Parents gather round! We all know that finding things to do with all the family members can be tough. They get bored easily, and you don't want them to spend the whole day watching TV.
But never fear – we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to super-fun ideas that will keep the whole family entertained for hours on end! From outdoor adventures to creative endeavors, there’s something for everyone here. So get ready to have some serious fun family activities!
Fun-Filled Activities for Kids: Ideas & Resources
Looking for fun family activities and ideas to suit every age group, from toddlers to older kids? You have come to the right place!
Whether spring, summer, autumn or winter, morning or afternoon, indoors or outdoors, here is a super-complete guide to almost every fun family activity in the book!
So put down your little kids’ smartphones and tablets because the next day will be filled with never-ending fun! And who knows? You might even make some great memories along the way.
23 activities for kids at home
Just because you wish to keep your kiddos at home, doesn’t mean sitting around the television for days at a time!
Here is a list of 23 family-friendly activities around the house:
1. Play a board game
On rainy days a board game is a good solution!
You'll find many great games like Risk, Trivial Pursuit, Catan, Chess, Cluedo, and others. You can download games such as Monopoly on an iPhone or other mobile phone and enjoy them at your leisure.
There are also a lot of board games that can be downloaded into the PlayStation or Switch if you don’t feel like buying a classic game.
2. Have a dance party
Dancing is a great way for kids to stay active, and it's also so much fun!
Having a party is a great way to get the whole family moving and grooving. You can turn on some of their music, and let the kids loose! They'll have a blast dancing around the living room, and you might even get some exercise in too.
3. Go stargazing in your own backyard
With summer comes the opportunity to spend more time in outdoor activities enjoying the warmer weather. One nighttime activity at home the whole family can enjoy is stargazing. In fact, with just a little preparation, you can turn your backyard into a makeshift planetarium.
To start, find an open area of your yard away from trees or other obstacles that might block your view of the sky. Then, wait for nightfall and clear skies. Once it’s dark enough, lie down on a blanket or lawn chair and look up at the stars.
If you want to take your stargazing to the next level, try using binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at specific stars and constellations. You can also use apps like Sky Guide or Star Walk to help you identify what you’re seeing in the night sky.
4. Have a water balloon fight
When the days are hot, a balloon fight is a go-to great activity to keep things cool and breathe some fresh air. Here’s how you can organize one:
- Gather your supplies. You'll need water balloons, a hose or faucet, and something to tie the water balloons off with.
- Fill up the water balloons. If you're using a hose, make sure it's not pointed at anyone while you're filling up the balloons. Try to get the kids involved!
- Get everyone into teams or choose someone to be "it." The person who is "it" tries to tag other people with water balloons. Once someone is hit by a balloon, they're out. The last person standing is the winner!
- Have fun! Water balloon fights are messy and chaotic, but that's all part of the fun. So make sure to relax and enjoy yourself.
Make sure to clean up afterward!
5. Teach them about their family tree
Are you looking for an educational fun activity? Here it is!
When you sit down to teach your kids about their family tree, it can be a fun and bonding experience. You can share stories about your ancestors, and help them learn new things about their own history. Plus, it's a great way to spend quality time with the kiddos and get them interested in their heritage.
Start by talking about your own family. Share any stories or interesting facts that you know about any family member and show them some photo albums. This will help the kids understand where they come from and why their family is important to them. Then, introduce the concept of family trees. Explain how each person is connected to other members of the family, going back generations.
Finally, help the kids fill in their own trees. This can be done with a simple chart or diagram. Have them include as much information as they can, such as names, dates, and locations.
6. Do some chores (in a fun way)
It's not always easy to get kids to do chores. But there are ways to make it fun! Here are a few ideas:
- Make a game out of it: turn cleaning up into a race or competition. Whoever cleans up the most wins!
- Give them a choice: let them choose which chore they want to do. This way they feel like they're in control.
- Make it creative: turn sweeping the floor into a boogie party by turning on some music!
7. Start a YouTube channel
Making videos is a great way to spend time with your family and friends. You can make vlogs, challenge videos, or even how-to videos. Starting a youtube channel is one of the best fun family activities that everyone can enjoy.
Not only will you get to spend time together, but you'll also get to let your creative juices flow and have a lot of fun watching your videos as your kids grow. Plus, you may even end up making some money from your channel if it takes off!
Plus, now gen Z kids love doing this kind of thing, so you will look like a really cool parent! So what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming video ideas with your family today.
8. Play treasure hunt
A good old-fashioned treasure hunt is a family activity you can’t miss!
All you need for this is a few small trinkets or pieces of candy hidden around the backyard (or house). Then, give your kids a list of clues to follow in order to find the treasure. This activity is great for younger children as it helps them practice their reading and problem-solving skills.
9. Try a scavenger hunt
This can be done both inside and outside, depending on your preference. Make a list of items for your children to find, such as a specific type of leaf or flower, a certain color rock, or something else that can be easily found in your area. This is a great way to explore nature and get some exercise at the same time!
10. Get artistic
One of the best things about being a parent is getting to see the world through your child’s eyes. Kids have an incredible way of looking at the world and finding beauty in everyday objects. As a parent, you can encourage your child’s creative ways by engaging in some fun family activities that tap into their imagination.
Here are some great ideas for how to get artistic with kids at home:
- Encourage them to use their senses: Smell flowers together, touch different textures, listen to calming music, or taste new foods.
- Make art together: Draw pictures, paint, make sculptures out of clay or Play-Doh, or put on a puppet show.
- Take pictures: Go on a nature walk and take photos of the things you see, or set up a photo shoot at home with fun props.
- Write stories: Make up a story together, or have each person write their own story and illustrate it.
- Get crafty: Make homemade cards, jewelry, or other crafts using recycled materials.
11. Have a picnic
A picnic is always a great option for a fun family activity. And it doesn't have to be anything fancy - a simple picnic basket and a blanket on the floor will do! Just make sure to pack some sweet treats, snacks, and drinks.
For this you just need:
- Choose a spot in your yard or house that has good shade and is comfortable to sit on. If you have grass, that's ideal! Otherwise, a blanket or towels will work just fine.
- Make sure to have plenty of food and drinks on hand. Pack some sandwiches, fruit, chips, and whatever else you think everyone will enjoy. And don't forget the napkins!
- If you have any little kids in the family, make sure to pack some toys or games to keep them entertained. Coloring books, balls, and small toys are all great options.
- Lastly, don't forget the sunscreen! No one wants to get sunburned on their picnic.
12. Cook
Cooking is one of the greatest indoor activities and can be a fun thing for all the family members if they are given the opportunity to help out in the kitchen.
There are many different tasks that they can do, such as measuring ingredients, stirring the mixture, or even decorating the finished product. If you involve them in meal planning and preparation, they will be more likely to eat what is being served. And who knows, you might even get a few laughs along the way.
Check out easy recipes to make with your children here.
13. Set up a lemonade stand
One of the classic summertime activities for children is setting up a stand. It's a great way to teach them about entrepreneurship, and they'll have a blast doing it!
Here's how to set up a lemonade stand that will be sure to please your little ones:
First, you'll need some supplies. Lemons, sugar, water, ice, cups, and a pitcher are all you really need. You can get creative with your lemonade by adding other fruits or flavors, but the basic recipe is just fine.
Next, help your child(ren) set up their stand. This can be as simple as setting out a table and chairs or getting fancy with decorations. It's completely up to you!
Now it's time to start selling. Lemonade stands are usually priced by the cup, so come up with a reasonable price that will make you some money but won't break the bank.
14. Build a time capsule
Kids love time capsules! It's a great idea for them to learn about and connect with their past.
You'll need a container (a shoebox or an empty tissue box works well), some art supplies, and some items from around the house that you think would be interesting to your child in the future. Once you have everything gathered, sit down with your child and explain what a time capsule is and why you're making one.
Next, help your child decorate the outside of the container. They can use markers, crayons, or stickers to make them their own. Once the outside is decorated, it's time to start filling it with items!
Your child can choose items that are important to them, like a favorite toy or book. They can also include things like pictures of family and friends, or mementos from special events. If you're including anything that could potentially expire (like food), be sure to write the date on it so your child knows how old it is when they open the capsule in the future.
Once everything is inside, seal up the container and label it with the date you plan on opening it. Then hide it away somewhere safe until it's time to open it again! Opening a time capsule is a fun way to reminisce about the past and see how much your child has grown.
15. Play dress up
On a rainy day, playing dress up is always a blast, whether you're doing it for Halloween, a themed party, or just because. And it's even more fun when you get to do it with your kids! Here are some tips for how to make the most of dress-up time with your little ones.
First, let them pick out their own costumes. If they're stuck, give them some options to choose from, but ultimately let them make the decision about what they want to wear. It's their chance to be someone else for a day, so they should have complete control over their outfit.
Once they've got their costume on, help them get into character. Encourage them to use different voices and mannerisms if they're playing a different person. If they're pretending to be an animal, have them crawl around on all fours or make animal sounds.
Finally, make up some scenarios for them to act out. This can be anything from rescuing a damsel in distress to going on a treasure hunt.
You can totally create a custom battle because a friendly competition is always good!
16. Do a science experiment
You don't need a lot of expensive equipment or a degree in astrophysics to do some pretty cool science experiments at home. All you need is a few household items and a little bit of creativity.
Here are four fun science experiments you can do with your kids:
- The classic baking soda and vinegar volcano: Combine one tablespoon baking soda with one tablespoon vinegar in a small container. Add food coloring if desired. Pour the mixture into an empty bottle or container, then step back and watch the eruption!
- Make your own slime: Combine one cup of cornstarch with two cups of water in a bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add food coloring if desired. Pour the mixture into a pan and let it sit for a few minutes. Once it's thickened, use your hands to knead it until it forms a slimy, slime-like substance.
- Create a rainbow in a glass: Fill a clear glass with water. Add several drops of different food coloring to the water, then watch as the colors swirl and mix together to form a rainbow.
- Frozen sculptures: Place small toys or figurines on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully pour water over them, being sure not to move the items around too much. Freeze for several hours, then remove from the freezer and let your kids explore their frozen sculptures!
17. Teach them to do magic tricks
One of the best ways to teach kids magic tricks is by using step-by-step instructions. You can find many DIY videos and articles online. Once your child has mastered a few basic tricks, they can start practicing more difficult ones.
Additionally, if you are old-school, you can buy books that teach kids magic tricks. This is a great option if you want your child to have reference material they can always go back to.
18. Organize a pool party
A pool party is always an amazing idea for a fun family activity!
You can set up a small inflatable pool in your backyard and have a blast with the kids. Make sure to have some pool toys on hand, like floats and noodles, to make the party even more fun.
And don't forget the snacks! Set out some healthy options like fruits and veggies, as well as some tasty treats like chips and dip. The most important thing is to enjoy spending time with your family!
19. Play capture the flag
You don't need a large backyard or a lot of toys to have fun as a family. Sometimes, the simplest games are the best. Capture the flag is a great game for all ages - kids and adults alike. It's perfect for getting everyone up and moving, and it's a lot of fun. Plus, it's easy to modify for different skill levels.
If you've never played capture the flag before, here's how it works:
- Divide your family into two teams. Each team gets one-half of the yard (or room).
- Place an object in the middle of the playing area - this will be your "flag". It can be anything from a toy to a piece of clothing.
- Each team hides their flag in half of the playing area.
- The objective of the game is to capture the other team's flag and bring it back to your own base.
- If a player is caught by the other team, they can be "frozen" by having one arm placed behind their back. They can be unfrozen by one of their teammates touching them.
- The first team to capture the other team's flag wins!
20. Have a tea party
Organizing a party is a great way to get kids involved in creative play. It's also a nice way to teach them about manners and sharing. Tea parties are easy to set up, and they can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like. All you need are some cups and saucers, a teapot, some snacks, and some friends (or stuffed animals)!
21. Host a pajama party
Get all the sleeping bags out and get ready for a night full of fun!
You could say that a pajama party is the ultimate family activity. It's comfy, it's cozy, and it's a great way to bond with your kids. Plus, you can never go wrong with pizza and movies.
22. Plant a garden
Kids adore getting their hands dirty and playing in the mud. Planting a garden is a great way to teach them about nature and where their food comes from.
23. Learn a new language
Learning a language can be a fun and rewarding experience for children of all ages. It can help them connect with other people who speak the same language, and it can also give them a greater understanding of the world around them. Additionally, learning a language can be a great way to improve communications skills and build confidence.
Kids who are able to speak multiple languages often have an easier time communicating with others, and they may also find it easier to learn new things.
Finally, this can be a great way to bond with friends or family members who speak the same language. Spending time together while learning something new can be a great way to create lasting memories.
10 things to do with your family outdoors
If you're looking for something different to do with your family, why not try one of these outdoor activities? You can all get some fresh air and spend quality time together while doing something new. Plus, many of these fun family activities are great ways to get some exercise.
Here are 10 ideas to get you started:
1. Visit the local park
A day trip to the park is a way to appreciate the great outdoors and exercise while spending time with your family. Kids can run around and explore, while adults can relax and enjoy the scenery. This is a great activity for all ages and can be done year-round.
Another reason why visiting the local park is a fun activity for kids is because they can meet other kids there. If your child is shy, this can be a great opportunity for them to socialize and make new friends. Parks are also usually very safe places to play.
You can also take hula hoops, toys, or a kite to go kite flying.
2. Take them to the skate park
Skate parks provide a safe place for kids to practice their skills, and they can also be a great social sport.
3. Go on a family vacation
Most kids would say yes to a family vacation or road trip. What's not to love about spending time with your parents and siblings while exploring new places?
You can take them to visit a nearby local community or city to learn more about their traditions and culture
The cherry on the cake? The music! Road trips are always filled with amazing music, so organize a playlist with the whole family.
4. Watch a drive-in movie
Watching a drive-in movie is one of the most fun activities. They can sit in the comfort of their own car, munch on popcorn, and enjoy a family-friendly film together. Plus, it's a great way to teach them about classic films!
5. Go on a bike ride
Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air is always a good idea, and bike riding is a great way to get some exercise.
If you don't have bikes of your own, you can always rent them from a local shop.
6. Go camping
There's something about being in nature and sleeping under the stars that just appeals to children.
If you're thinking of taking your family camping, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider what kind of camping experience you want to have. Are you looking for a rustic experience where you'll be roughing it in the wilderness? Or are you looking for something a little more comfortable, like glamping?
Once you've decided on the type of camping experience you want to have, start planning your trip. Choose a destination that everyone will enjoy, and make sure to pack all the essentials.
While being outdoors, you can catch fireflies, paint rocks, build a bonfire, go fishing, and enjoy a sunny day in nature. Kids find these activities super fun!
7. Visit the local pool
One of the most famous family activities to do outside is going to the pool. This is a plan that the young ones and parents will definitely enjoy *especially during the summer*
Just remember to take all the swimming essentials, including water, sunscreen, and reusable swim diapers *since most public pools consider them to be mandatory for kids under 4 even when they are potty trained*
8. Draw with sidewalk chalk
This is one of our favorite family activities. We love spending time outside drawing and coloring with chalk. It's a great way to get creative and have some fun together.
Also, it's pretty cheap too - all you need is some chalk and a few minutes to spare. So next time you're looking for something fun to do with your kids, draw with sidewalk chalk! You'll be glad you did.
9. Try new food
Many kids enjoy trying new foods, and it can be fun to plan to take them to different restaurants or food trucks. You can also turn it into a game by seeing who can try the wildest new thing, or who can eat the spiciest dish.
10. Visit museums and cultural centers
Museums and cultural centers offer a chance for kids to learn about history, art, and culture in an interactive way. Many of these places offer programs specifically designed for kids, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. Plus, what kid doesn't love looking at cool artifacts and paintings?
Visiting a museum or cultural center is a great way to spend a day as a family. It's educational, it's fun, and it's something that everyone can enjoy together. So next time you're looking for something to do as a family, consider visiting your local museum or cultural center.
Ready to enjoy all the fun?
So there you have it – an exhaustive list of activities to do as a family that will keep you all entertained and out of trouble. And the best part is, most of these ideas are budget-friendly too!
Have we missed your favorite family activity? Let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, get outside and start exploring with your loved ones. There’s no telling what fun adventures you might discover together.