Free or Cheap Things to Do With Kids at Home (Fun Ideas for 2025)

Written By Jenna Jones

Being stuck at home with kids — especially when you’re on a tight budget — can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the good news:

Kids don’t need expensive toys or fancy outings to have fun.

They want:

  • Time with you

  • Something to do with their hands

  • A little creativity

This guide has a big list of free or cheap activities you can do with kids at home — no matter how broke you feel right now.

These ideas work for:

  • Toddlers

  • Young kids

  • Tweens

  • Even teens (with some creativity)

Let’s help you make memories without spending money.

Best Free Indoor Activities for Kids at Home

1. Living Room Fort Building

Grab:

  • Blankets

  • Pillows

  • Chairs

Build the biggest fort possible.

Challenge:

"Who can make the coziest fort ever?"

Bonus: Have storytime or a snack inside when it’s done.

2. Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of things for them to find in the house.

Examples:

  • Something soft

  • Something blue

  • Something shaped like a circle

Make clues if your kids are older.

Winner gets to pick the next family movie.

3. Kitchen Science Experiments (With What You Already Have)

Ideas:

  • Vinegar + baking soda = volcano

  • Soap + water + pepper = surface tension magic

  • Ice melting race with salt vs. no salt

Great site for ideas:
ScienceFun.org

4. Indoor Obstacle Course

Use:

  • Couch cushions

  • Chairs

  • Tape on the floor

Make it a race or time challenge.

Best for burning energy when the weather’s bad.

5. Dance Party or Freeze Dance

Play music on your phone.

Dance around together.

Freeze when the music stops.

It’s silly — and free exercise.

6. DIY Puppet Show or Skit

Make puppets out of:

  • Socks

  • Paper bags

  • Old stuffed animals

Have the kids create a mini-show for you.

Record it to send to family members.

7. Homemade Board Game or Card Game

Give kids paper and markers.

Challenge:

"Invent a new game."

Let them explain the rules.

Play together.

This builds creativity and problem-solving skills.

8. Simple Arts and Crafts with Recycled Materials

Use:

  • Toilet paper rolls

  • Cardboard boxes

  • Old magazines

  • Bottle caps

Craft ideas:

  • Robots

  • Collages

  • Tiny cities

  • Homemade jewelry

Search "easy recycled crafts for kids" online for inspiration.

Best Free Outdoor Activities for Kids at Home

9. Nature Scavenger Hunt in the Backyard or Neighborhood

Make a list of things to find:

  • Rock shaped like a heart

  • 3 different types of leaves

  • Bug tracks

  • Feather

Bring a bag for collecting cool items.

10. Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest

If you don’t have chalk — make homemade paint with:

  • Cornstarch

  • Water

  • Food coloring

Mark off squares for each kid.

Host a contest.

11. Backyard Camping

Set up a tent (or build a fort outside).

Make s’mores in the oven if you don’t have a firepit.

Tell stories under the stars.

12. Water Play Day (With No Pool)

Use:

  • Buckets

  • Old cups

  • Spray bottles

  • Sponges

Make up challenges:

  • Who can fill their bucket fastest?

  • Sponge toss contest

  • DIY car wash for bikes or toy cars

13. Bug Hunting or Bird Watching

Get a notebook.

Have kids draw or write down what they see.

Research the bugs or birds together online later.

Cheap Activities Under $5 (Or Free If You Already Have Supplies)

14. DIY Pizza Night

Let kids decorate their own:

  • English muffin pizzas

  • Tortilla pizzas

  • French bread pizzas

Use whatever toppings you have on hand.

15. Family Movie Night (But Make It Fancy)

Let kids:

  • Make tickets

  • Create "concession stands" with snacks

  • Set up pillows like a theater

Use free movies from:

16. Baking Day (Use Basic Ingredients)

Make:

  • Homemade bread

  • Muffins

  • Cookies

Even simple pancakes feel special when everyone helps.

17. DIY Spa Day

Set up:

  • Foot soaks

  • Homemade face masks (yogurt or honey)

  • Nail painting

Kids love the novelty.

18. Dollar Store Craft Kits

Many dollar stores sell:

  • Stickers

  • Beads

  • Paint sets

  • Coloring books

Even $5 of supplies can last for weeks of activities.

Free Quiet Time Activities for When You Need a Break

19. Library Books or Audiobooks

Use your local library card for:

  • Free books

  • Free e-books

  • Free audiobooks

Apps like:
LibbyApp.com

20. Printable Coloring Pages or Activity Sheets

Search:

"Free printable coloring pages [your kid’s favorite character]"

Tons available online.

21. YouTube Educational Shows or DIY Channels

Free screen time with a purpose.

Examples:

Final Thoughts: Fun Doesn’t Have to Cost Money

Remember:

  • Kids care way more about attention than expensive stuff.

  • Silly games and homemade activities create lifelong memories.

  • Boredom isn’t bad — it sparks creativity.

The key is structure:

  • Give them ideas

  • Give them time limits

  • Get them moving or creating

You’re doing great.

This season of life is tough — but you’re making it work.

And that’s something to be proud of.

Quick Recap: Free or Cheap Things to Do With Kids at Home

Free Ideas:

  • Build a fort

  • Dance party

  • Kitchen science

  • Backyard scavenger hunt

  • Puppet show

Cheap Ideas:

  • DIY pizza night

  • Family movie night

  • Dollar store crafts

  • Baking day

  • DIY spa day

Jenna Jones
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