Weekends are the perfect time for families to unwind, reconnect, and make lasting memories together. For parents, coming up with fun and engaging activities for kids can sometimes be a challenge, but the good news is that there are countless fun and easy things to do for kids on weekends that don’t require expensive tickets or hours of planning. Whether you’re looking to spend quality time at home or get outside to explore, this guide from The Kids Point is filled with creative ideas to keep your kids entertained, engaged, and learning while having a blast.
Go Camping Outdoors
Camping is a classic outdoor adventure that kids of all ages can enjoy. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend camping trip or creating a “camp” in your own backyard, the possibilities are endless. Camping allows children to experience the wonders of nature, learn survival skills, and disconnect from technology, all while creating unforgettable memories.
Tips for a Backyard Camping Adventure:
- Set up a Tent: If you don’t have a tent, consider building a fort with blankets and pillows for a fun indoor camping experience.
- Nature Exploration: Go on a nature walk and explore your backyard for interesting insects, flowers, or birds.
- Campfire Fun: If you have access to a safe outdoor fire pit, roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and tell stories around the fire. If not, an indoor campfire made from paper lanterns can still create a cozy atmosphere.
Take a Family Hike
Hiking is an excellent way to get kids moving and exploring nature while enjoying the fresh air. Whether you have access to scenic trails or just a local park, hiking can be an educational and physically rewarding activity for kids. You can teach your little ones about the environment, geology, and animal habitats while staying active.
Hiking Tips:
- Bring a Nature Journal: Encourage kids to document what they see on their hike, whether it’s leaves, insects, or animals. This makes the hike more interactive and educational.
- Create a Scavenger Hunt: Before heading out, make a list of things to find—like a pine cone, a bird’s nest, or a red flower—to turn the hike into a fun scavenger hunt.
Visit a Local Zoo or Aquarium
A trip to the zoo or aquarium can be an exciting and educational experience for children. Kids love animals, and these outings provide a chance to learn about various species, their habitats, and conservation efforts. Zoos and aquariums also offer interactive exhibits that make learning about wildlife fun.
Zoo & Aquarium Tips:
- Bring Snacks: Pack a picnic or some snacks to keep everyone energized throughout the day.
- Interactive Exhibits: Look for zoos or aquariums that offer interactive exhibits, such as feeding sessions or petting zoos, where kids can get up close to the animals.
- Educational Talks: Many zoos and aquariums offer talks and shows that provide more insight into the animals. Make sure to check the schedule in advance to make the most of your visit.
Have a DIY Science Day
If you’re looking for fun and easy activities for kids that are both entertaining and educational, a DIY science day is a perfect choice. There are many simple and safe science experiments that you can conduct at home using everyday materials. These activities will spark your child’s curiosity and help them develop critical thinking skills.
Fun Science Experiments to Try:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano: Combine baking soda and vinegar in a container to create a bubbling volcano effect. Add food coloring for an extra pop!
- Color-Changing Milk: Use milk, food coloring, and dish soap to demonstrate how different substances interact and change color.
- DIY Lava Lamp: Fill a bottle with oil and water, drop in some food coloring, and add an Alka-Seltzer tablet to create a bubbling lava lamp effect.
Create Art and Crafts
Crafting is an excellent way for kids to express their creativity and fine motor skills. Art projects also provide opportunities to teach kids about color, shape, and texture. Whether you have a dedicated craft space or just a few supplies on hand, there are endless possibilities for DIY crafts.
Fun Craft Ideas for Kids:
- Finger Painting: Let kids use their hands to create colorful masterpieces. It’s a great sensory experience and a fun way for younger kids to explore color and texture.
- Clay Sculptures: Use air-dry clay or modeling clay to make sculptures. Kids can create animals, flowers, or whatever their imagination inspires.
- Paper Plate Animals: Turn simple paper plates into animal faces by painting them and adding construction paper ears, noses, and eyes.
- Handprint Art: Have kids create handprint art that can be turned into animals or other fun shapes. This makes for great keepsakes!
Plan a Family Picnic
A picnic is a simple yet fun weekend activity for kids, offering a chance to enjoy the outdoors and spend time together as a family. You don’t need to go far—your backyard or a nearby park will do just fine.
Picnic Tips:
- Pack Simple Foods: Sandwiches, fruit, and snacks are perfect for a picnic. Let kids help with the packing and get them involved in the meal prep.
- Outdoor Games: After lunch, play games like frisbee, catch, or kickball to burn off energy.
- Nature Walk: Take a post-picnic walk to explore your surroundings and talk about the plants and animals you see.
Host a Family Movie Night
Sometimes the best way to spend a weekend is by having a cozy family movie night at home. Gather the family, prepare some popcorn, and enjoy a movie marathon with your kids’ favorite films. Movie nights are a great way to relax and bond.
Movie Night Tips:
- Create a Theme: Choose a theme for the night, such as “superheroes” or “princesses,” and select movies that fit the theme.
- Comfortable Setting: Make your living room extra cozy by setting up blankets, pillows, and maybe even a fort for the kids to watch from.
- Healthy Snacks: Along with popcorn, offer fruits, veggie sticks, or smoothies as healthy alternatives to traditional movie snacks.
Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is an engaging activity that encourages kids to explore the outdoors. You can customize the list based on where you are, whether it’s in your backyard, at the park, or on a hike.
Scavenger Hunt Tips:
- Make a List: Write down items for the scavenger hunt like “a red leaf,” “a rock shaped like a heart,” or “an animal track.” Adjust the list depending on the location and the kids’ ages.
- Work in Teams: Divide into teams for some friendly competition, or work together as a family to find everything on the list.
- Take Photos: Instead of collecting items, take photos of the things you find to keep the hunt mess-free.
Host a DIY Talent Show
If your kids love to perform, why not turn the weekend into a talent show? Let them sing, dance, or showcase any unique talents they might have. This can be a fun way to build confidence and give them a chance to shine.
Talent Show Tips:
- Encourage Creativity: Let kids create their own acts. They might want to sing a song, put on a skit, or show off a new dance routine they’ve been practicing.
- Invite Family and Friends: You can even turn it into a mini event by inviting family or friends to be the audience (virtually or in person).
- Make It Special: Use a microphone (or a pretend one), a small stage area, and set up a “judging” panel to give it a more authentic talent show feel.
Go to a Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets are not only great for picking up fresh produce, but they also offer a unique opportunity to introduce kids to the concept of local farming and healthy eating. Take a stroll through your local farmer’s market and teach your kids about the different fruits, vegetables, and goods available.
Tips for Visiting a Farmer’s Market:
- Try New Foods: Let your kids sample fruits, vegetables, or snacks they’ve never tried before. Farmer’s markets are full of fresh, local treats.
- Talk About Sustainability: Teach your kids about the importance of supporting local farmers and eating seasonally.
- Explore Handmade Goods: Many markets feature homemade goods like soap, candles, and crafts. You can even let your kids pick out a small item to take home as a souvenir.
Bake Together
Baking is a fun and easy way to bond with your kids, and it’s a delicious activity that everyone will enjoy. From cookies to cakes, there are plenty of simple recipes you can try with little ones.
Easy Baking Ideas:
- Cookies: Make simple sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or fun-shaped cookies with cookie cutters.
- Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with frosting, sprinkles, and other toppings to create colorful, festive treats.
- Muffins: Make healthy fruit muffins or banana bread that the whole family can enjoy for breakfast or snack time.
Build a DIY Obstacle Course
Turn your backyard or living room into a fun obstacle course. This is an easy and inexpensive way to get your kids moving while having a blast. Set up challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, or balancing on a rope.
Obstacle Course Tips:
- Incorporate Physical Activities: Include activities like jumping jacks, hula hooping, or running from one end of the yard to the other.
- Make It a Challenge: Time the kids as they complete the course to encourage a bit of friendly competition.
Weekends with kids don’t have to be stressful or expensive to be enjoyable. With these simple, fun, and easy activities, you can create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, crafting together at home, or hosting a DIY talent show, the possibilities are endless. The Kids Point believes that weekends are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your children, foster their creativity, and encourage their love for learning. So, take advantage of your weekends to bond, laugh, and make lasting memories with your little ones!