Birthday parties, ballet lessons, football matches and swimming. It feels like you never get a breather on a typical family weekend! When you do, it’s nice to have something carefree and different to do with the kids. It could be on a Sunday afternoon or a day in the school holidays when you all have some free time to spend together. So, what should you do?
To find the perfect activity for you, here are some of our favourite things to do with little ones. Most of them are free too. There’ll be no more dreaded cries of “I’m bored”.
1. Go on a walking adventure
Fresh air and time outdoors is always a winner, for the whole family! To make the most of your time together, go on a long walk, visit a local garden or park, or simply take a quick stroll around your town. It’s amazing what you see when you’re not rushing in the car.
You can make it engaging for the little ones by playing I Spy as you walk. Or you can try to turn it into a multi-sensory experience by focusing on the sounds of the birds, the smell of flowers and the noise underfoot. Why not have your little ones look for interesting bugs, rocks or leaves? You never know, it could be the start of a new interest or hobby. And who doesn’t love carrying a big stick?
2. Volunteer as a family
Kids are never too young to learn about philanthropy. Volunteering is a great way to open their eyes, hearts and minds to people in need. Just one afternoon can show them how far kindness and generosity can go. A neighbourhood or beach clean-up is a good idea, as is community gardening or helping out at an old people’s home. You can find a list of volunteering opportunities in your area at websites like Do It.
3. Get some green fingers
If you’ve got a garden at home, a balcony or access to a community garden nearby, kids LOVE getting their hands dirty. And this is definitely a parent-approved way to do just that!
Planting a garden with kids is also an ongoing lesson in patience, science and caring for living things. You can try planting fruit and veg and then cooking something further down the line with your produce. It’s also a great way to get fussy eaters more engaged with food and will plant the seed of sustainability for years to come.
4. Take a trip down memory lane… and go to where you first met
Yes, kids often have a hard time grasping that life existed for their parents before they came along. But they also love stories and this is sure to be a good one. So, why not take them to where you first met or had your first date? Tell them the story and bring it to life by talking about all the things you loved doing together. This one could really be a tear-jerker.
5. Head to the museum for free
One of the great things about the UK is that many museums are free. So, whether you live near Manchester, Liverpool or London (or any city in the UK for that matter), it’s time to benefit from all that history and learning that’s right at your fingertips. We just love the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester and the Natural History Museum in London. But wherever you live, you’re bound to find something suitable.
6. Visit a local animal shelter or city farm
Spending quality time with animals can boost everyone’s mood and it’s also a great way to teach empathy to children. Even if you already have pets at home, a visit to your local animal shelter or city farm can be a super fun thing to do on a quiet afternoon. The whole family will love it, as will the animals.
7. Make a card for a relative that lives far away
Often, it’s the little things that can bring the most joy. And for a family member that lives far away, there’s nothing like receiving something handmade in the post.
Whether it’s your kids’ auntie, uncle or grandparents, simply use a folded piece of card and let your little ones get creative. If they can write their name, great. But if not, drawings will most certainly do. This little gesture really could make someone’s day. It will keep the little ones occupied too.
8. Have a sports day in your local park
Rounders, cricket, football, volleyball… the options really are endless when it comes to sports you can play in your local park. You can even go all out with a sports day theme and have some egg and spoon or sack races. Three-legged race anyone?
Why not get some of your friends with kids involved too for a real day of fun for everyone? Sometimes, the simplest of ideas truly are the best.
9. Make pizzas
Now, this one may cost a little to buy all the ingredients, but the fun will more than make up for it. You can buy ready-made pizza dough or pizza bases from most supermarkets. Or you can even try making the dough yourself from ingredients in your cupboards. Either way, the kids will have loads of fun stretching the dough, ladling on the tomato sauce and decorating with their favourite toppings. And that’s dinner sorted too!
10. Have a yes day
This is an idea to save for a special occasion – we’re thinking birthdays or a reward for exceptionally good behaviour. Basically the kids get to decide what you do on the day (within reason). Ice-cream for lunch? Yes. Pyjamas all day? You got it!
You get the idea. Just remember to set some ground rules first, like how much you’re able to spend and what you’re OK with. Then hand over the control to the kids and get ready to say yes to a day none of you will likely forget.
Ready to tackle our list or feeling inspired to come up with some ideas of your own? Have fun! And remember to make time for unstructured, self-directed playtime too. It’s super important. Looking for more parenting tips and tricks? Why not check out our StrollerCoaster podcast?