Free Family Activities Near You: Fun Things to Do Without Spending a Dime
Looking for free family activities and free things to do with kids? I’m always adding new ideas and free family events to my site so you can make memories without blowing the budget.
This guide is looking for a sponsor! Interested? Email me at tonih@macaronikid.com
Free Family Events Happening Near You
This is the easiest way to find free kids activities and family-friendly events quickly. I keep an updated calendar with:
- Community festivals and family fun days
- Library storytimes and kids programs
- Free workshops hosted by local businesses
- Outdoor movies, concerts, and seasonal events
Free Outdoor Activities for Families
Getting outside is one of the best ways to do something fun and simple together. Here are easy, free ideas that work year-round:
- Park and playground hopping (pick a new park each week)
- Nature walks and short kid-friendly hikes
- Beach, river, or lake walks (bring a bucket and look for rocks and shells)
- Neighborhood scavenger hunts (colors, shapes, letters, “find something soft,” etc.)
- Bike rides or scooter adventures
- Geocaching (free to try and super motivating for kids)
Free Library Activities for Kids
Your local library is a goldmine for free family activities. Many offer weekly programs for every age.
- Storytime (babies, toddlers, preschool)
- LEGO days and STEM clubs
- Craft afternoons and themed events
- Teen programs and homework help
- Special guests, performers, and seasonal celebrations
I add library events to the calendar whenever I see them posted — check the calendar section above for what’s coming up.
Free Crafts, Classes & Workshops
Local businesses and community groups often host free kids activities — and they’re usually a great time.
- Free kids workshops (seasonal crafts and building projects)
- Community center open houses
- Trial classes for dance, sports, art, or martial arts
- Family fun days with games, crafts, and giveaways
Free At-Home Family Fun (Easy, Low Prep)
Some of my favorite family memories come from the simplest at-home ideas:
- Theme movie night (pajamas + popcorn + a silly “ticket”)
- List of 55 Indoor Activities
- Game night with board games or cards
- Your Kids’ Favorite Scholastic Shows Are Now Free to Stream!
- Backyard campout (or living room campout)
- Family read-aloud time (even big kids secretly love this)
- DIY craft time using what you already have (paper, crayons, tape)
Seasonal Free Family Activities
Spring & Summer
- Outdoor concerts and movies in the park
- Farmers market kids activities and pop-ups
- Touch-a-truck events
- Community festivals and playdays
Fall
- Fall Family Bucket List
- Harvest festivals and fall celebrations
- Trunk-or-treat events
- Community pumpkin events and parades
Winter
- Free Family Winter Bucket list
- Tree lightings and holiday community nights
- Free winter festivals
- Indoor workshops and kids events
Get Free Events Delivered to Your Inbox
If you want a quick weekly roundup of free things to do with kids, subscribe and I’ll send the best local picks.
FAQ: Free Family Activities
How do I find free events this weekend?
Start with the calendar at the top of this guide. I add free family events as they’re posted, so it’s the fastest way to plan. Or better yet, subscribe to our free newsletter so the events come to you!
Are library events really free?
Most are. Some special programs require registration, so check the event details and arrive early if space is limited.
How can I get my free event added?
You can add your events here. If it’s a good fit for families, I’ll do my best to include it.
