16 Cheap Ways to Entertain Your Kids and Have Fun Doing Them

Entertaining children doesn’t have to be complicated. It also doesn’t need to cost you. There are plenty of cheap ways to keep your kids entertained, especially when they are out of school.

In this list of cheap ways to entertain your kids, I’ve included some things I do with my niece. The activities on this list are perfect for children over three and under 13. Some you can do in your house, and others get everyone outside to enjoy nature. The variety of options will keep things interesting for you and the kids.

So, check out our list of 16 cheap ways to entertain your kids and see which ones excite you.

1. Take Nature Walks

Nature walks don’t cost a thing. They are a perfect way to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Little ones love walks. You can even turn nature walks into a game.

When I worked as a nanny, we frequently went on nature walks near their home. We’d play I-Spy or look for specific leaves and flowers to keep entertained.

2. Decorate Rocks

If you have kids, you probably have paint somewhere in your home. Use it when you need to keep your kids entertained cheaply! On the nature walk I mentioned above, find smooth rocks to paint.

Then, set up a painting station outside so the mess is left in a small space, and get creative. Painting rocks is relaxing, a little messy, and a great way to keep kids busy. You can also use glitter, feathers, glue, and googly eyes.

3. Color

Coloring pages and books don’t have to break your wallet. If you have a printer, you can always print your child’s favorite TV show character to color.

If you’d rather keep a coloring book, they are inexpensive. I buy my coloring books on Amazon, Five Below, and Dollar Tree for less than $5.00. Ross also carries coloring books for a great price.

4. Create Chalk Art

Even as an adult, I love drawing with chalk. It’s easy to use, clean up, and put away. If you have the space, why not let your kids draw on your sidewalks?

Chalk is inexpensive. A box of 24 can last months. The best part about chalk is that you can still use it even after it breaks.

5. Sensory Bucket

Young children can benefit from using sensory buckets. Even I, nearing 30, love using sensory boards and buckets. They are satisfying and can keep kids entertained for hours.

You don’t have to buy a sensory bucket or bin, either. You can design one from household items. A popular bin idea uses glass marbles, stones, and sand. Before creating a sensory bin, be sure the items within it are age-appropriate to avoid choking hazards.

6. Build Blanket Forts

Some of my best childhood memories are when my family and I would use all the blankets and pillows in our home to create a massive fort. This timeless classic activity is a great, free way to entertain your kids.

Let them take control. See how your kids get creative and build their ‘perfect’ fort.

7. Blow Bubbles

Kids love bubbles, probably even more than they love stickers. Giving them bubbles is another great way to keep kids entertained on a budget.

Bubbles are easy to make. All you need is water, soap, and a bubble wand. You can buy bubbles in most stores and refill them with soapy water. I recommend doing this activity outside so the floors in your home don’t become slippery.

8. Garden

Did you know gardening is good for kids? Not only do they stretch their bodies and run around, but it also affects their brains. Kids can learn so much from gardening, and it’s free!

Next time you’re working in your garden, I recommend creating a small space for your kid to try and grow seeds. Fill the area with soil and provide them with seeds. Who knows, their little plot may thrive more than yours!

9. Bake Cookies

What kid doesn’t like baking cookies? While you won’t be able to leave your child alone in the kitchen, it’s a good way to keep them entertained. Plus, it can be an excellent bonding experience.

Let your children help you bake cookies. They will have so much fun rolling the dough into balls and adding their favorite toppings. You don’t need to buy expensive ingredients; you can just use household items or a cheap cookie mix packet.

10. Go on Bike Rides

Technically, going on a bike ride is free, but this cheap way only works if you already have a bike. You can also tweak it. If you or your child doesn’t own a bike but has roller skates, a skateboard, or a scooter, they can use that.

Take your kid out for a ride for ten to fifteen minutes a day, weather permitting. This is great exercise.

11. Take a Library Day

Libraries are excellent. They are free and filled with incredible programs. I recommend signing up for a library card and taking your children to the free events and programs.

I’ve taken my niece many times to the reading hour. This is an hour-long story time with new weekly themes. There are also craft, music, and cooking days. Check out your local library to see what they offer.

12. Attend Free Museums

You might be confused about why I mention museums since not all are free. Still, most museums offer lower rates for children. There are also plenty of free museums, nature preserves, and zoos.

I recommend searching online to see if you live near a free museum. If so, plan a day to remember.

13. Watch Dance Videos

Kids have a lot of energy. Why not let them burn this energy through dance? As a nanny, I always put on a 15-minute dance video in the morning. It was interactive, upbeat, and uplifting.

The kids never got tired of it. Even as the day went on, they’d ask me to put it back on. It’s a good thing YouTube is free!

14. Finger Paint

Check out finger paint if you aren’t afraid of a little bit of paint and mess. I buy finger paint from Michawls or Dollar Tree. It’s inexpensive and easy to clean up.

Like with most craft projects, I recommend doing this outside. If you can’t, put down newspaper or some kind of tarp so cleaning up is even easier.

15. Fly Kites

Do you have some spare time on a windy day? Consider taking your kids out to fly a kite. Flying kites is underrated. It’s also extremely inexpensive. You can buy them in most activity and discount stores in the U.S.

If you have even more time, design and build the kite with your child. I’ve made a cheap and simple kite only using tape, wooden sticks, and paper before.

16. Play in the Rain

Last but not least, spend a day playing in the rain. If it’s not storming with lightning, dress yourself and your child in rain clothes and stroll.

Jump into any puddles you see on your walk, or even play some music and dance in the rain. These memories are lovely, inexpensive, and priceless.

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