25 Things to Do With Kids (by Age, Season & Budget)

Some weekends you want an adventure. Others, you have $10, two restless kids and a free afternoon. This list of things to do with kids covers both: 25 ideas sorted by season, each tagged with the best ages and what it costs, plus quick picks by age and budget so you can choose in under a minute.

Cost guide: Free, $ (under $20 for the family), $$ ($20–$60), $$$ (over $60).

Things to do with kids any time of year (1–9)

1. Library adventure (all ages, Free). Let each child pick five books and find a cozy corner to read one together. Most libraries also run free story times, LEGO clubs and summer reading challenges.
2. Nature scavenger hunt (2+, Free). List a feather, a smooth rock, something yellow and a Y-shaped stick. Use pictures for non-readers.
3. Neighborhood bike or scooter ride (3+, Free). Pick a destination, like the bakery or a new playground, so it feels like a mission.
4. Playground tour (1–8, Free). Visit three playgrounds in one morning and let the kids rate them.
5. Museum free day (4+, Free–$). Many museums have free admission days or free hours; check their website. Children’s museums are built for little hands.
6. Kitchen project (2+, $). Bake bread, make pizza from scratch or invent a smoothie. Kids practice measuring and get to eat the results.
7. Sunrise or sunset picnic (all ages, $). Pack breakfast or dinner and watch the sky change. It feels special with almost no planning.
8. Volunteer together (6+, Free). Sort food at a food bank, walk shelter dogs where kids are allowed, or pick up litter at a park.
9. Family game tournament (4+, Free). Three games, a homemade trophy and a bracket on the fridge.

Spring (10–13)

10. Plant a mini garden (2+, $). Herbs or sunflowers in pots are almost impossible to fail. Kids can measure growth every week.
11. Kite flying (4+, $). A breezy day, an open field and a simple kite are all you need.
12. Puddle walk (1+, Free). Rain boots on and a short loop around the block. More ideas in our rainy day activities for kids.
13. Farm or petting zoo visit (1–8, $$). Spring is baby animal season, and many farms open to visitors.

Summer (14–17)

14. Backyard campout (3+, Free). Tent, flashlights, s’mores (or a microwave version) and stargazing.
15. Sprinkler and water play (1+, Free). Add sponges, cups and a few buckets for a water relay.
16. Berry picking (2+, $$). Strawberries in early summer, blueberries later. Then turn them into jam or pancakes.
17. Outdoor movie night (3+, Free–$). Many towns run free summer movies in the park; or hang a sheet in the yard.

Fall (18–21)

18. Leaf hunt and leaf pile (1+, Free). Collect five different leaves, then rake them into a pile and jump.
19. Apple or pumpkin picking (2+, $$). Many orchards add hayrides and corn mazes for little ones.
20. Fall nature walk with a camera (5+, Free). Give older kids your phone and a list: something red, a mushroom, a bird.
21. Local fair or harvest festival (all ages, $–$$). Check community calendars; many have free entry and live music.

Winter (22–25)

22. Holiday lights drive (all ages, Free). Pajamas, hot cocoa in travel mugs and a playlist.
23. Sledding or snow fort (3+, Free–$). No snow? Try ice skating at a local rink.
24. Cookie baking day (2+, $). Toddlers decorate, older kids follow the recipe on their own.
25. Indoor play space or swim center (1–10, $–$$). A warm pool or trampoline park burns energy on cold days.

Best things to do with kids by age

Toddlers (1–3)

Keep it close, short and sensory: playground tour (4), puddle walk (12), sprinkler play (15), leaf pile (18), farm visit (13). Plan around nap time and leave before the meltdown.

Preschoolers (3–5)

They love a clear mission: scavenger hunt (2), library adventure (1), mini garden (10), backyard campout (14), berry picking (16).

School-age kids (6–9)

Give them a role: bike ride to a destination (3), volunteering (8), kite flying (11), photo walk (20), game tournament (9).

Tweens (10–12)

Let them plan it. Hand over the budget and the map for a museum day (5), an outdoor movie (17) or a sledding trip (23).

Things to do with kids by budget

• Free: library, scavenger hunt, bike ride, playground tour, volunteering, game tournament, puddle walk, backyard campout, sprinkler play, leaf pile, photo walk, holiday lights, sledding.
• Under $20: kitchen project, picnic, mini garden, kite, cookie baking, most museum free days.
• $20–$60: farm visit, berry picking, apple or pumpkin picking, indoor play space.

Tips for outings that actually go well

• Go early. Mornings mean fewer crowds and fresher kids.
• Pack the basics: snacks, water, wipes, a spare outfit for little ones and sunscreen.
• Plan one thing, not five. Kids remember one great moment, not a packed schedule.
• End on a high note. Leave while everyone is still happy, and they’ll beg to go back.
• Repeat the favorites. The things you do every year become family traditions.

Keep a record of your family’s best days

Ten years from now, you won’t remember which Saturday you went berry picking. Your kids, however, will love seeing how small they were. Snap one photo, write one line about what made them laugh, and add the date. That habit turns a list of outings into the story of their childhood.

Frequently asked questions