Let’s be honest – family days out and activities can get expensive fast. But fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity, you can enjoy plenty of memorable adventures, cosy **rainy day activities**, and creative **kids crafts** for less than a fiver. I’ve rounded up over 50 of our favourite **family fun activities**, grouped into themes so you can find inspiration whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring. These are tried-and-tested ideas from our own family, and they’re proof that kids don’t need big budgets to have big fun!
✨ Free Printable Checklist! ✨
If you love ticking things off as much as I do, then you’ll be glad to know I’ve turned this list into a free printable checklist of 50+ family fun activities under £5. It’s perfect for sticking on the fridge or popping in your bag so you’ve always got ideas to hand. You can download the printable here and let the kids help tick things off as you go – making family fun even easier!
Outdoors & Mini-Adventures
Exploring a different park or playground keeps things fresh and exciting for kids.
• Try a family-friendly hiking trail
Head outdoors for some **family fun** and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise.
• Splash in puddles on a rainy day walk
One of the simplest **rainy day activities** is to throw on waterproofs and enjoy splashing in puddles together.
• Fly kites in your local park
Catch the wind and have a blast with this timeless outdoor play idea.
• Go on a nature and wildlife spotting adventure
Head out with binoculars or a camera and see what wildlife you can spot on your walk.
• Start geocaching as a family
Add some adventure to your **outdoor activities** by searching for hidden treasures.
Culture & Community (Mostly Free)
• Join a library storytime at your local library
Libraries are a goldmine of **free activities for kids**.
• Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge
Encourage a love of books with the **Summer Reading Challenge**.
• Visit a free museum or gallery
Many UK museums are free and make excellent **family attractions**.
• Head to a local city farm instead of a zoo
Swap pricey zoo tickets for a local farm visit.
• Explore your nearest nature centre trails
Nature centres often have free or cheap trails that are perfect for a family outing.
• Check for a fire station open day
Local fire stations sometimes hold open days where kids can explore vehicles and meet firefighters.
At-Home Fun (Rainy-Day Winners)
• Plan a family movie night with popcorn
Grab the blankets, make some popcorn, and settle in for a cosy evening.
• Set up an indoor scavenger hunt
Keep kids entertained indoors with a hunt for hidden items.
• Challenge each other with board games like UNO or Monopoly
Classic **board games** are great for all ages.
• Play hide and seek with torches
Turn off the lights and give everyone a torch for this exciting twist on hide and seek.
• Build a pillow and blanket fort
Transform your living room with cushions and blankets.
• Put on a puppet show from behind the dining table
Let kids create characters and stories with a DIY puppet show.
Make, Bake & Create
• Bake cookies together using pantry staples
Kids love helping in the kitchen and **baking cookies** is a cheap way to spend quality time.
Slime is messy, fun, and always a hit.
• Get crafty with pasta jewellery or beads
A simple craft with a big impact—kids can paint pasta and thread it into necklaces.
• Try simple science experiments
Add some learning to your day with **STEM play**.
• Create family artwork with crayons and markers
Unleash creativity with a drawing session.
• Start a family cookbook with new recipes
Encourage kids to get involved in the kitchen and record favourite meals in a homemade recipe book.
Quick Wins Outside (Low-Cost or Free)
A simple picnic with sandwiches and fruit is always a hit.
• Head to the beach for sandcastles
Build epic castles and enjoy the fresh sea air.
• Set up a simple garden treasure hunt
Hide little items around the garden and let kids race to find them.
• Log birds and bugs on a wildlife watch
Spend time outdoors spotting wildlife and keeping a tally.
• Have a family sports day at your nearby park
Set up races, relays, and silly games for the whole family.
Swap Out Expensive Days for Budget-Friendly Fun
• Skip the zoo and try a free city farm
Zoos can be expensive, but farms are often free or donation-based.
• Swap paid attractions for free museums
Museums are a fantastic way to spend a day without spending money.
• Do torch tag at home instead of laser tag
Laser tag can be pricey, but a few torches make a fun at-home alternative.
• DIY mini-golf in the garden with household items
Set up ramps, cups, and obstacles for your own mini-golf course.
Final Thoughts
The best thing about these ideas is how simple they are – most use things you already have around the house or places nearby that don’t cost a penny. Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive, and sometimes the cheapest activities end up being the ones kids remember most. Why not pick a few this weekend and see where the adventure takes you? And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our posts on wet weather play ideas, acts of kindness for siblings, or rainy day activities
Download your Free Printable Checklist of Activities
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