130+ Fun Activities for Kids at Home (With Free Printable!)

Jul 29, 2020 | Baby and Kids, Family Time

Spending time at home doesn't have to lead to boredom! We've rounded up over 130 super fun and easy activities for kids at home. These great ideas will keep everybody entertained for hours, from toddlers to teens!

Here is your ultimate list of activities for kids at home from Fun Cheap or Free!

Boredom is a real thing, especially if you've spent any time around the kids in your home (because they tell you about it all the time). Your kids get tired of playing with the same toys all day long. Your teens are sooo over just hanging out without anything new and fun to do. And you, Mama? You're just ready to stop hearing that dreaded B word… Bored.

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As parents, we're not here to constantly entertain our kids all day (contrary to popular kid belief). That's why we've come up with the ultimate list of fun activities for kids at home that will keep them entertained for hours. We've even made it into a free printable for you! Your kids can make the ideas work for them using what you've got, because ain't nobody got the time or money to run to the store! So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

FREE PRINTABLE WITH ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT HOME

Free printables with activities for kids at home from Fun Cheap or Free!

Grab our free printable, print it out, and get all the ideas you'll need! If you want to make it reusable, laminate it, and use wet-erase markers on it. They can check off the activities for kids at home as they do them, then erase it and start all over once it's completed!

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AROUND THE HOUSE

Who says you have to get out of the house to have fun?! Our house is our haven and while it's nice to get out of it sometimes, it's also a great place to make memories that don't cost a dime. Try out these fun activities for kids at home the next time they need something to do. They're perfect for kids of all ages, from 2 to 102!

  • Living Room Camp-Out – Grab all the blankets and chairs you can find! It's time to make a fort in the living room! Make it extra fun by watching a movie and snacking inside the fort.
  • Write Pen Pals – Break out those pens and note cards because it's time to go old school!
  • Plan a Dream Vacation – Make those financial goals more realistic by getting specific! If you're saving for a vacation, get the family together to have a say on what all you want to do. If you're still trying to get out of debt, this will be a motivation to crush it!
  • Decorate a Room – Let your kids or teens decorate their rooms if they're ready for a change. It doesn't have to be expensive; you can always find cute things at the dollar store!
  • Have a Scavenger Hunt – Scavenger hunts are so fun for all ages! You can make it easier for younger kids, or give it a fun spin for teens by having them take pictures of the items they find with their phones.
  • Teach Your Pet Tricks – You can always teach an old dog new tricks! Just be sure to have plenty of treats. 😉
  • Sing Karaoke – You can never go wrong grabbing a karaoke machine or cranking up the tunes on your favorite speaker and using a hairbrush! Turn it into a contest for the teens in your house.
  • Plan a Staycation – Have a vacation at home! A staycation is just what the doctor ordered… They're so much cheaper than a destination vacation and they let you explore fun things to do near you!
  • Spring Cleaning – You can spring clean any time of the year! It's a great way to get your house in order while also setting you up to make your daily cleaning even easier.
  • Donate Items from Around the House – This goes hand-in-hand with spring cleaning! Donating unused items is not only a great way to get more organized but it's also a fun service project to do as a family.
  • Start a Home Project – Find something you've been needing to accomplish around the house and get to it! Older kids and teens can easily be put to work to help, especially if it's something for them.
  • Write Letters to Family – There's something special about a hand-written note to the ones that you love. Have your kids start chatting with their family via letters!
  • Play Board Games – We have some great tips on making it extra fun for the whole family!
  • Make Homemade Soap – It's so fun to be able to say that you made your own bar soap or hand soap!
  • Play a Card Game – There are so many card games out there… If you're having problems figuring out which one to play, try Spoons! It's so fun and easy to play.
  • Organize a Closet – Cleaning out and organizing a closet can be fun if you make it a game! See what the most random thing is that everybody finds… The winner gets a special treat!

Pro Tip: Write all of the age-appropriate ideas on some bored sticks so your kids can easily grab one when they need something to do! This keeps you from having to find something for them and the luck of the draw makes it extra fun.

HAVE FUN USING YOUR IMAGINATION

It's always fun for kids to use their imaginations and get creative! Fun Cheap or Free

You're never too old to use your imagination! These are some fun activities for kids at home to get the siblings playing together or to get the whole family involved.

  • Superhero Night – Have everybody dress up as superheroes, decide what their superpower is, and keep it up all night. Use blankets or pillowcases as capes and get creative with the masks!
  • Invent a Holiday – This one is so fun! Invent a new holiday and come up with all the traditions that go along with it. What day does it fall on, what's it celebrating, what's the common phrase that you say for it, is there a special food that goes along with it? These are just some of the fun ideas you can make up for it!
  • Play Charades – This is fun for all ages! You can use picture cards for younger kids who can't read. Or you can take the excitement up a notch and play Mirror Charades to make it more difficult and hilarious!
  • Under-the-Sea Night – It's time to make Sebastian proud! Play Go Fish, watch a show about sea creatures, listen to ocean sounds, eat Gold Fish, you name it!
  • Have a Rap Battle – This is just about the most fun thing that you'll do! Pick something in your house, like a banana, and rap it out. Just try not to crack up while doing it. 😉

Pro Tip: Schedule different themed nights throughout the year so you have plenty of time to prepare for them if needed. Let everybody choose a theme and add it to your calendar!

SELF-CARE

Free printable with 100 fun things to do at home with kids from Fun Cheap or Free!

It's important for kids to learn how to take care of themselves. It's a great time for them to learn how to do their own hair and experiment with new styles. Here are some more fun activities for kids (and teens!) at home:

  • YouTube Makeup Tutorial – You know that we're all about YouTube! We love a good makeup tutorial, and you can find specifics on anything you want to learn. Perfect bonding time for teenage girls and moms!
  • DIY Manicure – Time to get those fingernails all fancy! Grab your clippers, files, and nail polish, and get to work.
  • Have a Spa Day – Grab some of those cheap peel-off face masks from the store and pretend that you're at the spa. Play some relaxing music and drink cucumber or fruit water!
  • Practice Braiding Hair – Whether your teen is practicing on herself or you're practicing on your girls, this is always a fun time! YouTube and Instagram are a wealth of knowledge and easy-to-follow videos.
  • DIY Pedicures – Dig out your toe separators from your bathroom cabinet… it's time to paint those piggies! Everyone will have fun with this, from toddler to grown adult.

Pro Tip: Don't forget about YOU when it comes to self-care! Take care of yourself so you can keep everything else in tip-top shape.

TIME TO GET ARTS AND CRAFTY

Coloring contest time! Fun activities for kids at home from Fun Cheap or Free

These are probably some of our favorite activities for kids at home because they're timeless! Plus, children can do them by themselves or get the whole family involved for some quality time together.

  • Coloring Contest – Make it a race! See who can color their page the quickest, who can keep inside the lines while coloring, and who uses the most colors.
  • Learn to Draw – There are plenty of ways for kids to learn how to draw, including step-by-step books and videos online. You can make it as basic or detailed as you need!
  • Paper Plate CraftsPinterest is king when it comes to finding fun paper plate crafts to do together as a family!
  • Paint the Sunset – Not only do you get to enjoy a beautiful sunset with your kiddos, but you also get to channel your inner Bob Ross while you're at it!
  • Make Cards for a Nursing Home – Residents at your local nursing home will always cherish a handmade card, even if they don't know you personally! It's a fun way to brighten someone's day.
  • Paint Self Portraits – This one gets really funny, real fast! You can either paint portraits of each other or yourself. Regardless, plan on hanging those priceless works of art up where everybody can admire them.
  • Make Friendship Bracelets – A kid can never have too many bracelets! These make great birthday or Christmas gifts, too.
  • Practice Face Painting – Grab some face paints and get to it! Bonus points if the paint has glitter in it.

Pro Tip: The dollar store has the best arts and crafts products for super cheap! We always keep a few spares on hand for those times when we run out unexpectedly.

FOR TEENS OR ADULTS

Hand lettering is a great way for teens to learn a new skill and have something to do! Tips from Fun Cheap or Free

We love finding ways to help tweens and teens unplug, find new skills or hone in on their current interests. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

  • Build with Wood – Work on those carpenter skills! This is a great time to learn how to use a hammer and screwdriver or power tools. It would also be a fun way to make a gift for someone that they can be proud of.
  • Watercolor Painting – Get serious with the art and focus on really making something to be proud of! It's a wonderful way for teens to express themselves.
  • Practice Hand Lettering – There are so many different books and tutorials out there to practice the fine art of hand lettering! No matter how old you are, it's a talent that won't go to wast.
  • Make Some Home Decor – These tissue pomander balls are so easy to make, and you can use whatever color works for the space you're decorating!
  • Practice Photography – Acquiring photography skills is always a good idea! It could be a great way to make some money on the side, while it's also helpful every day.
  • Make a Greeting Card – Oh man, does it ever feel like half of your holiday budget is spent on cards?? It's so fun to make your own! Teach your kids how to do that at a young age, and they'll never have to worry about going broke buying expensive cards again!

Pro Tip: Schedule periods of the day where your house is completely unplugged so you can focus on other things. Have a designated basket that all phones, controllers, tablets, and laptops go in if anyone struggles with the temptation.

BRAINY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT HOME

Reading is fun! Keep the kids' brains going with these tips from Fun Cheap or Free

Keep those minds in shape… Just because you're at home doesn't mean your kids can't still be working their brains. Here are a few of our favorite ways to do just that:

  • Write a Play and Act It Out – This is a great way to get those imaginations running!
  • Do Word PuzzlesThe dollar store always has cheap word puzzle books that are super fun.
  • Read Books Together – Work on those reading skills! Have your kids read out loud to everybody or you can read to them if they're not old enough to read.
  • Do a PuzzleThese are always so fun to do!
  • Build Legos – It doesn't matter how old you are, playing with Legos is always fun! Have a competition to see who can build the fastest.
  • Write a Short Story – Break out those pens and papers or laptops, it's time to write a fun story! Bonus points for sharing them with others when they're done.
  • Learn a New Language – You're never too young or old to learn a new language! Even Pig Latin counts. 😉
  • Write a Poem – Have everyone write a poem, then snap your fingers after everybody reads them!
  • Read a Book Series – If you're going to read a book, you might as well read a series! Whether it's Hank the Cowdog or Harry Potter, nobody will be disappointed.
  • Listen to an Audio Book – An audiobook lets you do two things at once, like reading a book and working on a puzzle. Audible is a great way to do just that!

Pro Tip: Add brain time into your kids' daily clipboards so it becomes habit and routine. It'll also be a good way to make them work those brains before they can have any screen time.

WAYS TO GET MOVING INSIDE

Dance party time! Movement activities for kids at home from Fun Cheap or Free

Get those bodies moving! These are always some of the favorite activities for kids at home because they're highly entertaining and get the blood pumping. We are all about ways to wear kids, tweens, and teens out so they get a good night's sleep. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

  • Flashlight Tag – Grab those flashlights, turn off the lights, and have fun playing a game of tag in the dark!
  • Dance Party – Crank up that speaker! A dance party is always a fun way to get everybody moving. Add in chores and you're getting in your exercise while also working on the house. #MomWin
  • Do a Workout Video – Get that exercise on! There are tons of free workout videos online that all ages can do together.
  • Make up a Dance – Pick a song and make a dance that goes along with it! Everybody can do the same dance together, or you can make it a competition to see who can make the goofiest dance.
  • Pushup Contest – See who can do the most pushups!
  • Play Hide and Seek – It doesn't matter the age, this game is always fun and gets you moving so you can hide quicker.
  • Play Red Light, Green Light – Play a fast version of red light, green light to get the blood flowing.
  • Yoga – This isn't just for mom! There are all kinds of kids yoga videos online.
  • Learn How to Two-Step – Crank up that country music and turn your kitchen floor into a dance hall!

Pro Tip: Make a “get moving” bored jar filled with tons of different activities that will get everybody moving! Make it a mandatory activity before anybody has any screen time. Set a timer for 30 minutes to make sure they move enough before sitting down!

PLUGGED-IN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT HOME

Use screen time as learning time! Tips from Fun Cheap or Free

Okay, okay, you knew it was bound to happen! While your kids may be getting some screen time, it doesn't mean they can't also be working on other things. That's why these made it on our list of activities for kids at home. They're not only fun, but they can be super educational as well.

  • Visit a Zoo Virtually – There are tons of zoos hosting Facebook Lives, live feeds, or post regular videos to show you what's going on at the zoo!
  • Movie Marathon – Pick a theme or series and get to it! Do some quick exercises between movies to get the blood flowing.
  • Learn a Skill on YouTube – You can find pretty much anything you'd want to learn on YouTube!
  • FaceTime Friends or Family – Grab your phones and video chat with those you love! Zoom is another great option if everybody has a computer and wants to do it on a larger screen.
  • Watch a New Movie – In today's world, movies are literally at our fingertips. Use your favorite way of watching tv and find a new movie that nobody has seen yet!
  • Watch a Documentary – Get informed on the world! A documentary is a fun way to learn something new.
  • Explore Google Arts – Seriously, Google Arts and Culture is so cool! You can visit a museum, go to outer space, and so much more.

Pro Tip: Make sure any online time is monitored by a parent! It's too easy for someone to click on something they didn't mean to and see inappropriate things.

TAKE TO THE KITCHEN!

An at-home cooking class is always a good way for kids and teens to learn those important life skills - Activities for kids at home from Fun Cheap or Free

If you want to make some good memories, then you've got to try out these activities for kids at home that are focused in the kitchen! It's a great way for your kids to learn some necessary life skills while also being entertained. The whole family will love it!

  • Indoor Picnic – Who says you have to have a picnic outside?? Find a bare place on the floor, lay out a blanket, and get to picnicking! No worrying about pesky bugs when you do it this way.
  • Plan a Menu – You know we're all about meal planning! Get the whole family together and let everybody choose one meal they'd like to make using the ingredients you already have. #ShelfCooking
  • Have a Cooking Class – Have your own cooking class at home! There's always something new to be learned in the kitchen, whether it's a toddler learning how to mix brownies or a teen learning how to make a healthy and affordable meal.
  • Chopped Challenge – This is always a fun one! Give everybody a few ingredients they have to use and let them create a masterpiece.
  • Try a New Cuisine – Have you always wanted to try a new type of food? Now is the time!
  • Have a Formal Dinner – Break out those fancy candlesticks! Have everybody dress up, light the candles, turn down the lights, and enjoy your meal while feeling like you're at a fancy restaurant.
  • Celebrate Taco Tuesday – Forget going out for tacos, make your own at home, and have a fiesta! Don't forget the refried beans and sopapilla cheesecake for dessert. 😉

Pro Tip: Sit down together as a family and figure out fun and different ideas to come together in the kitchen! It's extra fun when everybody has a say.

MAKE YOUR FAVORITE FOODS

Make your favorite family recipe to pass the time! Ideas from Fun Cheap or Free

Yum to the yum! Food has a delicious way of bringing a family together. If your kids are too young to cook by themselves, then cook together with them in the kitchen. If they're older tweens or teens who can cook by themselves, let them surprise you with these fun food-related activities for kids at home!

  • Bake Homemade BreadSandwich bread, French bread, rustic bread, banana bread… You just can't go wrong with bread!
  • Bake Cookies – Make chocolate chip cookies using leftover candy… You'll never go back to making the boring old regular kind again!
  • Make Homemade Pizza – Who doesn't love pizza? We've got a quick and easy recipe from scratch that everybody will go crazy over.
  • Make Homemade Popsicles – Time to use up that fruit that's going bad! Popsicles are super easy to make and you can customize them to use what you've got.
  • Make S'mores – Chocolate + marshmallow + graham cracker… Need we say more?? You don't even need a fire to make them! Pop them in the microwave or oven until the marshmallow is soft and gooey.
  • Make Snow Cones – We love our using our blender to make snow cones! They're so refreshing on a hot day.
  • Roast Hot Dogs – Gather 'round the fire pit or roast them over the grill. They'll taste delicious either way!
  • Bake a Pie – Pies are always a tasty treat. Whip up Grandma's favorite recipe, or try out our no-bake pie recipe if you don't want to heat up the kitchen.
  • Make a Milkshake – You can never go wrong with a milkshake, and it's so. much. cheaper. to make them at home versus going out to buy them!
  • Make Popcorn – Did you know that it's crazy cheap to buy your own kernels and pop them in a brown paper bag or this AMAZING and affordable microwave popper??
  • Cook Breakfast for Dinner – Switch things up! We've never heard anybody complain about having breakfast for dinner. Put each person in charge of a certain aspect of the meal and have fun!
  • Make Your Favorite Meal – Have everybody pick their favorite meal and get them on the menu. Then, when it's their night, they get to help cook it!
  • Make a New Dessert – It's always fun to try out new things. We've rounded up some easy desserts that kids and those new to the kitchen can help out with!

Pro Tip: Challenge your kids to make something using only the ingredients you have in your kitchen inventory. It's a good way for them to be introduced to shelf cooking, which will save them loads in the future!

FUN ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS AND ADULTS AT HOME

Teach your teens the art of photography so they can take family pictures - Ideas from Fun Cheap or Free

When you or your teen are looking for new ideas to keep busy, here's your inspiration!

  • Create a Block Schedule – It's never a bad time to learn how to create a block schedule! Have your tweens and teens create their own in a notebook and fill it with ways they want to spend their day.
  • Adult Coloring Page – Coloring isn't just for younger kids! Adult coloring books are not only challenging but beautiful when they're done.
  • Have a Photo Shoot – Put your teen in charge of taking new pictures of everybody in the family to swap out in the picture frames on the walls!
  • Create a Family Tree – Time to start working on that genealogy. It's so fun to learn where your family came from!
  • Learn Magic Tricks – Tweens can go crazy for some awesome magic tricks! Grab a book of tricks or look up videos online.
  • Watch the Sunrise – Make it a point to watch the sunrise and enjoy it in all its beauty. Then go back to bed when it's all said and done. 😉
  • Learn to Sew – This is a skill that anybody should have, no matter the gender or age! We all wear clothes that have buttons or may tear, so it's nice to know how to fix those versus just throwing them in the trash when that happens.
  • Design Your Dream Home – This is always a fun one. Have everybody design their dream home (whether it's realistic or fantasy) and then share with everybody afterward!

Pro Tip: Have your teen make a bucket list of items like this they'd like to accomplish. It gives them goals to work towards and something to turn towards when they're feeling that boredom itch creeping in.

FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO OUTSIDE

Get those kids outside with these fun activities from Fun Cheap or Free

Okay, time to go to the great outdoors! It's amazing how imaginations can run wild when you go outside into the sunshine. Here are some easy ideas to get you out!

  • Blow Bubbles – Give us some bubbles and we can have some fun! They're a cheap form of entertainment.
  • Sidewalk Chalk Art – Artwork time! Chalk is always a good idea. Sidewalk paint is also fun and easy to make when you run out of chalk.
  • Picnic – Go to your backyard or to your local park. A picnic is a great change of scenery.
  • Look at the Stars – Lay a blanket out and stargaze! Bonus points if there's a telescope and your kids can get a closer look at the stars.
  • Fly a Kite – Put that windy day to good use and get out there with your favorite kite!
  • Plant a Garden – Grow some delicious veggies or plant some beautiful flowers to look at.
  • Watch for Birds – Sit outside and enjoy watching all of the birds flying around!
  • Set Up a Mini-Golf Course – You can get as extravagant or simple as you'd like. All you really need is a putter, golf ball, and a mug laid on its side.
  • DIY Drive-In Movie – If you have a projector, hang a sheet up outside to play the movie on. You can also move your tv outside. Kids can make their cars out of cardboard boxes using paper plates as the tires. So fun!
  • Glow in the Dark Fun – Grab some glow sticks, wait for it to get dark, then have fun! Dance parties are always welcome.
  • Camp in the Backyard – Who says you have to leave your house to go camping?! Set up a tent and some sleeping bags and everyone will have a blast.
  • Wash the Cars – Save some money and wash your cars at home! It's a great way to teach kids and teens how to take care of those expensive cars.

Pro Tip: If you don't have a yard, head to the nearest park! Pack plenty of drinks and snacks so you don't have to worry about leaving early due to thirst or hunger pains.

WAYS TO GET MOVING OUTSIDE

A family bike ride is always a fun way to get the blood pumping! Fun activities for kids at home from Fun Cheap or Free

If you're wanting to burn some energy, these are some tried and true ways to have fun outside! Try them out to see which ones your family loves the most.

  • Obstacle Course – Have your kids set up an obstacle course using items you've got around the house. Then see who can go through it the quickest!
  • Play in a Sprinkler – This is fun for all ages and is a great way to cool off on a hot day!
  • Play Catch – Work on that hand-eye coordination!
  • Slip n Slide – This is definitely a fun water activity that everybody loves.
  • Go for a Walk – Get the blood flowing and go for a walk around the block as a family!
  • Play HORSE – A real basketball hoop is not needed for this if you don't have one! Your kids can use anything they can think of to make this work. You can't go wrong with a bouncy ball and a hula hoop on the ground.
  • Roll Down a Hill – Seriously, kids find this to be super entertaining, and they get a good workout running back up the hill!
  • Do Yard Work – There's always work to be done in the yard. Teach them how to take care of a yard so they'll know how to do it when they have their own one day.
  • Hula Hoop – Work on those hula skills! Turn it into a contest by seeing who can go the longest.
  • Play Yard Games – We love a good lawn game! They're a great way to get the whole family involved.
  • Play Four Square – All you need is some chalk or painters tape and a bouncy ball to play this fun game!
  • Play Hopscotch – This is always a fun one and you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want to.
  • Nerf Gun War – If this doesn't get the blood pumping, then we don't know what will! Play individually or as teams, it's fun both ways.
  • Water FightWater balloons, sponges in water, water guns, it doesn't matter as long as there's water involved!
  • Bike Ride – This is probably one of our favorite family activities. We love going for a bike ride, and it's great for all ages!

Pro Tip: Pick a time of the day when everybody gets outside to burn some energy off! It'll set up good habits and everybody will know when it's time to go out.

Once again, don't forget to grab this FREE Activities Printable that we made just for you! Print it out, stick it on your fridge, turn it into bored sticks, or whatever else will work for you and your family!

Well, there you have it, over 130 of our favorite activities for kids at home that will keep them entertained, busy, and having fun! What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

100 fun things to do when you're stuck at home from Fun Cheap or Free!

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2 Comments

    • Fun Cheap or Free

      How fun!

      Reply

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