Fun and Free (or cheap) activities

FUN and FREE (or cheap) activities to do this summer with your little one(s).

The Summer holidays can be tough and expensive for parents, so finding kids’ activities that are cheap or free, is a good way to keep your kids busy and yourself sane. Below are some suggestions for things you can do with your toddler to keep them busy and entertained.

1. Visit your local library at least once a week. Get your child his own library card,(it’s free!) and explore the books together.
2. Visit a local park, many have playgrounds for the smaller children and just bring a blanket and some drinks/snacks to make the visit last a bit.
3. To give yourself some social time as well, arrange a play date with friends.
4. Go for a walk in a nearby forest or field.
5. Set up an obstacle course either in the garden or indoors. You can use blankets, pillows, buckets, take your pick!
6. Make a masking tape race track (Video: (https://youtu.be/dA9p073Ob-w)
7. Finger painting with edible paint! Make your own edible paint https://funcheaporfree.com/diy-edible-finger-paint-recipe-for-kids-pudding-finger-paint/) “make edible paint”)
8. Chalking on the garden path. – Recipe to make your own chalk (https://funcheaporfree.com/diy-3-ingredient-sidewalk-chalk-paint/)
9. Make a water table – fill a washing up bowl with some water and there are so many things the kids can do! Pouring, floating toys, balls. – even washing heir own toys; the options are endless
10. Create and imagine with play-dough. Here’s a super easy homemade play-dough recipe to make your own: https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/homemade-playdough/z4tdd6f
11. Play hide and seek, you will be stunned where they find hiding places!
12. Have a staring contest, sounds easier than it is when you are a toddler….
13. Hula hoop, lots of fun and quite cheap to buy at B&M or The Works
14. Play hopscotch, either using a course or hop along the room on one leg
15. Blow bubbles – Make a bubble mixture at home: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-make-bubble-mixture
16. Make a blanket fort, great for a rainy day!
17. Do some colouring (you can print these to get you started: insects to colour in (https://www.sunnydays-nursery.co.uk/perch/resources/admin/toddler-colouring-sheets.pdf)
18. Dance party, turn up the tunes and wriggle those hips
19. Shaving cream table art (or mess?)
20. Kick a ball between you and maybe even throw and catch with your toddler

We hope you’ll find this list of fun activities helpful. There are endless ideas for affordable summer fun, these are just a few to get you started. Print it out, put it on the fridge, and start making memories!

your kids will LOVE you for it!