Here are 15 budget friendly things to do with your kids this spring. All of these things can be done with very little costs, and some may even be free for you, depending on where you live and what gear you already own. Bonding with kids doesn’t have to be expensive. Often times, I find that the simple things bring the most joy and interest. Also, I heard it once said that the greatest thing we can spend on our kids is our time and I have to say, I agree. So here are some ideas to help you plan some time with the kiddos and hopefully make some lasting memories this spring (or anytime).
1. Go Fishing
This is an activity that can cost a small fortune or near nothing. This is a favorite past time in our family. You can get a little fancy and go on a trip, or just go over to your favorite spot and throw in a line. Growing up we often used Cane poles, all you need is a stick, some fishing line of sorts, a hook and something for bait. I’ve fished as long as I can remember and if you ask me the best bait is still worms. My kids enjoy digging them up as much as I used to. If you have small children, keep in mind you won’t get much fishing done yourself, but that’s not really the point. Also, if fishing isn’t your thing, kids also love feeding fish and birds.
2. Go Hiking
We love hiking! If you live by a state park or national forest, then chances are you are blessed with plenty of places to have a hike. If not, you may know of a preserve or public area with trails, or maybe you, or a family member own some acreage you can explore. Hiking is great for your body and soul. If you have some littles that can’t walk a lot, keep it short, or take a carrier and get some extra exercise with them in tow. Don’t forget a camera if you enjoy taking pictures of what you find. Of course don’t forget the drinks and snacks, kids seem to get thirsty fast when there’s nothing to drink. I recently bought this large backpack cooler for our hikes and picnics and I love it!
3. Take a Bike Ride
If you own bikes, this is a super affordable and fun activity. Our kiddos love when we ride with them. If you live near a town that has paved trails, you could venture there. Many wooded parks also have trails that allow bikers. Just be sure to follow the right paths, so you don’t hit any hikers. My kids also enjoy simply riding around our little village with us. For small children there are lots of options for bike accessories that hook up to mom and dads, making it possible for the whole family to come along. We have a trailer that can fit two small children in the back, they all have loved this! Click HERE to see a similar bike trailer that we have used that has high ratings on Amazon and a relatively low price tag.
4. Have a Picnic
What kid doesn’t love a picnic? Put together some portable lunch options that you and your kids enjoy and you can be on your way. You can picnic at any favorite outdoor place of your choice, just be sure to teach your kids to clean up and leave a place better than when they came. Also, be mindful of the weather, if it’s too cool or too blustery out, it can really dampen your special time. I usually keep light jackets with me, in case the weather changes. You could also take a few simple outdoor toys, like a ball or frisbee if the space allows for play. We love our picnic/beach blankets and usually keep one in our trunk for when the occasion arises. I highly recommend them.
5. Indoor Games/Movie Time
Spring also means plenty of rain for a lot of us. So if you find yourself with not much to do on a rainy day, break out the board games, or have movie time and make some popcorn. Since, this is a post for time with the kids, make sure the games are easy enough for them to play and the movie (if you choose one) is something they would enjoy. Movies don’t always have to be filled with animation to be fun for a kid, think about some of the classics, like “Little Rascals”, “Where the Red Fern Grows”, or “Swiss Family Robinson”.……..
6. Make a Campfire
If you have a suitable yard for a campfire, all you need is some wood. Carve some sticks, if you have them, grab some marshmallows, and bam kids are happy. Needless to say, keep small children away from fire and teach fire safety to all of them. We cook out quite a lot when the weather permits. There are plenty of campfire food ideas online you could experiment with. Or the classic smore is always a hit, just don’t forget the wipes or wash rags for the messy fingers. Sometimes we skip the food and just gather round the fire on a cool night, many times the kids are running around playing flashlight tag etc…Staying up a little later and getting to be out in the dark is always fun for my boys.
7. Plant Some Seeds
Teach the kids a little gardening skills by planting some flower (or other) seeds. This activity takes a little prep if you don’t already have some seeds, soil, and a container on hand. The kids could help select the seeds or just use whatever is on hand. Study about what a particular plant needs to successfully grow. Let your child do the watering when they are able. Kids love to grow things and it’s an important thing for any child or adult to know how to do. You could use a simple pot and let your child decorate it, or you can bring life into a small empty garden bed, there are loads of possibilities.
8. Visit a Local Farm or Zoo
Kids generally love animals. Some towns have a farm or two nearby that allow visitors to come and experience life there. Or if you have zoo that is worthy of a visit nearby, that could be a fun activity. We are blessed with one of the best zoos in our country not too far from us for a day visit and general admission to the main part of the zoo is free! Similar to farms, orchards also often provide activities for kids and grown ups as well. You could spend the day picking your own fruit or berries. To make things healthier and more affordable you could pack a lunch or snacks as well and make a picnic.
9. Bubbles and Chalk
If you have smaller children, sometimes a nice day, some bubbles and sidewalk chalk, are all you need to unwind and do a little bonding, especially if you still need to be close to home to lay them down for a nap. You can often find these things fairly cheap come spring time at a dollar store. Having a little basket of fun things to do outside on hand can really be a blessing. I have spent many an afternoon outdoors with my littles blowing bubbles, catching bubbles, etc… When life gets too busy, just slowing down and doing some simple things with your kids becomes almost a necessity.
10. Fly a Kite
Ok, so every time I hear the word “kite”, the song “Lets go Fly a Kite”, from the play Mary Poppins plays in my head. As delightful as the song is, it’s more delightful to actually fly one. Nothing says, I have nothing else to do like flying a kite (that’s one of the things I love about it). When’s the last time you flew a kite? Buy a couple cheap kites, or you could get crafty and build one with your kids. Then all you need is some breeze an open space, emphasis on “open”, nothing can ruin your kite flying experience more than a bunch of trees or telephone poles and power lines for that matter. Kids love kites, and I would really question any adult who doesn’t like them either.
11. Camp Outside
My kids love to camp! It’s my experience that most kids like the idea of sleeping anywhere other than their bed. That in itself is an adventure to some. If the weather is bad, you could even let them camp in the living room. If the weather permits, you can camp out in your back yard or out in the woods, where ever you’re at, sleeping in a tent is usually always a hit with kids. Depending on the condition of your back, grownups may want to consider a blow up mattress or sleeping hammock. Did I just sound old there? Anyway, camping is one of those things that could cost a small fortune if you let it, or next to nothing depending on what gear you own. Just don’t get so carried away with details that you forget to have some fun with the kids.
12. Game Day Outside
If you’re a sporty bunch, or even if you’re not, you may enjoy some game time outside. Besides, if you live where there are cold winters like I do, everyone should be craving some outdoor time come springtime. So grab a ball, what ever your favorite game, and head out for some play time. Kickball can be great fun for families with many kids (some small). Playing catch and hitting some balls can be done with just two of you. Some of our favorite games are ultimate frisbee, tennis, and basketball. What are your kids interested in? Make sure to choose an activity they enjoy and they will be thrilled that you took the time to enjoy it with them.
13. Park Day
The classic day at the park had to be mentioned. We like to occasionally check out new parks, since we have a lot of little towns around, but we have our favorites too. If you can get to one on a week day, you’ll find fewer crowds. Some parks offer more for older kids, some more for younger ones, so just consider their ages at what they would like most. I swear my preschooler can spot a slide and swing from a mile away! Kids often beg to stop at any place that looks fun, but always check it out for safety and cleanliness first, because all parks are not equal. Of course don’t forget the water and snacks, and if there is a restroom nearby, all the better.
14. Make a Birdhouse or Feeder
This project can be as fancy as wood and stain or as simple as an old juice jug cut into a feeder. Loads of ideas are out there! Taking the time to build something together is a great way to make memories with your kids. The best part is, your child finding out that a bird has taken residence in something they helped make. Or, if you make a feeder, let the kids put food in it and watch for visitors. There are lots of books and other resources out there about different bird species and what they like to eat and where they like to nest. So there are lots of learning possibilities with this past time.
15. Bake/Cook Something
Last but definitely not least, you can head to the kitchen and make something tasty. My kids love to bake and cook, mainly because they love to eat! You could let them find a recipe and go together to get ingredients, or have something all ready in advance for them to try in the kitchen. Obviously, the participation level will depend on the age, but even a 3-4 year old will be thrilled to stir and pour things. Older children can have more liberty with some experience and guidance. Spending quality time in the kitchen is a great way to learn new skills, pass on family traditions and make some great memories. Click Here for some recipes to try in the kitchen.
This is by no means a complete list, just a few random ideas to consider. I asked my kiddos what they liked to do and they mentioned several things that were already on this list. Below is a great book that my husband and I have used as a resource when teaching family life/parenting classes. If you have any kids in your life, you should check it out.
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