You know what it’s like when you’ve planned a day at the pool and wake up to a chilly, cloudy morning and canceled plans. The kids get bored, and you go a little crazy. Let’s face it, busy kids are happy kids. Here’s a list of fun places to take kids, no matter what the weather throws at you.
- Visit Your Local Library
Many libraries offer children’s activities, and most are free. From story time and chess to crafts and yoga, libraries are a great place to find things to do.
- Hit Up a Nearby Farm or Petting Zoo
Depending on the season, there are lots of things to see, touch and taste. Some farms offer shearing demonstrations or fruit picking, and some even let you try your hand at milking a cow!
- Try Geocaching
Geocaching is a treasure hunt you can go on in your own neighborhood — or anywhere in the world! Download a free mobile app to find the location of hidden containers (“geocaches”) near you, and navigate your way to them. When you find a geocache, sign its logbook with details of your journey, and rehide the geocache in the same spot where you found it. Some caches also contain little toys and trinkets you can trade.
- Take Your Kids on a Volunteering Adventure
Bring hand-drawn cards to a nursing home, donate old towels to an animal shelter and visit the dogs, or drop off donations at a food pantry.
- Take a Trip to the Airport
Transportation-obsessed toddlers and preschoolers love a visit to the airport, where they can see planes take off and land or try the moving sidewalk. If the airport is too far, a nearby train station (or even a bus ride) can be just as much fun!
- Check Out Kid-Friendly Stores
Anna Fader, founder of family activity website Mommy Poppins, suggests, “Don’t overlook stores of your kids’ favorite brand. Kids can play for free at the Nintendo and LEGO stores and many other spots you may have in your local mall or downtown.”
- Get Back to Nature
Life coach, Living Wild and Precious blogger and former teacher Carla Robertson suggests visiting a local nature center or even just the woods for a “wordless walk.” “Kids are naturally connected with nature and plants and animals and curious about everything,” she says. “If you explain to small children that if they’re quiet, more animals might come, that can be all the encouragement they need to be silent. Debrief at the end of the walk to find out what everyone noticed.”
- Be a Little Daring
Take little adrenaline junkies to rope courses and ziplines.
- Get Crafty
For your little crafters, try a ceramics or glass-making studio, or paint-your-own pottery! Kids can complete a project in an hour or two, and you return later to pick up completed pieces.
- Cook Up Some Fun
Check your supermarket or community center for cooking classes you can attend with your child.
- Go to the Theater — Without Breaking the Bank
Have a drama queen on your hands? Community theaters offer kid-friendly performances with inexpensive ticket prices. You can also check your local school drama clubs.
- Scope Out the Skate Park
Indoor and outdoor skate parks are fun for big kids to skateboard and cool for littler ones to check out the action!
- Visit the Fire or Police Station
Call your local fire or police station and ask if you can schedule a visit. Most are happy to oblige, and kids are thrilled to see where the action is. Bake a treat with your kids to bring along and leave for them to enjoy!
- Check Out Minor League Sports
Many areas have teams that offer action similar to pro sports at a fraction of the cost. You can also check out local college games!
- Take in the Local Sights
Monuments and historical spots are a great places to learn about local history.
- Swim Indoors
Too cold to swim outside? Check if your local fitness center offers day passes for their indoor pool.
- Jump and Bounce!
Not just for birthday parties — take a ride to an indoor trampoline park or inflatable play place. These locations usually offer “open jump” times, when kids can work off some rainy day energy!
- Make Your Own Jewelry
For jewelry-loving crafters, check out jewelry studios, where you can make your own bracelets and necklaces. (Bonus: these crafts make great gifts for grandmas and babysitters!)
- Play Some Mini-Golf!
Miniature golf isn’t just for the beach! Check nearby courses — some are even indoors!
So the next time you hear, “Mom! I’m bored,” try out one of these places to take kids in your area!
And check out these 50 Fun Family Activities.
Jill Reed Siroty is a freelance writer and author of a blog.She is also the mom of two boys who love to explore new places.
