Last updated on September 1st, 2024 at 03:07 am
Hey there, fellow wanderlust-driven parents! Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or gearing up for your first big family adventure, one thing’s for sure: traveling with kids can be both exhilarating and exhausting. I’m here to help make it more of the former and less of the latter.
As a mom and professional travel advisor, I’ve learned that some of the best memories come from the simplest (and cheapest) experiences. Here are 20 awesome, free things you can do with your kids while traveling that will keep you on budget.
Table of Contents
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Outdoor Adventures
Nature Trails and Hikes
One of the easiest ways to keep kids entertained and burn off some of that boundless energy is by hitting the trails. We’ve hiked everywhere from the scenic Rocky Mountains to the coastal cliffs of Santa Cruz Island, and let me tell you, kids love a good adventure.
Pro tip: Turn your hike into a scavenger hunt! Create a list of items to find – a red leaf, a funny-shaped rock, a squirrel – and watch your kids become enthusiastic explorers. We like to bring these on hikes with us. They work well in the car on long rides, too.
Beach Days
My personal favorite- the beach. Endless entertainment provided by nature itself. My little ones can spend hours building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and splashing in the waves. Plus, it’s a great way for us parents to relax (or at least try to).
Game idea: Organize a beach relay race. Use buckets and shovels for a fun twist. Trust me, the kids will love it, and you’ll get to sit back and enjoy the view.
Parks and Playgrounds
Every city has its own unique parks and playgrounds. We’ve stumbled upon some incredible ones in our travels, and a new park is such a simple thing for grown-ups but will make your kids’ whole day.
Picnic fun: Pack a lunch and turn your park visit into a picnic. Let the kids run wild while you enjoy a well-deserved break.
Free Local Festivals and Events
Check out local event calendars before your trip. You’d be surprised how many free festivals, parades, and events take place throughout the year.
Cultural immersion: These events are also a fantastic way for kids to experience local culture and traditions firsthand.
Splash Pads
This applies more to younger kids, but is a great idea for them. Splash pads have become so popular and can be found in most cities.
Unconvential Finds: We once stumbled upon a splash pad while grabbing lunch near Denver Union Station. It lit up beautifully with lights and was a great way for our son to burn some energy after sitting still through lunch.
Educational Experiences
Public Libraries
Libraries are an underrated travel gem. They often host free storytimes, craft sessions, and other kid-friendly events. Plus, it’s a quiet place for some downtime if your itinerary has been go-go-go.
Favorite memory: We spent a rainy afternoon on a trip to Portland, Oregon at the library and our son still talks about all of the activities they had there. Libraries never fail to surprise me with how fun they are.
Museums with Free Entry
Many museums offer free entry on certain days or times. What better way to explore and learn about a new area?
Interactive fun: Look for museums with hands-on exhibits. These are great for keeping kids engaged and making learning fun.
Historical Sites and Landmarks
History comes alive when you visit historical sites and landmarks. We always have fun looking at the information plaques with the kids- they love them even if they have no idea what we’re talking about. If we’re excited, they’re excited.
Make it a game: Create a simple quiz or trivia game about the site’s history. It turns a regular visit into an exciting challenge for the kids.
Community Art Projects
Many cities have community art projects where you can participate in creating public art or simply admire the works of local artists. It’s a wonderful way to foster creativity and appreciation for art in your kids.
Art walk: We try to take photos with murals in different cities we go to. It’s a fun and colorful memory to have in our photo books.
Interactive Fun
Geocaching and Treasure Hunts
Geocaching is like a real-life treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden “caches.” It’s an excellent way to explore new areas and get the kids excited about outdoor adventures.
Getting started: Download a geocaching app and look for caches in your destination. We’ve found hidden treasures in parks, city streets, and even remote hiking trails.
DIY Science Experiments
Travel can be a great opportunity for some impromptu science experiments. Whether it’s making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar at the beach or observing different types of rocks and plants, there are plenty of ways to sneak in some educational fun.
Experiment idea: Try making a simple solar oven out of a pizza box and foil. It’s a fun project that teaches kids about solar energy and cooking, and makes a fun and silly memory for the kids.
Stargazing and Astronomy
One of our family’s favorite free activities is stargazing. All you need is a clear night and a good spot away from city lights. Apps like Star Walk can help you identify constellations and planets.
Memory: We spent a memorable night stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park. Our son was amazed at how many stars he could see, and it prompted fun conversation about planets and solar systems.
Gardens and Botanic Parks
Botanic gardens are beautiful, peaceful places to explore with kids. They can learn about different plants, ecosystems, and sometimes even spot wildlife. There is a famous Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon that we spent over an hour at. It was so beautiful and our son had so much fun running between the bushes and looking for butterflies.
Nature journaling: Bring along some notebooks and colored pencils for the kids to draw what they see. It helps them engage more deeply with their surroundings. We use and love this one for our 5 year old.
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Cultural Immersion
Street Performances and Markets
Street performers and local markets offer a vibrant slice of local culture. Our favorite memory at the Santa Monica Pier was watching the street performers dance, and they included our kids in the performance.
Interaction: Encourage your kids to ask questions or even join in. It makes the experience more interactive and memorable.
Cultural Centers and Community Halls
Many cities have cultural centers that offer free exhibitions, performances, and workshops. These can be great places for kids to learn about local traditions and crafts.
Sneaky Learning: learning about the culture of different areas sparks so many important conversations with kids, and creates a framework of curiosity for your children that will last a lifetime.
Music and Dance in the Park
Many parks host free music and dance performances, especially in the summer. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy local talent and get the kids moving.
Pro tip: It’s easy to check Facebook events to find local events for your destination.
Farmers Markets
Another awesome event to keep your eyes out for are local farmers markets. I’m obsessed with farmers markets and love seeing what each destination offers for local produce and goods.
Local Pride: Cities pride themselves on their markets. It’s guaranteed to be fun and you can find so many locally-made goodies. Even if you don’t buy anything, the energy and excitement is contagious!
Relaxation and Reflection
Yoga and Meditation in Parks
Some parks offer free yoga and meditation sessions. These are great for winding down and teaching kids mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Family session: We once joined a family yoga session at a park in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our son thought it was so fun to try something so different and giggled the entire time. His laugh was infectious!
Photography Walks
Grab a camera (or just use your phone) and go on a photography walk. It’s a great way for kids to engage with their surroundings and look at the world from a different perspective.
Tip: Give them specific themes or subjects to capture, like “colors of the city” or “interesting textures.”
Free Workshops and Classes
Many communities offer free workshops and classes in various subjects, from crafts to cooking to dance. These are fantastic opportunities for kids to learn something new and have fun.
Craft time: We like to stay at campgrounds that offer free events like this on the weekends. It gives us time to let our older boy do something fun while the little one naps.
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Conclusion
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the most memorable experiences come from the simplest, free activities. From hiking and beach days to cultural immersion and creative fun, there are plenty of ways to keep your little ones entertained and engaged without spending a fortune.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, remember to look for these awesome, free activities. Not only will your wallet thank you, but you’ll also create priceless memories with your kids. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite family tradition along the way.
Happy travels! And don’t forget to share your own free activity ideas and experiences in the comments below. Safe and happy adventures!
Want more ideas like this? Check out 20 Insanely Affordable Family Vacations You’ll Love for more ideas to keep travel with kids affordable and on budget!
As of 2024, I am a certified Hawai’i Destination Specialist through the Hawai’i Visitor and Convention Bureau.
This certification ensures a deep understanding of Hawaii’s diverse landscapes, culture, and attractions, providing insider insights and access to exclusive recommendations and hidden gems. With tailored itineraries customized to your preferences and VIP treatment for preferred bookings, trust in Elevated Travel to create an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway.
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