Fun budget-friendly ideas to get your family outside & spend quality family time together.
Creating memorable family moments doesn’t mean you have to spend big bucks. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can enjoy wholesome activities and create special memories together–without breaking your budget.
It can be a struggle getting kids off screens and outside. This list of 25 affordable family outings has something for everyone whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure, educational outing, or at-home fun this list has something for everyone. Let’s get started!
Outdoor Family Adventures (Free & Low-Cost)
1. Hiking on Local Trails
Research nearby kid-friendly trails and enjoy beautiful landscapes. You can check on All Trails, or your local Facebook groups might have good suggestions for kid-friendly hikes. Make it a game by seeing how many birds or critters you can spot. You can also print off this hiking bingo printable and let your kids play as they walk.
2. Beach or Lake Day
Pack the swimsuits, snacks, and sand toys for a fun (and often free) day by the water. Build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or enjoy a peaceful paddle. We have found that The Dollar Tree sometimes has sand toys, and they have lasted longer and been more fun than other sand toys we have gotten elsewhere. Make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen.
3. Picnic in the Park
Bring a homemade lunch, a blanket, and some toys for an old-school picnic. Many parks also have playgrounds or open fields for family games. Pack a soccer/basket ball and get a fun game going with your family.
4. Family Bike Ride
Explore local bike paths or quiet neighborhoods together while getting some fun exercise. Don’t forget helmets for everyone!
5. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a checklist of items like maple leaves, smooth rocks, or colorful flowers, and send the kids on a nature treasure hunt. Give the kids a basket or a bag to collect the items. When they come back with all the items you can help them create a fairy/gnome house with them.
6. Backyard Camping
Set up tents in your backyard for a night under the stars. If you don’t have a tent (or want to sleep outside), you can have a “late night” outside. Set up blankets and pillows on the grass so that you can all lie together and tell stories while looking at the stars. If you have a way to build a fire, you can roast marshmallows, make tinfoil/dutch oven dinners, and have an at-home camping experience.
7. Visit a Community Garden
Many community gardens are free to explore. It’s a wonderful way for kids to learn about plants and the area where you live. It may even inspire them to want to plant a small garden of their own.
8. Fishing at a Public Pond
Introduce your kids to fishing at family-friendly locations. Check your local regulations—many public ponds allow free or license-free fishing days for kids.
Educational & Creative Outings
Feed your family’s curiosity with these enriching yet affordable outings!
9. Library Storytime or Craft Hour
Libraries are a great resource for free events. They often host events like storytime or crafting sessions for kids. It can be a fun, educational, and creative outlet for your kids.
10. Local Museum Free Days
Many museums have discounted or free admission days. It can be a great way to introduce your kids to different cultural or historical explorations.
11. Tour a Fire Station or Local Business
Some fire stations or businesses (like bakeries or factories) offer free tours, giving kids a glimpse behind the scenes.
12. DIY Outdoor Art Day
Head to a scenic location with sketchbooks and art supplies. Everyone can try drawing what they see-think trees, flowers, or even each other. This is a great way to get kids to show kids how to observe their surroundings and find the beauty in the world. You can have them journal about what they see as well. Give them prompts such as: What are 5 interesting things you see? What sounds do you hear? and What is your favorite thing about this place?
13. Historical Walking Tour
Discover local history by visiting landmarks in your area. Many communities offer free maps or audio tours. I know in my area many of the historical sites have small museum areas that you can visit for free. It’s a great way to get to know your area and get your kids interested in history.
14. Free Outdoor Concerts, and Plays.
Summer seasons often bring free live music or theatrical performances to parks or amphitheaters. Check your local Facebook page or events boards to find out what is happening in your area.
Backyard & Neighborhood Fun
You don’t need to go far for these creative activities!
15. DIY Obstacle Course
Use items like pool noodles, jump ropes, and hula hoops to create a homemade obstacle course. Time each family member to see who completes it the fastest!
16. Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
Unleash your kids’ artistic side with chalk masterpieces. Turn it into a fun contest for the best or funniest drawing.
17. Water Balloon Fight or Sprinkler Play
Cool off in the summer heat with a water balloon fight or by running through the sprinkler. Affordable and a ton of fun!
18. Neighborhood Splash Pad
Find a neighborhood splash pad to run around and play in. It’s a great free way to beat the heat in the summer and get your kid’s energy out.
19. DIY Outdoor Movie Night
Hang a white sheet in your backyard and use a projector—or simply set up a TV outside. Pop some homemade popcorn for the full experience.
Seasonal & Community Activities
Every season brings fun, free activities to explore in your local area.
20. Farmers’ Market Adventure
Stroll through a farmers’ market and pick fresh, local produce together. Many markets also have live entertainment or kid-friendly zones.
21. Festival & Fair Free Days
Look out for free entry days at fairs and festivals. Even without spending money on rides or food, there’s plenty to experience!
22. Pumpkin Patch Visits
Take picturesque family photos and explore the grounds—no need to buy anything unless you want to.
23. Holiday Lights Tour
Pile the family in the car and drive around to admire festive holiday light displays—magical and free. Don’t forget to bring hot cocoa!
24. Snow Day Adventures
When winter comes knocking, spend a day outdoors sledding, building a snowman, or having a snowball fight followed by warm drinks indoors.
25. Community Events & Free Workshops
Check your local events board or Facebook groups for free family-friendly workshops or events—it’s a great way to connect with your community.
Bonus #26
Go to Home Depot on the first Saturday of every month for their free craft kids kits. Make sure to get there early because they can run out of kits. You can either do the kit at the store or take the kit home.
Tips for Affordable Family Fun
- Pack Snacks & Drinks – Avoid overpriced food while out by packing your own.
- Search for Deals – Websites like Groupon often have discounts for local attractions.
- Join Facebook Groups – Stay in the loop with free or low-cost events in your community.
- Keep it Simple – Don’t over-plan; sometimes the simplest outings make for the best memories.
Take the First Step Toward More Family Adventures
Building meaningful memories with your family doesn’t have to break the bank. With these 25 affordable ideas, there’s something for every budget, every season, and every family.
Now it’s your turn—what are your favorite cheap family outings? Share your go-to ideas in the comments below!
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