Save your little ones from boredom with these fun activities for kids!<\/em><\/p>\n When kids start to go stir-crazy at home and complain about being bored, moms go crazy too \ud83d\ude29. So\u2026we came up with a list of minimal supervision crafts and activities to keep in your back pocket on those frantic days.<\/p>\n If you know the look of boredom your kids get when they\u2019re running out of things to do, then these fun activities for kids will come in handy for you too. These easy crafts and activities are suited best for ages 10 and under, and many of them are completely FREE! \ud83c\udf89<\/p>\n We love affordable art activities for kids and this adorable craft is budget-friendly and so fun to do! Help your child create their own sun catcher using cardboard, cellophane<\/a>, and scotch tape. You can also attach your suncatcher to a dowel<\/a> to create a wand!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget your flashlight! This is one of our favorite indoor activities for kids as it keeps them occupied for hours on end. Give your kids some sheets, blankets, and books and have them set up a magical getaway under your table.<\/p>\n If you have a small tent that\u2019s easy to set up, that\u2019ll work too. Have your kids gather whatever toys, books, or thingamabobs they want to take camping and then let them flourish while you get back to being super mom.<\/p>\n This minimal supervision activity is quick and easy to set up. Simply hide the scavenger hunt clue cards. Your kids will solve the riddles to find out where to locate the next clue. They\u2019ll be busy hunting down their next hint for as long as it takes! The more clues you have hidden, the longer they\u2019ll stay occupied.<\/p>\n We kept our hunt indoors, but if you have a safe backyard space, feel free to take the adventure outside! Back in 2022, Reddit had a massive summer scavenger hunt<\/a> and the list of over 400 items is still available online and perfect for older kids. For younger kids, print a simplified outdoor scavenger hunt list from Homeschool Share<\/a>.<\/p>\n Help your child visualize their goals and dreams! For this minimal supervision craft, you\u2019ll need a poster<\/a> <\/strong>and some markers or colored pencils. If your kids are old enough to handle scissors and glue on their own, they can create the ultimate vision board with magazine clippings.<\/p>\n Here are a few vision board questions to get them inspired:<\/strong><\/p>\n Time for a challenge! With little to no supervision, your kids will have a blast navigating their indoor or outdoor obstacle course.<\/p>\n Ready, set, go! Making a race track is not only one of the fun indoor activities for kids, but it\u2019s budget-friendly too! All you need for this zero-supervision activity is washi tape<\/strong><\/a> and toy cars<\/a>. Have your little one create their very own race track on a hard surface. You can customize your track with different tape colors, toilet paper rolls as tunnels, and paper race flags.<\/p>\n Grow your child\u2019s gardening skills! Plant an indoor or outdoor garden together. This is a great way to teach your kiddo about science, nutrition, and agriculture! Get the DIY here on Hip2Save<\/a>.<\/p>\n Time to rock \u2018n roll! <\/em>There\u2019s no\u00a0need for a bowling alley if you don\u2019t have one nearby! A colorful bowling set<\/a> like this one by Melissa & Doug<\/a>\u00a0can be an affordable toy your child can play with again and again.<\/p>\n Willing to leave the house? Register at Kids Bowl Free<\/a> for up to two FREE games of bowling every day during the spring and summer!<\/p>\n Give your kiddos a lasting memory by creating a play together! This indoor activity will challenge your children\u2019s imagination and get them off the couch!<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a simple guide to get them started:<\/p>\n Amazon also has a ton of \u201cplay\u201d accessories<\/a> to make your home theater more exciting.<\/p>\n Paint stones with images that make a story! Have your kids head out to the backyard and go rock hunting or order some smooth stones<\/a> for this unique craft.\u00a0Paint pens<\/a> work best for this art project, but chalk or acrylic paint will work too (a little messier). If your kiddos are struggling to come up with their own story, they can also recreate a classic tale like the 3 little pigs.<\/p>\n This game? It rocks! Get the DIY on Balancing Home<\/a>.<\/p>\n Unlike a lot of one-and-done crafts, building toys are one of the indoor activities that can keep kids entertained for hours on end. If you\u2019ve ever built a Lincoln Log<\/a> town or designed the ultimate marble run<\/a> as a child, you probably know how fun they can be!<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to find toys that can entertain my boys, they love LEGOs but they are so expensive to keep buying. I\u2019ve been looking for other building toys that they can use their imagination with and these are great! \u2013 Amazon Marble Run review<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Building toys challenge creativity, imagination, and motor skills\u2013 all things we want our little ones to excel at! If you don\u2019t already have them at home, Amazon has plenty of great building toys to choose from:<\/p>\n Want Bubbles for DAYS?! Get the DIY here on Hip2Save<\/a>. This affordable activity is always a hit!<\/p>\n I don\u2019t care how cool you think you are when there\u2019s puffy paint, we\u2019re ALL in. Get the DIY here on Hip2Save<\/a>.<\/p>\n GoNoodle.com<\/a> is an incredible resource for educational and fun activities for kids! Plus, you can do these activities indoors! The website has tons of free printables to teach your child about things like the water cycle or eating a healthy and balanced meal.<\/p>\n They also have mindfulness exercises and sing and dance videos<\/a> to get your kids moving and grooving while learning at the same time!<\/p>\n I love this site and so does my 7-year-old daughter. The videos are very interactive, intelligently funny, teach important lessons, and really get my daughter moving. The yoga and mindfulness videos are outstanding. We do these as a family and absolutely love them.<\/em> -GoNoodle parent review<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n We love indoor activities that can help your child grow useful skills, like music lessons! Whether your child has taken piano lessons before or is picking up an instrument for the first time, they can practice and progress with at-home music lessons.<\/p>\n Music To Your Home<\/a> is a company that can provide virtual music lessons for popular instruments like piano, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, flute, saxophone, drums, and more. Online lessons start at $45 for 30 minutes.<\/p>\n Contain the mess! If there\u2019s an activity that doesn\u2019t involve turning the house upside down, we\u2019re ALL FOR IT. Purchase some bathtub finger paint<\/a> or crayons<\/a> and let your little artists create a masterpiece!<\/p>\n Bathwater isn\u2019t necessary for this activity<\/strong> and isn\u2019t recommended if your children are under the age of 5. If using water, children should be closely supervised at all times. Looking for more fun art activities for kids? Buy a cheap shower curtain at Dollar Tree<\/a> and some paints<\/a>. Hang the curtain outside on a fence or lay it flat on the ground. Then, let your kiddos have at it! They\u2019ll create a one-of-a-kind piece or artwork that is functional too!<\/p>\n Kids can get hands-on and tackle fun DIY projects for FREE at\u00a0The Home Depot! Check their list of upcoming workshops<\/a>\u00a0to get your kiddo registered. While you\u2019re there, look for adult workshops as well \u2014 while they\u2019re not free, they\u2019re certainly worth checking out!<\/p>\n Reading is a great way to keep kids engaged in learning. During the school year, I check for local reading programs near me and you can too!<\/p>\n If your kids are out of school for summer break, check out our post on the many FREE summer reading programs<\/a> that reward kids for hitting the books all summer long. With incentives like free books, Chuck E Cheese tokens, Scholastic digital rewards, and Pizza Hut pizza, it won\u2019t be hard to convince them to get those pages turning!<\/p>\n Love the outdoors? Looking for a unique experience? Don\u2019t want to spend money? If you\u2019ve been searching for \u201coutdoor activities near me,\u201d then you should consider Geocaching<\/a>! This real-world treasure hunt involves looking for hidden boxes (known as Geocaches) using your smartphone or GPS unit and then documenting your experience online.<\/p>\n Introduce your child to arts, history, and culture by visiting museums and historical sites near you. Your local museums may offer discounted or free admissions days. Other ways to save on admission include:<\/p>\n Hip Tip:<\/strong> Did you know you can also tour factories? Visit FactoryTourUSA<\/a> to see educational tours near you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gather up the kids and host a movie night. If you have a projector, you can even watch your favorite films outdoors!<\/p>\n Depending on where you live, your local botanical garden<\/a> may offer free admission days for all (or for children under a certain age). Search for \u201cbotanical gardens near me,\u201d to find ones in your area. Be sure to check their website or call ahead to find out about any promotions so you can score a free visit!<\/p>\n Search for \u201cstate and national parks near me\u201d, and you might just find some in your area. Our state and national parks offer so many fantastic and fun outdoor activities for kids. You can go hiking, animal watching, cross-country skiing, fishing, and more. Some parks may be cheap or affordable to enter and others may cost more.<\/p>\n Luckily, there are ways to save and get discounted or FREE admission:<\/p>\n This is a wonderful resource to help children who struggle with social and emotional cues and the Emotional ABC\u2019s website<\/a> teaches them how to deal with impulses and frustrations.<\/p>\n It also teaches them self-soothing techniques for how to manage their emotions. \ud83d\ude4c Keep Emotional ABCs in mind next time your little one has an outburst!<\/p>\n Camps and day programs are a great way to occupy kids in the summer. See if your local park district may offer affordable camps for kids near you.<\/p>\n Or, consider sending your child to a specialized summer camp that caters to their interests. For example, if your child loves STEM activities for kids, they can join Microsoft\u2019s YouthSpark program<\/a> which is held at Microsoft stores across the country and offers a range of activities to suit all interests.<\/p>\n Kids 8-12 can also join Apple\u2019s FREE Apple Camp<\/a>. Your kiddos will expand their digital creativity through hands-on projects with experts at Apple!<\/p>\n Meanwhile, little ones who love crafts may enjoy Michael\u2019s Camp Creatology<\/a> which runs in the summer. There are different fun activities for kids on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They can attend in-person, live online, on demand, or do a self-guided activity using a downloadable booklet.<\/p>\n Also, Lakeshore Learning<\/a> offers FREE events for kids ages 3 and up every<\/em>\u00a0Saturday from 11AM-3PM (no reservation required).<\/p>\n Have little ones looking to cool off in the heat? Head to a local splash pad where kids (and adults \ud83d\ude09 ) can play in the pads \u2013 and most splash pad sites are completely free! It\u2019s one of the outdoor activities for kids that is always a hit!<\/p>\n There are ALWAYS volunteer opportunities for families to give back to the community. Ask around to neighbors or friends to see if they\u2019re active in any groups they feel are worth joining. You can also search\u00a0Volunteer Match<\/a> for a more comprehensive list of available opportunities near you.<\/p>\n Not only is it a bonding experience for your family, you\u2019ll be teaching your kids a valuable lesson in the importance of giving back \u2014 how sweet!<\/p>\n Check out this FREE printable Bingo chore chart for kids<\/a>, too!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Kids](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Kids-Suncatcher-Craft.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C709&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n\n
\u201cWhatta we do now mom?!\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n
Fun Activities For Kids to Try in 2024:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
1. Create a suncatcher.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Lady-Bug-Suncatcher-Easy-Kids-Craft.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C625&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n2. Make table tents for indoor camping.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Little](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Untitled-design-2.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/h2>\n3. Complete a scavenger hunt.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/I-have-four-legs-but-no-feet.-When-you-get-hungry-this-is-where-you-eat.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n4. Creating vision boards is one of the easier indoor activities for kids.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Vision](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Vision-board.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C456&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n\n
5. Build obstacle courses.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Little](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Laser-zone.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/h2>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Untitled-design-5.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n\n
Get started with some of these DIY obstacle course setup ideas:<\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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6. Make a DIY car track.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Washi](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Untitled-design-8.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/a><\/p>\n7. Plant a garden.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"an](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/diy-stacked-herb-garden.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/a><\/p>\n8. One of the timeless & fun indoor activities for kids is indoor bowling.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Boy](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Melissa-and-Doug-indoor-Bowling-Set-1.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C678&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n9. One of our favorite fun indoor activities for kids is to write and perform a play together.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Little](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Untitled-design-7.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/h2>\n\n
10. Looking for art activities for kids? Paint story stones!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Story](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Story-stones.png?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/h2>\n11. Speaking of stones, you can also make a travel Tic Tac Toe set.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"diy](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/diy-tic-tac-toe-set.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C608&strip=all\")
<\/a>Photo from Balancing Home<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n12. When it comes to fun activities for kids, you can\u2019t go wrong with building toys!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"little](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/marble-run.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Child](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Lincoln-Logs.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/a><\/p>\n13. Need outdoor activities? Make these HUGE bubbles with just 3 ingredients.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/how-to-make-diy-bubbles.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n14. Do some art activities for kids with homemade puffy sidewalk paint.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Girl](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/diy-puffy-sidewalk-chalk.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n15. Take advantage of online educational resources.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Kids](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/GoNoodle.com-picture-e1707757628316.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C895&strip=all\")
<\/h2>\n16. Take online music lessons.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Girl](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Music-To-Your-Home-Online-Music-Lessons.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C505&strip=all\")
<\/a><\/p>\n17. Bathtub art projects are always fun activities for kids.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Tub-Works-Bathtub-Crayons.png?w=912&resize=912%2C607&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n18. Paint a shower curtain.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"children](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Fun-Activities-For-Kids-Painting-A-Shower-Curtain.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C635&strip=all\")
<\/h2>\n19. Attend a Home Depot Workshop.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"free](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/home-depot-kids-workshop-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/a><\/p>\n20. Get involved in library activities and reading programs.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"free](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/summer-reading-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/a><\/p>\n21. One of our top outdoor activities for kids is to go geocaching.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"free](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/geocache-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C494&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n22. Visit museums or historical sites.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"fun](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/art-museum-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C494&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n\n
23. Host an indoor or outdoor movie night.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"movie](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Movie-Projector.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n24. Cook together.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"girl](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/kids-cooking.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C684&strip=all\")
Whip up something special and create a memory together. Your kiddo will learn cooking skills and feel proud of what they made. We have tons of fun recipes to try<\/a> here on Hip2Save!<\/p>\n25. For more outdoor activities, visit a botanical garden.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"the](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/botanical-garden-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C494&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n26. Explore a state or national park.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"zion](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/zion-national-park-sign-.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n27. Emotional ABC\u2019s<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Child](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Emotions.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C479&strip=all\")
<\/h2>\n28. Come summer, join a camp or local day program.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"free](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/microsoft-youthspark-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C494&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n29. Visit a splash pad or pool.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"free](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/splash-pad-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C494&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n30. Volunteer together.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/volunteer-painting-hip2save.jpg?w=912&resize=912%2C494&strip=all\")
<\/p>\n