With the cost of living rising across Australia, many families are looking for simple ways to have fun together without spending money. Groceries, petrol, energy bills and mortgage repayments are all going up, which means many households are trying to cut back where they can.
The good news is that entertaining kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of the best family memories come from simple moments like exploring the outdoors, building cubbies, baking together or playing games at home.
If you’re trying to stretch the family budget, we’ve put together a huge list of free kids activities you can enjoy with children of all ages. These ideas include indoor activities, backyard fun and things to do around your local community.
Many of these ideas are also perfect for keeping kids busy during the school holidays. If you’re planning for the break, explore our guide to school holiday activities for kids in Newcastle and the Hunter.
Many of these ideas are also perfect for the school holidays. You can also explore our guide to free school holiday activities for kids for more ideas to keep children entertained during the break.
Free Indoor Activities for Kids
Parents are constantly searching for things to do with kids at home, especially during rainy weekends, quiet afternoons or school holidays.
If you’re looking for more ideas when the weather isn’t great, take a look at our guide to rainy day activities for kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Simple home activities often end up being the ones kids enjoy most because they allow them to be creative and imaginative.
Here are some easy activities to try indoors.
- Make homemade playdough and create shapes and creatures
- Paint pictures using yoghurt and food colouring
- Build elaborate LEGO creations or try a LEGO challenge
- Create artwork using recycled materials
- Make bookmarks for favourite books
- Play board games together
- Solve jigsaw puzzles
- Listen to audiobooks from the library
- Make homemade musical instruments
- Have a fun day spa at home
- Create a family photo backdrop and take silly photos
- Play card games or build card towers
- Have a family storytime
- Make a family time capsule to open in the future.
- Freeze toys in ice and slowly melt them free
- Print with potatoes
- Make carrot tops and watch them sprout
- Do play-based activities with babies and toddlers
- Have some fun at home with your baby or toddler. Check out our article for five sensory baby & toddler play activities using things you have at home
- You can also have fun doing play-based activities with your preschooler. Check out our article for 10 play-based activities and ideas
- Have a family movie night
These simple activities can easily fill an afternoon and encourage creativity and imagination.
Free Creative Activities for Kids
Arts and crafts are one of the easiest ways to keep kids entertained without spending money. Many craft projects can be made using things you already have at home.
Try some of these creative activities.
- Make a family scrapbook
- Create artwork to hang around the house
- Build sculptures using cardboard boxes
- Decorate old T-shirts or shoes
- Make recycled jewellery using cardboard or pasta
- Paint rocks and hide them around the neighbourhood
- Make sock puppets and perform a puppet show
- Try string art using thread and nails
- Learn Morse code
- Make slime
- Learn origami using scrap paper
- Make paper chatterboxes
- Record your family’s history.
Craft activities are especially great for quiet afternoons when kids feel like doing something creative.
Free Cooking Activities for Kids
Cooking with kids is a great way to spend time together while teaching useful life skills.
Simple recipes are often the most fun.
Try these ideas.
- Bake biscuits or cupcakes
- Make homemade pizzas with different toppings
- Cook a favourite family recipe together
- Create a family recipe book
- Pop popcorn and experiment with flavours
- Make rainbow pancakes
- Bake a cake from scratch
- Try cooking meals from different countries
- Make DIY ice cream sundaes
Cooking activities often take longer than expected, which is perfect for filling a relaxed afternoon.
Free Backyard Activities for Kids
Your backyard can become a fantastic play space with just a little imagination.
Outdoor play helps kids burn energy and enjoy fresh air.
Some fun backyard activities include:
- Draw pictures or hopscotch using chalk
- Blow bubbles and experiment with bubble wands
- Host a teddy bears picnic
- Create a backyard obstacle course
- Build a fairy garden
- Create a bug hotel using natural materials
- Plant seeds or start a veggie garden
- Press flowers and collect nature treasures
- Watch the clouds and imagine shapes
- Press flowers
- Do a backyard scavenger hunt
- Have a family handball tournament
Backyard games can easily keep kids entertained for hours.
Free Active Games for Kids
Kids often need a way to burn off energy, especially during school holidays or long days indoors.
Here are some simple movement games.
- Have a family dance party
- Follow a kids yoga video
- Skip using a skipping rope
- Create a hallway obstacle course
- Play hide and seek
- Learn to juggle
- Try limbo with a broomstick
- Paper airplane challenge
- Have a sack race
- Play musical chairs
- Create a bowling game using empty bottles
These activities are simple but surprisingly effective at keeping kids busy.
Free Community Activities for Families
You don’t always need to stay at home to have free fun with kids. Many communities offer plenty of activities and places to explore.
Ideas for free outings include:
- Visit a local playground. Either visit a favourite playground or choose a new one each week. If you’re looking for inspiration, explore our guide to the best playgrounds in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter.
- Go for a family bike ride
- Enjoy a picnic at the park
- Explore walking tracks
- Spend time at the beach or lake
- Attend free outdoor concerts
- Visit local markets
- Look for community festivals
- Join a toy library
- Check your local library for school holiday programs
Even a short walk around your neighbourhood can turn into an adventure when kids are looking for interesting things along the way.
You can also try one of our Newy with Kids scavenger hunts to explore your local area. There are scavenger hunts in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens to enjoy with your kids.
Making the Most of Free Family Fun
Entertaining kids doesn’t have to involve expensive attractions or constant outings. In fact, many of the best family memories come from simple activities at home or outdoors.
Whether you’re building cubbies, baking together, exploring nature or playing backyard games, there are plenty of ways to have fun with your kids without spending money.
With a little creativity and a willingness to slow down, families can fill weekends and school holidays with fun experiences while keeping the family budget under control.
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