Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Sometimes, it’s hard to figure out what will keep them busy without going crazy yourself. Don’t worry—here are the top 15 fun things to do with kids near me this weekend.
📑 Table of Contents
1. Visit a Local Zoo or Animal Park
If your kids love animals, this one is a no-brainer. Watching monkeys swing or giraffes munch leaves is always exciting. Some zoos let kids feed goats or pet smaller animals. I remember my niece running from the penguins to the flamingos, totally fascinated.
A tip: check the zoo’s website for weekend shows or talks. Bring snacks, because kids get hungry fast, and water. Don’t plan too many hours—you’ll be surprised how fast they get tired walking around.
2. Go to a Children’s Museum
Children’s museums are a little different from regular museums—they’re meant to be touched and played with. My son spent an entire afternoon building with giant foam blocks and didn’t even notice the time. Some museums have science experiments or art corners on weekends.
It’s perfect if the weather isn’t great and the kids need to burn energy indoors. Just make sure to see what age group the exhibits are for, so your child can enjoy everything safely.
3. Spend Time at a Public Park
Parks are the easiest choice, and kids never seem to get bored. Swings, slides, open fields… they’ll run, climb, and laugh for hours. Pack a ball, a kite, or even a frisbee, and you’re set.
One thing to remember: check if the park has bathrooms and shaded areas, especially in summer. A small picnic can make it extra fun. I usually bring sandwiches and a blanket and let the kids run around while I relax nearby.
4. Take a Nature Hike
A short, easy trail can feel like a big adventure. Point out bugs, leaves, and birds along the way—it keeps kids interested. We once saw a tiny frog, and my son spent 10 minutes just staring at it.
Pack water and comfy shoes. Don’t push them to walk too far; sometimes stopping to notice small things is the best part. Hiking is quiet, but it’s also a chance for little chats along the way.
5. Visit an Aquarium
Aquariums are magical for kids. They love walking through tunnels with fish all around. Some places have touch tanks where kids can feel starfish or small crabs.
A little tip: visit early in the day or check feeding times. Kids love watching staff feed the fish or turtles—it feels like a mini-show. Bring a camera. You’ll want to remember their faces when they see a giant shark or jellyfish for the first time.
6. Try a Weekend Class or Workshop
Sometimes kids need something a little different than running around. Weekend classes or workshops can be a nice change. My daughter once went to a little pottery class, and she came home showing off her “masterpiece” with the biggest smile.
Check community centers, libraries, or craft stores near you. Kids can try painting, baking, or simple science projects. The key is to pick something suitable for their age. Some kids might get frustrated if it’s too tricky, so a beginner-friendly class is usually best.
7. Visit a Farm or Orchard
Farms and orchards are perfect for kids who like animals or picking fruits. We went to a pumpkin patch last fall, and my nephew couldn’t stop running from the hay bales to the small goat pen. Seasonal activities make it extra fun—think apples in autumn or strawberries in summer.
Dress kids in clothes that can get a little messy, and bring wipes or extra pants just in case. Farms are hands-on, active, and give kids a chance to see where some of our food comes from.
8. Go Bowling or Mini-Golfing
Bowling and mini-golf are classics for a reason—they’re simple and fun. Younger kids might need bumpers in bowling, and smaller golf clubs help make mini-golf enjoyable.
I like to go in the late morning when it’s less crowded. Kids laugh at the little failures, cheer when they succeed, and everyone feels included. Weekend deals or family passes often make these activities affordable too.
9. Spend a Day at the Beach or Lake
If you’re near a lake or the ocean, a day by the water can feel like a small vacation. Kids can splash in the water, build sandcastles, or collect shells. My kids love it so much they don’t even notice hours passing.
Don’t forget sunscreen, towels, and water. Keep an eye on them while swimming. Even a few hours can feel magical, and sometimes just digging in the sand is enough fun for little ones.
10. Visit a Library or Bookstore
Libraries and bookstores are more than quiet places—they can be adventures too. Many have weekend story hours, craft corners, or kid-friendly events. I usually let my kids pick a book each; they feel like little explorers in a world of stories.
Even if your child isn’t a big reader yet, sitting with books, drawing, or listening to a story is a calm and fun way to spend a couple of hours. Some libraries even have simple science or craft activities that are perfect for weekends.
11. Try an Indoor Trampoline Park or Play Center
Indoor play centers are perfect for days when the weather isn’t great. Kids can jump, climb, and run around safely. My son loves the trampolines so much that he comes home bouncing in place for hours.
Check if the park has separate areas for younger kids—it makes it safer and more fun. Bring socks and water, and plan to spend a couple of hours. These places are great for kids to burn energy without needing outdoor space.
12. Attend a Local Fair or Festival
Fairs and festivals can be lively and exciting for kids. There are rides, games, and plenty of treats to try. Last summer, we went to a small county fair, and my niece couldn’t stop giggling at the tiny ferris wheel.
Farmers’ markets often have kid-friendly events like face painting or animal encounters too. Check schedules and ticket prices ahead. Even wandering around, sampling snacks, and playing simple games can make for a fun day.
13. Go Ice Skating or Roller Skating
Skating is a fun way to stay active. Indoor rinks are great for beginners, and outdoor ones are wonderful in cooler months. My kids wore helmets and elbow pads, and they still ended up laughing every time they wobbled.
It’s a mix of exercise and play, and seeing kids improve their balance is always rewarding. Don’t worry about them falling—they’ll pick it up quickly and have a blast along the way.
14. Do Crafts or Simple Science at Home
You don’t always need to leave the house to have a good weekend. Crafts or easy science experiments are perfect for rainy days. I usually let my kids pick their project—sometimes messy, sometimes simple—and they end up so proud of what they make.
Use everyday items like paper, glue, or baking soda for safe experiments. Let kids make mistakes and try again; it’s part of the fun. Plus, you don’t need much space or money to keep them entertained.
15. Take a Family Bike Ride or Scooter Trip
Riding bikes or scooters is easy, healthy, and fun. Pick a safe path, like a quiet street or a local trail. Bring helmets, water, and maybe a snack for a short break.
My kids love racing each other, stopping to check out little ponds or flowers along the way. It’s simple but memorable. Even a short trip can make them feel like a big adventure.
Sometimes weekends sneak up, and you realize the kids are bouncing off the walls. Money is tight, or the weather isn’t perfect, and you just want something simple that everyone can enjoy. Over the years, I’ve found that the best ideas are often cheap, a little spontaneous, and full of little adventures.
Cheap Things to Do with Kids Near Me this Weekend
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a memorable weekend. One time, I packed a small picnic—just sandwiches and juice boxes—and we went to a small park nearby. My kids spent the entire afternoon racing each other, chasing squirrels, and pretending to be explorers.
Nature trails can be just as fun; we like to turn them into treasure hunts, pointing out birds, leaves, and interesting rocks along the way. Even a simple backyard scavenger hunt can turn into a half-day of excitement if you add small surprises.
Indoor Activities You Can Do with Kids Near Me
When it rains or the air is too cold, indoor fun is the answer. Libraries and bookstores often have little corners for crafts or story hours. My kids love choosing their own books and sitting on the floor listening to a story.
At home, you can set up simple science experiments—like mixing baking soda and vinegar—or baking projects. One time, my daughter spent almost two hours “testing” cupcakes she had decorated herself. Even building a blanket fort and pretending it’s a secret castle can keep them occupied for a long time.
Outdoor Family Activities Near Me
Outdoor activities don’t have to be complicated. Neighborhood bike rides, a picnic by a pond, or a walk through a nearby garden can turn into a mini adventure. My son once spent an hour lying in the grass watching clouds, naming shapes, and laughing at the clouds that looked like animals.
Even simple games like frisbee, tag, or a nature scavenger hunt make a small park feel like a giant playground. The key is letting the kids’ imagination lead the way; they often make the simplest outings magical.
Where Can You Take Kids for Free Fun Near Me
Free fun exists everywhere, even if it’s hidden. Public beaches, walking trails, playgrounds, and community gardens are great examples. I remember a Saturday when we wandered into a small local festival.
There were puppet shows and music performances, and the kids were entertained for hours without us spending a cent. Sometimes, just exploring your neighborhood, watching birds, or looking for interesting flowers or insects can be a delightful way to spend a morning.
Rainy Day Activities for Kids Near Me
Rainy weekends are tricky, but they can be surprisingly fun. Indoor play centers and museums are always good options, but even the home can become an adventure. I like to set up simple obstacle courses using chairs, pillows, and blankets.
My kids love crawling under tables, jumping over pillows, and racing from one end to another. Baking is another winner—they enjoy measuring, mixing, and tasting. Storytelling is surprisingly effective too: each of us adds a line to a silly story, and the laughter never stops. Even dreary weather can feel exciting with a little creativity.
Some Unique Weekend Activities for Kids Near Me
Unique doesn’t mean expensive. One of my favorite things is visiting small farms or orchards. Kids get to feed animals, pick fruits, and explore places they usually only see in books. Another idea is backyard camping; setting up a small tent, bringing a flashlight, and telling stories under the stars can feel like a huge adventure.
Some towns have kids’ yoga sessions, pottery workshops, or theater performances that aren’t crowded and give a different experience than the usual park or playground trip. Little twists on ordinary activities make weekends feel memorable.
FAQs About Activities for Kids
1. How can I find cheap things to do with kids this weekend?
Honestly, it’s easier than you think. Parks, local walking trails, and community events are usually free. I sometimes pack a small picnic and let my kids explore nearby playgrounds—it never costs more than snacks and water. Even a scavenger hunt at home or in the backyard can keep them busy for hours.
2. What indoor activities can I do with kids near me?
Rainy days? No problem. I often take my kids to libraries for storytime or craft corners. At home, we do baking, simple science experiments, or build blanket forts. Sometimes we turn it into a mini challenge, like “who can make the tallest fort?” and the kids love it.
3. What are some outdoor family activities near me?
Bike rides, nature walks, and picnics are simple but always fun. One weekend, we took a short hike and my kids spent half the time naming birds and spotting frogs—it kept them excited the whole morning. Even just tossing a frisbee or organizing a backyard treasure hunt works great.
4. Where can I take kids for free fun near me?
Free options are everywhere. Public beaches, playgrounds, parks, and community gardens are great. Local farmers’ markets sometimes have music or kids’ zones. I remember a small festival where my kids watched a puppet show for free, and they couldn’t stop talking about it for days.
5. What can kids do on a rainy day near me?
Indoor play centers, museums, and libraries are good choices, but home works too. Crafts, board games, storytelling, and mini obstacle courses are hits. One rainy Saturday, I set up an indoor scavenger hunt with clues around the house—they stayed busy and happy all afternoon.
6. What are some unique weekend activities for kids?
Try little adventures that aren’t the usual playground trip. Farms, orchards, backyard camping, kids’ yoga, pottery workshops, or theater shows are fun alternatives. Even small twists, like stargazing at night or exploring a local garden, can make the weekend feel special.
Conclusion
Weekends are for family time. You don’t need fancy trips or expensive tickets. Sometimes, simple things like a park visit, a bike ride, or a craft at home make the best memories.
Mix outdoor and indoor activities to keep kids interested. Check local schedules, weather, and safety rules before heading out. Most importantly, relax, laugh, and enjoy the time together.
These 15 ideas cover a wide range—from farms and beaches to museums and indoor play centers. Pick a few that fit your family and make this weekend fun, easy, and full of smiles.
