55 Fun Things to Do With Kids of All Ages

Children can sometimes feel bored by or uninterested in their surroundings, which can lead to negative behaviors and attitudes. To combat boredom, parents can plan fun things to do with kids that regulate their mood, promote creativity, and encourage physical activity.

If you're struggling to come up with fun things to do with kids at home or outside, we’ve got you covered!

In this blog post, you'll find the most entertaining, family-friendly activities to do with your kid. Let's discover all the fun activities and games you need to include on your bucket list.

25 Fun Things to Do With Kids at Home

Spending quality time at home with kids through engaging activities is a great way to strengthen the parent-child bond and create positive memories that last a lifetime.

Here is a detailed list of fun things to do at home with kids:

1. MentalUP Learning Games

You can stop googling for “fun things to do with kids near me” because MentalUP is here to provide your family members with the most entertaining games and activities that can be done both indoors and outdoors!

MentalUP is a scientifically designed learning app created by pedagogs, academicians, and game developers. That’s why it has helped children all over the world to expand their skills!

MentalUP provides kids with a holistic learning experience by combining the most stimulating brain training games and physical activities that are tailored to their needs, interests, and educational requirements.

But that’s not all! MentalUP is now equipped with a variety of testing tools and activities that kids can use to measure their skills and compete with their peers. So not only will they have fun, but they'll also be motivated to improve their abilities and perform better in school and extracurricular activities!

2. Indoor Bowling

If you're wondering what fun things to do near me with kids and thinking about going bowling, we have a great idea for you: bring bowling to your home! Just set up a bowling alley using plastic bottles or cups and a small ball.

Indoor bowling is a highly entertaining activity that requires a steady hand, concentration, and a good sense of aim. So it's also great for helping kids expand their hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.

3. Simon Says

Playing Simon Says might be one of the most fun things to do with little kids. You can give your kid instructions starting with "Simon says..." and ask them to follow the instructions only if "Simon says" is said first. It is a great activity to support kids' listening skills and cognitive flexibility in an entertaining way.

4. Indoor Basketball

If you are looking for sports-based, fun things to do with your kids, you can set up a mini basketball hoop in your home and play some basketball games. As it challenges players to use their coordination and balance, it is a great activity for people of all ages to improve their physical skills while having fun indoors. So, you can use them as one of the best after-school activities for kids and let them blow off steam to relax after a busy school day together with you.

5. Board Games

Classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or chess could be an excellent way to spice up weekends and keep your family’s minds active. Most board games require players to use critical thinking and decision-making skills, and they also promote social interaction and communication.

So next time you wonder what fun things to do with kids this weekend, you can utilize the board games at your home and enjoy the greatest group games for kids together with It will probably be one of your favorite family activities.

6. Movie Night

Organizing a movie night is one of the most fun free things to do with kids. It’ll be a relaxing and entertaining activity where you won’t understand how time passed so quickly.

Just pick a family-friendly movie, make some popcorn, and settle in for a cozy night at home. You can encourage your kid to discuss the movie afterward to expand their critical thinking and reflection.

7. Card Games

Playing card games like Go Fish, Uno, or Crazy Eights could be one of the most fun things to do inside with kids. It is also a great activity to help them build better communication skills.

In addition, card games promote cognitive skills, such as memory, strategy, and social skills. So it can be an entertaining and beneficial activity for all family members.

8. Family Scrapbook

If you are looking for fun cheap things to do with kids with a bonding activity, you should definitely try creating a family scrapbook. The activity will help your family reflect on and preserve their memories, while also working together to create a meaningful keepsake. You can use photos, artwork, and memorabilia to make the activity more interesting. Also, you can benefit from drawing ideas for kids to increase their creative skills.

9. Puzzles

Working on puzzles together as a family can be a beneficial activity to keep everyone’s cognitive skills sharp. There are a lot of online and physical puzzles available if you are looking for fun things to do today with kids. Witnessing your family members' trial-and-error strategies while solving puzzles will also probably make you laugh together.

10. Karaoke Night

If you are looking for extremely fun things to do with kids today, you can organize a karaoke night to sing your favorite songs using online karaoke videos. It will allow your family members to express themselves through music and performance, while also encouraging them to communicate and collaborate.

11. Family Talent Show

Organizing a family talent show is definitely among the most fun things to do with the kids. Have each family member showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, or comedy. This activity will promote self-expression, confidence, and creativity.

12. Home-Made Play Dough

Making playdough from scratch can be among the fun things to do with little kids. This activity encourages children to use their imagination and explore their artistic abilities, while also improving their ability to manipulate objects and develop fine motor skills.

13. Egg Painting Activity

If you are looking for cheap fun things to do with kids during Easter, you can set up a painting station and create some masterpieces together.

Organizing an egg painting activity can be a fun and engaging activity that allows kids to express their emotions and ideas through art. It also helps children develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and focus.

14. Tea Party

Having a tea party can be one of the most fun things to do with young kids. Just set up a tea party complete with tea, sandwiches, and treats. It is an entertaining way to teach children about etiquette and manners while also encouraging social interaction and communication. If you want your party to be more entertaining, you can try to use would you rather questions for kids.

15. Time Capsule

Are you looking for fun things to do with kids today? If your answer is yes, try creating time capsules with items that represent your family and burying them in your backyard. It is a great way to preserve memories and create a sense of nostalgia in an interesting way.

16. Video Games

While excessive screen time can be detrimental to children's health and development, playing video games in moderation can be one of the most fun things to do with kids in the summer.

Playing age-appropriate video games together as a family can improve your family’s problem-solving, attention, and fine motor skills while keeping them entertained.

17. Homemade Popsicles

If you have some fruit juice or yogurt, making popsicles from scratch could be one of the best free fun things to do with kids. It's a great way to promote kids' creativity and healthy eating habits. Just make sure that they can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create their own unique recipes.

18. Playing Charades

This is a fun and interactive game that encourages family members to think creatively and express themselves non-verbally. It is great for promoting cognitive skills such as communication, creativity, and problem-solving.

To play the game, all you need to do is act out different words or phrases without speaking and have others guess what you are acting out. When one of the players is done, you can take turns to continue playing.

19. Family Book Club

If you are looking for fun things to do with kids that can promote their literacy skills, you can create a family book club in which you read a book together as a family and discuss it.

This is a fun and engaging activity that accelerates reading comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills. It is also a great way to teach kids about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences through reading.

20. Building a Lego City

This is an entertaining and engaging activity that allows individuals to express their imagination and creativity while also improving their spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. By building with Legos with your kid, you can both spend quality time and spark your cognitive abilities.

21. Paper Airplane Race

If you are wondering what fun things to do with kids around me, fold paper airplanes and race them to see whose airplane flies the farthest. This is a great activity to encourage kids to use their creativity, problem-solving, and gross motor skills and learn about aerodynamics and physics.

22. Family Tree

Creating a family tree together can promote bonding and is among the most fun things to do at home with kids. It is an interesting and educational activity that allows children to learn about their family history and heritage.

To make a family tree, start by gathering information about your family history and ancestry. Then, you can draw a tree together with your kid that shows the relationships between your family members. You can use online or pre-made templates.

23. Shooting Music Videos

Creating a music video by using a camera or smartphone might be one of the most fun free things to do with kids. You can ask kids to come up with their own songs or choose one of their favorite songs for a fun and creative music video. It’ll be a fun and entertaining activity that promotes creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.

24. Balloon Volleyball

Balloon volleyball is one of the most fun things to do with kids that requires minimum equipment and gives kids a good workout. Using a balloon as a ball, players can hit the balloon back and forth across a makeshift net or between two designated areas, similar to traditional volleyball.

The balloon's lightness and slower speed make it easier for young children to hit and catch, making it an excellent activity for developing hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills.

25. Pretend Play

Pretend play involves children using their imagination to create different scenarios and act them out. For example, children may pretend to be doctors, firefighters, or chefs. It is one of the most fun things to do with little kids. Also, it promotes creativity, social skills, and cognitive development as children learn to problem-solve and think creatively. When you are playing these kinds of games, you can also benefit from Disney trivia questions and make the process more interesting.

30 Fun Things to Do With Kids Outside

So now that we’ve evaluated all the fun things to do at home with kids, let’s dive into the most entertaining and beneficial family activities you can do outdoors to keep your kids engaged and interested.

26. MentalUP Fitness

MentalUP Fitness is the ultimate resource for a wide range of fun things to do outside with kids. The fitness platform offers over 240 exercises suitable for kids of all ages and even adults.

What sets MentalUP Fitness apart is that it provides kids with personalized fitness programs tailored to their age, skills, and interests. As a scientifically designed learning app that provides both entertainment and benefits, the app allows kids to exercise in an engaging way with easy-to-follow, animated videos.

MentalUP Fitness also includes daily short exercises that can be done in the morning to start the day off on the right foot or in the evening to wind down before bedtime. Plus, it can be used on any tablet, PC, or smartphone, making it a great resource for staying active both indoors and outdoors.

27. Visiting a Zoo

If you need a last-minute idea, observing different animals in a zoo can be one of the most fun things to do with kids this weekend. It can be a great opportunity for children to learn about different species, habitats, and animal behaviors. Encourage your kid to ask questions and interact with the animals, allowing them to use their cognitive skills to make connections between naturalistic concepts.

28. Playing Sports

Playing sports is an excellent outdoor activity that can teach children teamwork, sportsmanship, and problem solving. You can play different sports together, such as basketball, soccer, or frisbee.

You can also teach your kids different skills and techniques that can help them improve their game. Playing sports regularly with kids is great for improving physical health, coordination, and cognitive abilities, such as decision making, strategizing, and hand-eye coordination.

29. Nature Walk

A nature walk is a great way to get exercise and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. If you are googling “fun free things to do with kids near me” it might be one of the best ideas for your family.

Nature walks are great for sparking kids' observation skills. Also, you can use this opportunity to teach your kids about taking care of nature. Just try encouraging your children to observe and point out different plants, animals, and geological formations during the walk. Moreover, if you feel that your kids are a little bit bored, you can always benefit from fun questions to ask kids to make the walk more entertaining.

30. Having a Backyard Picnic

Having a backyard picnic is a fun and easy way to enjoy the outdoors while spending quality time with family. To maximize the cognitive benefits of this activity for kids, you can allow them to plan and organize the preparation and packing of the food and drinks.

31. Playing Tag

Playing tag is one of the most fun things to do with kids and also one of the best games to play outside. It is also a great way to promote physical activity and socialization. Families can play different variations of tags, such as freeze tag, TV tag, or blob tag. The activity promotes cognitive development by encouraging children to think critically, strategize, and make quick decisions.

32. Visiting Museums

If you are looking for fun things to do with your kids and help them learn about history, science, art, and culture, you can visit museums. You can encourage your child to interact with the exhibits, ask questions, and learn about different subjects. It is a great way to help them learn new things and open up their minds.

33. Bike Ride

Going for a bike ride is an excellent way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Your family can explore different paths and trails while enjoying each other's company. Bike riding can promote cognitive development and improve kids' motor skills.

34. Outdoor Painting Station

If you are searching for fun things to do outside with kids and want to spark their creativity, organizing an outdoor painting station is a good idea.

You can set up a painting area with canvases, paint, brushes, and other art supplies. It will be a great opportunity for kids to think creatively, use their artistic skills, and express their emotions.

35. Water Balloon Fight

This is one of the most fun things to do with kids in the summer. All you need to do is fill up balloons with water and organize a fun-filled water fight with your kids. It is a fun and refreshing way to teach kids about teamwork and help them use their problem-solving and coordination skills.

36. Playing Catch

Playing catch is a highly entertaining game enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. All you need is a ball and a partner to play catch. It has many contributions to cognitive development and skills such as coordination, reaction time, and motor skills.

37. Building a Sandcastle

This is among the most fun things to do with little kids on beach days. You can encourage your kid to use their imagination to build different types of structures, such as castles, moats, and tunnels.

It is a great opportunity to spend quality time with kids at the beach and support their creativity, problem solving, and spatial reasoning skills.

38. Playing Hopscotch

If you are looking for free fun things to do with kids, you can draw a hopscotch grid with chalk on a sidewalk or pavement. It is a fun and effective way to promote cognitive development in kids by encouraging them to harness their coordination and balance.

39. Going on a Hike

Going on a hike is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore new areas. If you are looking for free fun things to do with kids, you can choose trails and paths that offer different views every time you go on a hike. It will be an enjoyable activity that will give your child the chance to explore new plants and animals.

40. Blowing Bubbles

Blowing bubbles is a simple and fun activity that can be enjoyed by children of all ages and even adults. You can use various types of wands and blowers to create different types of bubbles. It is a great way to encourage children to develop their hand-eye coordination, problem solving, and spatial reasoning.

41. Going Geocaching

Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt that involves using a GPS-enabled device to find hidden containers, or geocaches, in various locations. You can download a geocaching app and follow the clues to locate the hidden treasure.

Just keep in mind to stick together with your family. This exciting activity will promote your kid's spatial reasoning and critical thinking and feed their curiosity.

42. Planting a Garden

If you want to teach children about the environment and importance of sustainability, this can be one of the more cheap fun things to do with kids to achieve that. You can support your kid's naturalistic skills and help them learn about plants by choosing a variety of plants and vegetables to grow.

43. Playing Frisbee

Playing frisbee is a fun and challenging activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults. All you need is a frisbee and space to play. This activity promotes cognitive development by encouraging children to develop their hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning.

44. Playing With a Water Table

Playing with a water table is a great way to cool off during the summer while teaching kids about causes and effects. It is a great sensory activity that can expand kids' motor skills. All you need is a water table set in the backyard, some containers, and toys for kids to play with.

45. Camping Trip

A camping trip is a fun and exciting way to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. If you are searching for fun things to do with your kids to expand their planning and organizing skills, you can try finding a cozy campsite and setting up a tent. If your family doesn’t have easy access to a camping area, you can have a backyard camping night!

46. Going Fishing

Fishing is a relaxing activity that can provide entertainment for all family members. Going fishing can give you the opportunity to teach your kids about different types of fish, fishing gear, and techniques.

It is a great activity to expand kids' naturalistic skills, teach them about different ecosystems, and strengthen their patience.

47. Boogie Boarding

Listing fun things to do with kids in the summer without including boogie board activities would be illogical. Boogie boarding is a highly fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by all family members.

You can help your kid ride the waves on a boogie board and learn how to balance and control their movements. It is highly beneficial for their cognitive and physical development as it enables them to use their critical thinking and coordination.

48. Backyard Obstacle Course

If you are searching for fun things to do outside with kids and want to promote physical activity, a backyard obstacle course can help. You can use household items, such as cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes, to create a course that involves crawling, jumping, and balancing. It is the perfect way to keep kids entertained and spark their overall development.

49. Bird Watching

Bird watching is a peaceful and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by all family members. You can take your kid to a local park or nature reserve and teach them how to identify different types of birds. This activity promotes cognitive development by encouraging kids to use their observation, memory, and critical thinking.

50. Visiting a Botanical Garden

If you are looking for fun cheap things to do with kids so that you can connect with nature and learn about different types of plants and flowers, try visiting a botanical garden. During your visit, you can teach your kid about different species of plants, their growth habits, and their uses. This way, you can help them practice their observation, memory, and critical thinking skills.

51. Sprinkler Play

Playing in a sprinkler can be a fun and refreshing way to cool off on a hot summer day. You can run through sprinklers with kids, let them play with water toys, and teach them about cause and effect by showing them how to manipulate the water flow.

52. Remote Control Car Race

Organizing a remote control car race is a fun and exciting way to encourage children to develop their problem solving and critical thinking. If you are searching for fun free things to do with kids, you can create a racecourse using household items and set up obstacles and challenges for the racers to navigate.

53. Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are an excellent way to encourage children to explore and discover new things. You can create a scavenger hunt by hiding objects around a specific area and providing clues or a list of items to find.

Scavenger hunts promote cognitive development by encouraging kids to problem-solve, think critically, and use their creativity to find different solutions.

54. Outdoor Yoga

Outdoor yoga is a calming and grounding activity that promotes mindfulness, balance, and flexibility. If you enjoy practicing yoga, you can guide your kid through simple yoga poses and stretches and teach them how to focus on their breath. Practicing yoga is a great source of relaxation, concentration, and body awareness.

55. Kite Flying

Kite flying is one of the most fun cheap things to do with kids. By challenging kids to use their hand-eye coordination skills to launch and control the kite, the activity provides a great influence on kids' physical and cognitive development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fun Things to Do With Kids

So far, we’ve evaluated the most fun things to do with kids at home or outside. If you still have some questions left in your mind, here are the most commonly asked questions about this topic with answers.

Engaging in entertaining activities with their families is essential for kids' physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Still, parents can not be available all the time to play with their kids. This is where learning apps steps in. You can use them as road trip games for kids or indoor and outdoor activities whenever you need for your children to have fun and boost at the same time.