The Ultimate Guide to Fun, Budget-Friendly Activities for Kids of All Ages.
- Melissa Best
- Apr 3
- 7 min read
As parents, we all know that keeping kids entertained can sometimes be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be! Whether you're looking for rainy day fun, outdoor adventures, or ways to bond with your little ones, there are plenty of exciting and creative activities you can do together. Here's a list of fun ideas that will keep the whole family engaged and create lasting memories.
1. Baking Together
It's no surprise that baking is number one on my list! Nothing beats the joy of baking in the kitchen with your kids. My two are less excited about the creating part; they hang around to lick the bowl, and gobble up the finished product.
Baking teaches kids valuable skills like patience, precision, and how to follow instructions. (Some are better at this than others!) Who knows? You may even spark a lifelong love of cooking, like my Mum did for me.
There are some great cookbooks created specifically for younger chefs. Take a look at some of my favourites:
2. Fort Making
Is there anything more fun for kids than creating their own fort?
Transform your living room into a secret hideaway using blankets, pillows, and chairs to build the ultimate fort. Once it’s built, gather inside to read stories, play games, or just relax. It’s a simple but incredibly fun way to spark imagination and creativity.
My kids take it a step further with LED lights and a portable speaker.
3. Nerf Gun War
If your house is home to a stash of Nerf guns (ours definitely is!), why not turn an ordinary day into an action-packed Nerf battle? Whether you take it outside to the backyard or transform your living room into a battlefield, divide into teams or go solo and let the games begin! It’s the perfect way for kids (and adults) to burn off energy while having an absolute blast. Amp up the excitement by setting up obstacles or designating safe zones for strategic play. And trust me—nothing beats the thrill of diving for cover in a surprise ambush! We’re a competitive crew, so things can get pretty intense, but by the end, we’re all doubled over laughing.
4. Hide and Seek
An oldie, but a goodie! A classic game of hide and seek never goes out of style. Whether you're playing inside, outside, or even in the dark (with a flashlight), this game is sure to get everyone laughing and moving around. This game is hard to play at our place - limited hiding spots - but we get creative.
5. At-Home Movie Experience
Create your own cinema right in your living room. Pick out a family-friendly movie, make popcorn, grab your favorite snacks, and get cozy with blankets and pillows. You can even make homemade tickets and set up a concession stand. You can recreate a cinema experience at home with the right snacks and ambience.
Here are some of my favourite items for recreating an authentic movie experience at home:
6. Paint and Sip (Kid-Style!)
We had this idea recently, as my daughter and I were painting a Solar System diorama for her science project. We enjoyed creating it so much, I thought it would be a fabulous idea to have a Paint & Sip at home! Either grab canvases that have a paint by numbers method, or get creative on your own theme. Supplies are cost effective, you can even use what you have on hand at home.
For the younger ones, you can use washable paints, kid-safe canvases, and don't forget an art smock or apron! Everyone can create their own masterpiece, and you can even host a little art gallery at the end to show off everyone's work.
7. Spa Day
Now that my daughter is a bit older, she seems to be obsessed with all things beauty.
Kids these days are far more advanced that I ever was, and they love a pamper session.
Create a spa day at home - think: a diffuser with essential oils, sparkling water in plastic champagne flutes, a foot spa, face masks and a manicure! Do it your way. This is really easy to put together on a budget, as most of us already have a lot of products stashed in the bathroom that we can use to curate a luxury experience without breaking the bank!
Spa day must haves:
8. Picnic in the Backyard
Pack up your favorite snacks, grab a blanket, and enjoy a picnic outside. You can set up in the backyard or take it to the park. The fresh air, fun food, and change of scenery will make it feel special. Bring along some music, a book, or a ball - make an afternoon of it. There is something so wholesome about a family picnic.
Picnic must haves:
9. Obstacle Course
Get those muscles moving by creating an obstacle course. Whether you’re in the house or outside, use whatever you have—chairs, cushions, cones, hula hoops, or even jump ropes. Time each other and see who completes the course the fastest. This activity is a fun way to burn off energy and challenge each other. I love activities that involve being active and getting my kids away from screens and in the fresh air.
This is a fantastic way to get kids outside and active—especially those who aren’t big fans of traditional exercise. Since it feels more like a game, they’ll be so caught up in the fun that they won’t even realize they’re getting a healthy dose of movement!
10. Pool Time
If you have a pool, spend the day splashing around and playing water games. Whether it’s swimming races, floating on pool noodles, or playing games like Marco Polo, the pool is a great place for family fun. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
11. Playground/Park Day
Head to your local playground or park and let the kids run wild! Swinging, climbing, and sliding never gets old. It’s a perfect way for them to burn off some energy while you enjoy the fresh air and a much needed coffee!
12. Beach Day
What better place to hit the beach, than the Gold Coast? My kids have been blessed to grow up with paradise on their doorstep. Get to the beach early and set up with some shade, snacks, water, and sand toys. Build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or simply relax and enjoy the view.
My tips:
Bring extra towels for the kids. If they rinse off afterward, they won't end up with lingering sand stuck to them.
Baby Powder is a quick way to get rid of excess sand on little feet. Simply dust some over any sandy areas, and the sand will brush away.
13. Family Walk/Scooter/Skate
Go for a walk, take scooters, or even skate through the neighborhood. It’s a simple way to get some exercise while exploring your local area. Plus, it’s a great time to chat and enjoy each other's company. Often only one of my kids will want to come with me on a walk. It becomes a nice time to have that one-on-one connection that I so often miss out on as a single mum.
14. Lego Masters
Pull out the Lego sets and challenge your kids to become “Lego Masters.” Set up different challenges, like building the tallest tower or the coolest spaceship. You can even have a Lego building competition to see who can create the most creative design. It’s a great way to work together and let imaginations run wild.
Use the Lego Classic Box to have the best variety
of bricks.
15. Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items for your kids to find around the house, yard, or park. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you like, depending on their age. A scavenger hunt is an exciting way to teach problem-solving skills while adding a little friendly competition.
16. Make-Up Mummy
One of my favourite "games" to play - try to “make up mummy”. Let the kids do your makeup, give you a fancy hair do, and sit back and relax!
This is probably less relaxing when your kids are younger, but now that mine are older, they actually do a pretty good job. Make sure you give them your cheap makeup - we don't want Chanel lipstick smudged on your face!
17. Lemonade Stand
Let your kids set up a lemonade stand and experience the basics of entrepreneurship. Help them make the lemonade, design the stand, and handle the "business" side of things. It’s a fun way to teach them about responsibility, teamwork, and basic money management.
18. Cloud Watching
Lay on the grass, look up at the sky, and watch the clouds float by. It’s a calming activity that can spark creativity as you and your kids try to spot different shapes in the clouds. It’s a perfect way to slow down and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. I always loved doing this as a kid. I used to lie on our trampoline and find animals and rocketships in the sky.
19. Stargazing
End the day with a quiet night of stargazing. Grab a blanket, head outside, and see what constellations you can spot. You can even use a stargazing app to identify stars and planets. This is even better if you have a telescope at home!
20. Skate Park Fun
If your kids are into skating, biking, or scootering, head to the local skate park for a fun outing. Watching each other perform tricks or simply racing around the park will keep everyone entertained and active.
Family fun doesn’t have to break the bank or feel repetitive! There are endless ways to create meaningful memories right at home or just outside your doorstep.
At the end of the day, what matters most to our kids isn’t the price tag—it’s our presence. They simply want our time, attention, and love.
Which of these fun activities will you try first?
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