10 Fun (and Free!) Ways to Entertain the Kids This Weekend

Keeping the family entertained shouldn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking to get outdoors or stay cozy inside, here are ten budget-friendly ways to have fun and make memories without spending a fortune.

1) The Local Park

Obviously age-dependent, but in my experience, kids up to about 12—especially the energetic ones—can easily find an hour or two of entertainment at a local park. Naturally, the more equipment and space there is, the more time you can “kill” for free.

2) Gardening

If you have any green space, there’s always something that needs attention, from weeding and pruning to seeding and propagating. You’d be surprised how engaged and satisfied a child can be when getting their hands dirty; it’s a brilliant way to teach them and foster an appreciation for nature.

3) Baking

Everyone has a favourite cake or biscuit recipe, whether it’s in a cookbook or found online. This is a relatively cheap way to keep the “young ‘uns” busy, and it saves money compared to buying pre-packaged treats. Baking a large batch of flapjacks is a cost-effective way to provide filling snacks for school lunchboxes.

4) Arts and Crafts

This can be anything from painting and drawing to building cardboard houses or masks. To keep costs down, raid the recycling bin! You’ll unearth all sorts of useful materials—from “Blue Peter” favourites like toilet rolls and yogurt pots to cardboard boxes and old greeting cards.

5) Free Museums

The UK is fortunate to have so many free museums. London is the obvious hub with the Natural History and Science museums, but while transport can be an expense, many smaller towns and villages have their own local museums. These often showcase local history and usually only ask for a small optional donation.

6) Cycling

Providing you have a bike, this is a fantastic way to spend time together and stay fit. Most people in the UK live near a cycle-friendly area or a short drive from a trail. You can use apps like Komoot or AllTrails to find a path; circular routes usually work best so you aren’t repeating your steps.

7) Nature Trails

Much like cycling, trails are easy to find on your favourite hiking apps. The benefits for mental wellbeing and physical health are huge, and it’s a brilliant way to build your children’s appreciation for the great outdoors.

8) The Library

There is often more than just books at your local library these days; many offer computers and even jigsaws. For the bookworms, the excitement of borrowing new titles for free never gets old. It’s always worth checking the library before buying a book to save cash and space on your shelves.

9) Board Games

The classic “rainy day” go-to. Not only is this a cheap way to entertain the family, but for younger children, it offers valuable lessons in teamwork, strategy, patience, and the importance of taking part.

10) Movie Nights at Home

With the cinema feeling like less value for money lately, a home movie night is a great alternative. Supermarket popcorn costs a fraction of the price, or better yet, buy popping corn and make it yourself! It’s quick, easy, and you can customise the toppings exactly how your family likes them.

💡 Top Tip: The “Mobile Picnic”: To save even more, never leave the house without a “survival kit” of water bottles and snacks. Whether you’re at the park or a museum, having a packed lunch ready prevents those expensive “emergency” stops at cafes or gift shops that can quickly double the cost of your day out!

Closing Thoughts

You don’t need a huge budget to have a great time—often the simplest activities, like a bike ride or a board game, are the ones kids remember most. Give a few of these a try this week and see how much you can save while still keeping the family smiling.