If you’re looking for fun family things to do with no money, you’re not alone. Many of us are feeling the pinch financially as we navigate rising prices and uncertain costs everywhere from groceries to health care to gas. Fortunately, even though it’s more challenging to save on necessities, it is possible to save money on family entertainment.
Personally, I am always looking for low-cost ways to spend time with my family. With five kids in the house, it feels like every time I step outside, we’re bound to spend $100. Not only is it nice to save on costs by finding fun family things to do with no money, but I also believe teaching my kids that fun can be free is an important life skill.
Life isn’t all about shopping and Starbucks (as much as I love both of those things). Instead, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time together as a family that don’t cost money.
Here are some ideas for fun family things to do with little to no money to get you started.
More from CafeMom: Budget-Friendly Family Vacations: Creating Lifelong Memories Without Breaking the Bank
Go Hiking
Hiking is one of the best fun family things to do for no money because it gets you outside and into nature and keeps the whole family active. Do a quick search of public hiking trails near you and lace up your boots!
Depending on your children’s ages, you may want to invest or borrow some gear, such as a good hiking carrier and backpack. And if you’ll be in grassy or wooded areas, be sure to watch for ticks and use plenty of sun and bug protection.
Personally, I love taking walks with my kids, so even if you’re not ready to delve into full-on hiking, a simple stroll around the block (especially during the witching hour) can be beneficial for everyone.
Host Game Nights
As the mom of older kids, I would encourage any family looking to start a family game night tradition to initiate the process early. Once school and sports schedules start ruling your life, it’s a huge challenge to change.
Start the tradition of a family game night as early as possible, so it becomes a norm in your family and something your kids can look forward to. Search for used board games if you’re low on cash, borrow some from your library, or download free game apps such as Heads Up! to play together.
Visit Your Local Library
Your local library is an absolute treasure trove of low-cost entertainment and educational resources. Libraries truly have something for everyone. For younger kids, libraries often have:
- Storytimes
- Playtimes
- On-site toys and games
- Free computers
- Books
- Coloring
- Children’s special events
- Crafts
Older children and even adults can also benefit from their library, with things like these:
- Books
- Ebooks
- Movie rentals and streaming
- Book clubs
- Activity nights
- Crafts
- Special events
Many libraries also allow you to borrow things other than books. For instance, our library lets patrons check out things like gardening equipment so you can try new hobbies for free.
Check out an Activity Pass
Speaking of the library, many libraries participate in an activity pass program, which allows library patrons to get free access to places such as museums, parks, zoos, and other recreational venues in their area.
The passes may be limited and may only be valid on certain dates, so check with the library about what you may have access to.
You can also check with museums to see if they offer discount days or any special pricing for SNAP or WIC users. Some may also offer special pricing for veterans or certain occupations, such as teachers and health care workers.
Camp in the Backyard
If you don’t have a tent, you might have to get creative for this one, but camping in your backyard can create wonderful memories for your kids. If you don’t have a backyard, explore local campgrounds (state campsites, in particular, are often very low-cost) or even a service like Harvest Hosts that connects you with free campsites.
Camping indoors can also be fun — build tents with sheets and pillows, or set up your kids’ play tents in the living room. Just don’t forget the s’mores!
More from CafeMom: 15 Fun Backyard Camping Ideas
Have a Movie Night
Sure, movie nights might not seem that revolutionary, but hosting one with a theme can transform an ordinary night into an experience. Some ideas could include:
- Asking all your kids to dress up like a character from the movie
- Serving themed snacks
- Moving out all of the furniture to camp out in the living room
- Competing for who gets to choose the movie
- Having a nacho movie night, where the kids can eat nachos while they eat in front of the TV (a treat in my house!)
- Popping popcorn the old-fashioned way in a pan
- Watching the movie outside, on an inflatable screen, or just a laptop on the porch
Play a Game of Tennis
With the advent of pickleball, it might be easy to forget that good old-fashioned tennis still exists. This one might depend on where you live, but many public parks have free tennis courts.
We picked up tennis rackets and balls from a garage sale, borrowed a few from family members, and hit the courts with all the kids for some fun summer memories. It was easy and practically free!
Go On an Art Walk
Try downloading an app like CANVS Street Art that lets you find local public art to enjoy and make an afternoon of it. It can be fun to explore new parts of the city that you’ve never seen and discover art right in your hometown!
Pack a Picnic
Remember picnics? There’s just something about eating outside that is so magical to kids. And even if you don’t have little kids, some fresh air can do the whole family some good. Bonus points if you can find an old-fashioned picnic basket for extra fun!
Have a Family Baking Competition
Does your family love watching baking shows? Host your own contest at home! You could do a themed baking competition, ask family members to create their own concoctions, or get creative with fancy desserts only.
Younger kids can “bake” with play dough and show off their finished creations. My kids have loved doing this and they especially love it when we judge the final products. Consider adding some prizes to pump up the fun factor. Or, as a twist, let the kids judge your creations.
