny, snowy, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of fun activities to dive into every season that won’t cost you a fortune!

Spring

Spring is a season of renewal and excitement, making it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors with your children. As the weather warms up and flowers begin to bloom, countless budget-friendly adventures await.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of natural items to find in a park or backyard. This activity encourages kids to explore and learn about their environment while having fun.

Visit a Farmer’s Market

Explore local produce and crafts at your nearby farmer’s market. It’s a great way to support local farmers and introduce children to fresh, seasonal foods.

Picnic in the Park

Pack homemade snacks and enjoy the fresh air with a picnic in the park. This simple outing allows for relaxation and quality family time.

Fly Kites

Head to an open field and let kites soar. This activity is perfect for windy spring days and brings joy to both children and adults.

Plant a Garden

Start a small vegetable or flower garden at home. Gardening teaches responsibility and gives children a sense of accomplishment as they watch their plants grow.

Bike Ride

Take a bike ride to explore local trails or neighborhoods. It’s an excellent way to exercise and discover new areas in your community.

Bird Watching

Use a guidebook or app to identify local birds. Bird watching is a peaceful activity that encourages patience and observation skills.

Visit a Local Zoo

Many zoos offer free or discount days in the spring. Visiting the zoo provides educational opportunities and the chance to see animals up close.

Make DIY Bird Feeders

Create bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. This craft is easy and attracts birds to your backyard, making it a fun project for kids.

Spring Cleaning Yard Sale

Declutter your home and let the kids set up a yard sale. This will teach them about money management while they make some extra cash.

Craft with Flowers

Press flowers or make floral crowns. These crafts are not only beautiful but also preserve the beauty of spring for months to come.

Visit a Local Museum

Check for free admission days at local museums. It’s a great way to learn about history, art, or science while enjoying a day out.

Play in the Rain

Dress in rain gear and splash in puddles. Embrace the rainy weather with this simple and joyful activity.

Sidewalk Chalk Art

Create colorful designs on the driveway with sidewalk chalk. This activity allows for creativity and outdoor fun.

Go on a Hike

Find a beginner-friendly trail and go for a hike. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy nature and get some exercise.

Visit a Local Library

Attend storytime or check out new books at your local library. Libraries often offer special spring events for families.

Outdoor Storytime

Read books together under a tree in your backyard or at a park. This combines the joy of reading with the tranquility of nature.

Nature Photography

Use a phone or camera to capture spring blooms. This activity helps develop photography skills and an appreciation for nature’s beauty.

Make Homemade Bubbles

Mix water, soap, and glycerin to create homemade bubbles. This simple and entertaining activity is perfect for a sunny spring day.

Host a Family Talent Show

Showcase each person’s talents in a fun and supportive environment. This activity encourages creativity and boosts confidence.

Stargazing Night

Use a blanket and enjoy the night sky, possibly with a telescope. Spring offers clear skies perfect for stargazing and learning about constellations.

Paint Rocks

Decorate stones and place them around the neighborhood. This activity spreads kindness and adds a personal touch to your community.

Play Mini Golf

Find a local course with deals for kids and enjoy a round of mini-golf. It’s a fun way to spend time together while practicing hand-eye coordination.

Attend a Local Festival

Look for community events and parades happening in spring. Festivals often offer a variety of activities, food, and entertainment.

Build a Fairy Garden

Use natural materials to create a miniature garden for fairies. This imaginative project is excellent for fostering creativity.

Explore a Botanical Garden

Many botanical gardens offer free or low-cost entry in the spring, allowing visitors to experience the full bloom of the season.

Visit a Fire Station

Arrange a tour of your local fire station for your family. It’s an educational experience that teaches kids about safety and community helpers.

Go Fishing

Visit a nearby lake or pond for a peaceful day of fishing. Fishing is a relaxing activity that can also teach patience.

Make Spring Crafts

Create paper flowers or butterflies with simple craft supplies. These crafts are a great way to celebrate the season indoors.

Visit a Petting Zoo

Experience animals up close at a local petting zoo. It’s a fun and educational outing, especially for younger children.

Summer 

As the warmth of summer settles in, families can look forward to a season filled with fun and exciting outdoor activities. From beach days to backyard barbecues, there are plenty of budget-friendly adventures to enjoy while making lasting memories together.

Beach Day

Visit a local beach or lake for swimming and sandcastles. It’s the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a sunny day by the water.

Backyard Camping

Set up a tent and have a sleepover outdoors in your backyard. This activity offers the thrill of camping without leaving home.

Water Balloon Fight

Cool off with a fun water balloon battle in the yard. It’s an exciting and active way to beat the summer heat.

Visit a Splash Pad

Many public parks have free splash pads where kids can play in the water. This is an excellent option for a quick and easy outing on a hot day.

Host a BBQ

Invite friends and family for a potluck BBQ in your backyard. It’s a classic summer gathering that everyone can enjoy.

Attend Free Concerts

Look for community music events happening in your area. Free concerts provide live entertainment and a great way to enjoy summer evenings.

Ice Cream Party

Make homemade ice cream or sundaes with a variety of toppings. It’s a sweet treat that everyone can customize to their liking.

Explore a State Park

Go hiking or have a picnic at a nearby state park. State parks often offer beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities.

Watch a Sunset

Find a scenic spot to watch the sunset. This simple activity offers a peaceful end to a summer day.

Create a Summer Scrapbook

Document your summer adventures by creating a scrapbook. This project helps preserve memories and encourages creativity.

Outdoor Movie Night

Set up an outdoor movie night in your backyard with a projector and blankets. It’s a fun way to enjoy a film under the stars.

Visit a Farmer’s Market

Discover fresh summer produce at a local farmer’s market. It’s a great way to support local farmers and enjoy seasonal foods.

Berry Picking

Find a local farm where you can pick your own berries. This activity is fun and rewarding, with fresh berries as your prize.

DIY Tie-Dye

Transform old clothes with colorful tie-dye patterns. It’s a creative project that results in one-of-a-kind wearable art.

Attend a Community Fair

Enjoy rides, games, and food at a local fair. Community fairs are full of summer fun for the whole family.

Library Summer Programs

Participate in reading challenges and events at your local library. Many libraries offer special programs and activities during the summer.

Go Canoeing or Kayaking

Rent equipment at a local lake and explore the water. Canoeing or kayaking is a great way to enjoy nature and stay active.

Make Lemonade from Scratch

Mix up a batch of homemade lemonade and sell it at a neighborhood stand. This is a classic summer activity that also teaches kids about entrepreneurship.

Chase Fireflies

Capture and release fireflies on a warm summer evening. This magical experience is a memorable part of childhood summers.

Outdoor Art Day

Use nature as inspiration for creating art outdoors. Whether painting, drawing, or crafting, the possibilities are endless.

Visit a Nature Center

Learn about local wildlife and plants at a nearby nature center. This educational outing connects kids with the natural world.

Geocaching Adventure

Hunt for hidden treasures in your area with a geocaching app. This modern-day treasure hunt is exciting and gets everyone moving.

DIY Obstacle Course

Set up challenges in your backyard and have a family obstacle course. It’s a fun and active way to spend time outdoors.

Run Through Sprinklers

Turn on the sprinklers and let the kids run through them to cool off. This simple activity brings endless joy on a hot day.

Attend a Free Workshop

Check for free local craft or gardening classes. Workshops are an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.

Build a Sandcastle

Visit a beach or sandbox and build elaborate sandcastles. This creative and tactile activity is perfect for a day in the sun.

Visit a Waterfall

Visit a nearby natural wonder, such as a waterfall. It’s a beautiful and refreshing way to connect with nature.

Host a Potluck Picnic

Gather friends for a shared meal in the park. Each person brings a dish, making it a fun and communal way to enjoy a summer day.

Play Frisbee or Soccer

Enjoy team games like Frisbee or soccer in the park. These activities are great for both exercise and bonding with others.

Visit a Planetarium

Learn about the stars and planets at a local planetarium. This fantastic indoor activity also satisfies curiosity about space.

Fall

As the vibrant hues of summer fade, fall brings a unique charm with its crisp air and stunning foliage. Families can embrace the season by participating in fun activities, celebrating the changing landscape, and creating cherished memories.

Apple Picking

Visit an orchard to pick your own apples. This activity is both fun and rewarding, with fresh apples to take home for baking or snacking.

Leaf Pile Jumping

Rake leaves into piles and let the kids jump in them. This classic fall activity is pure, simple, and fun.

Pumpkin Patch Visit

At a local pumpkin patch, you can pick out pumpkins for carving or baking. It’s a quintessential fall activity that everyone enjoys.

Create a Fall Wreath

Craft a fall wreath using leaves, acorns, and other natural materials. This project adds a seasonal touch to your home decor.

Visit a Corn Maze

Find your way through a local corn maze. It’s a fun challenge that’s perfect for a crisp fall day.

Bake Autumn Treats

Make apple pies, pumpkin bread, or other seasonal treats. Baking together is a cozy way to spend time indoors as the weather cools.

Nature Walk

Enjoy the changing colors on a hike or walk through the woods. This activity is peaceful and invigorating, offering a chance to connect with nature.

Craft with Pine Cones

Pine cones are versatile and natural materials perfect for fall projects, making them ideal for ornaments, table centerpieces, or other crafts.

Visit a Harvest Festival

Enjoy seasonal activities and food at a local harvest festival. These events often feature hayrides, pumpkin carving, and delicious fall treats.

DIY Halloween Costumes

Create Halloween costumes from items you already have at home. This is a great way to get creative and save money on holiday outfits.

Build a Scarecrow

Use old clothes and straw to construct a scarecrow for your yard. This fun project also doubles as a festive fall decoration.

Roast Marshmallows

Make s’mores over a fire pit in your backyard. This simple activity is a perfect way to enjoy a chilly fall evening.

Host a Halloween Movie Night

Watch family-friendly Halloween films together. This activity brings the spooky spirit indoors for a cozy night.

Make Homemade Applesauce

Use fresh-picked apples to make your own applesauce. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the fruits of your apple-picking outing.

Attend a Local Football Game

Support a school or community football team by attending a local game. It’s a fun way to enjoy the fall sports season.

Carve Pumpkins

Have a family pumpkin carving contest. Carving pumpkins is a classic fall activity that lets everyone show their creativity.

Visit a Haunted House

Look for age-appropriate haunted houses in your area. This thrilling activity is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.

Explore a Pumpkin Festival

Participate in fun activities at a local pumpkin festival. From pumpkin-themed games to contests, there’s something for everyone.

Go on a Hayride

Find a local farm offering hayrides and enjoy a relaxing ride through the countryside. This traditional fall activity is fun for all ages.

Make Fall Crafts

Create leaf rubbings, painted gourds, or other autumn-themed crafts. These projects bring the beauty of fall indoors.

Host a Costume Party

Invite friends and family for a Halloween costume party. This event is a fun way to celebrate the holiday with creativity and style.

Visit a Local Farm

Visit a local farm in the fall to see animals, pick produce, and learn about farming. This is a unique, hands-on learning experience.

Create a Gratitude Tree

Make a tree and add leaves with messages of thanks. This activity is a beautiful way to practice gratitude and reflect on the season.

Attend a Fall Fair

Enjoy games, rides, and food at a local fall fair. Fairs are filled with festive activities that celebrate the season.

Collect and Paint Rocks

Gather stones and turn them into painted art. This activity is simple and creative and can be done indoors or out.

Make Candied Apples

Decorate apples with caramel, chocolate, or other toppings. Candied apples are a sweet, sticky fall treat that’s fun to make and eat.

Have a Chili Cook-Off

Try different chili recipes with family and friends in a friendly cook-off. This warm, hearty dish is perfect for the cooler fall weather.

Play Flag Football

Organize a friendly game of flag football in the park. It’s an active way to enjoy the season and get some exercise.

Visit a Local Museum

Explore exhibits and learn something new at a nearby museum. Museums often have special fall exhibits or events worth checking out.

Decorate for Fall

Use nature to adorn your home with fall decorations. Pine cones, leaves, and pumpkins all make excellent seasonal decor.

Winter

As the chill of winter sets in, the landscape transforms magically, blanketing the ground in soft, white snow. This season offers a variety of activities that allow families to enjoy the outdoors while creating lasting memories together.

Build a Snowman

Build a snowman using accessories like scarves, hats, and buttons. This is a classic winter activity that brings the family together.

Ice Skating

Find a local rink, often with free skate days, and enjoy ice skating. It’s a fun and festive way to spend time together indoors or outdoors.

Hot Cocoa Bar

Set up a hot cocoa bar with different flavors and toppings. This cozy treat is perfect for warming up after outdoor winter activities.

Sledding

Head to a nearby hill with sleds or trays for some high-speed fun. Sledding is an exhilarating winter tradition loved by kids and adults alike.

Make Holiday Cards

Create personalized holiday cards for family and friends. This craft is a thoughtful way to spread cheer during the holiday season.

Visit a Holiday Market

Browse local crafts, treats, and gifts at a holiday market. Holiday markets are a festive way to support local artisans and find unique items.

DIY Snow Globes

Craft personalized snow globes using jars, glitter, and small figurines. This project is a fun way to bring some winter magic indoors.

Have a Snowball Fight

Engage in some friendly competition with a snowball fight. It’s a playful way to enjoy the snow and burn off some energy.

Attend a Tree Lighting

Enjoy community holiday events like tree lightings. These events often include music, hot cocoa, and a festive atmosphere.

Create Winter Crafts

Make paper snowflakes, ornaments, or other winter-themed crafts. These are great ways to keep busy indoors when it’s cold outside.

Read by the Fire

Cozy up with some good books and read by the fire. This simple activity is perfect for quiet winter evenings.

Bake Cookies

Try new recipes and decorate cookies together. Baking cookies is a delicious way to spend time together and make holiday treats.

Visit a Local Light Display

Enjoy festive lights and decorations at a nearby display. Light displays are a magical way to get into the holiday spirit.

Host a Game Night

Play board games with the family on a winter evening. Game nights are a fun way to bond and create lasting memories indoors.

Make Gingerbread Houses

Decorate gingerbread houses with candy and icing. This traditional holiday activity is both creative and tasty.

Go Caroling

Sing holiday songs in your neighborhood with friends or family. Caroling spreads joy and brings the community together during the holidays.

Create a Family Recipe Book

Collect favorite recipes from family members to make a family recipe book. This project is a meaningful way to preserve family traditions.

Visit a Winter Festival

Enjoy ice sculptures, hot drinks, and other seasonal attractions at a winter festival. These festivals are full of fun and festive activities.

Watch Holiday Movies

Have a marathon of seasonal films with your family. Holiday movies are a comforting way to enjoy the season together.

Volunteer Together

Volunteer at a food bank, shelter, or other community service project during the winter season. It is a great way to give back and help those in need.

Create a New Year’s Resolution Board

Create a resolution board to set goals together. This activity helps set intentions for the new year and encourages positive changes.

Visit a Local Aquarium or Zoo

Aquariums and zoos are often less crowded in winter, offering a quieter experience. Winter visits can provide a unique perspective on the animals and exhibits.

Go on a Winter Hike

Enjoy the beauty of a snowy trail with a winter hike. Hiking in the winter offers a peaceful and serene connection with nature.

Make Homemade Gifts

Craft personalized presents for loved ones. Homemade gifts add a unique, personal touch to holiday giving.

Attend a Winter Workshop

Try a new hobby or skill at a local workshop. Winter is a great time to learn something new, whether crafting, cooking, or another activity.

Have a Pajama Day

Stay cozy and relax at home in your pajamas. Pajama days are perfect for unwinding and spending a lazy day together as a family.

Do a Puzzle Together

Choose a challenging and fun puzzle to complete together. Puzzles are a great indoor activity that encourages teamwork and patience.

Make Snow Cream

Mix snow with vanilla and condensed milk to create snow cream. This unique winter treat is fun to make and enjoy after playing in the snow.

Explore a Winter Market

Discover local crafts and foods at a winter market. Winter markets offer a festive atmosphere and unique items to explore.

Plan a Family Photo Shoot

Capture memories with a family photoshoot in the snow. Winter landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for family photos.

Final Thoughts on Activities for Each Season

Families can bond and enjoy each season’s charm together by getting into the spirit of the season and joining in on different activities. Whether building snowmen or camping out in the backyard, these moments add to a fun and rewarding experience without costing much.