41 Things To Do With Kids: Active Ideas for Parents, Sitters and Teachers in 2025
Finding things to do with kids is often not an easy task because of how easily they get bored. In just an afternoon, you may try dozens of different activities! And there are some days when you’re feeling less energetic, which makes it harder to keep up with their pace. That’s when finding unique and fun things to do with kids comes in handy - keeping them entertained for hours while also stimulating their creativity.
From hands-on activities like pottery to cozy movie nights in the backyard, or exploring textures and motor skills, there are many activities to stay engaged alongside them. In this article, we’ve created a list of fun games and activities, perfect for keeping little ones happy and active.
Jump to Section
- Places To Go With Kids
- Fun Things To Do With Kids
- Free Things To Do With Kids
- Craft Ideas for Kids
- Things To Do With Kids FAQs
Places To Go With Kids
1. Cooking Classes
Often, when you think of things to do with kids, the first activity that comes to mind is painting or drawing. While there’s nothing wrong with these activities, it’s also great to let them explore other areas like cooking. Cooking classes are a great activity for kids as they’ll get to experiment with flavors to enhance their palates, global cuisines to broaden their cultural knowledge and basic skills that help them build up independence and creativity. The best part? They get to enjoy (and proudly share) the results.
Drop them off or join them for Indian culinary classes in San Jose, sushi making in Miami or pizza making in San Diego.
2. Pottery Classes
Looking for places to go with kids that help them stimulate their motor skills? Pottery classes can be a unique activity where they’ll get to mold, shape and paint their creations. Whether they want to create animal figures, or something more elaborate, with pottery they can find a way to express themselves while having fun.
They can learn wheel throwing basics in San Francisco, painting pottery in Chicago or make a magnificent mug in Portland.
3. Photography Classes
Photography isn’t about capturing the perfect moment. It’s about playing with light, getting creative and finding your own way to tell a story. If your kid is curious about photography, taking them to photography classes can be a great way for them to explore this activity. They’ll learn how to frame a shot, play with angles and understand lighting.
They can advance their camera photo skills in Atlanta, work on composition in Dallas or walk and shoot in NYC (with their guardian of course).
4. Children's Museums
Most cities have children’s museums that are great for kids of different ages because they are places designed exclusively for them. The purpose of these museums is for kids to learn through play. From science experiments to role-playing in grocery stores, kids get to spark their creativity and imagination. These museums are all about tactile and sensory experience, so you don’t have to worry about your kids touching or breaking priceless works of art — that’s the main purpose!
5. Aquarium
One of the best places to go with kids to create magical memories is the aquarium. They’ll get to learn about the wonders of the sea, seeing colorful tropical fish, giant sea turtles, sharks and more. Aquariums allow kids to learn about marine life, conservation and ecosystems in a visual and even tactile way (the touchpool is always a winner).
6. Theme Park
For those looking for kids birthday party ideas that are fun and guarantee entertainment, a theme park is a no-miss. If you live in Orlando, the safest options are of course, Disney World, Epcot and Universal Studios. Many cities have theme parks that are a fun way to spend the day, riding roller coasters, eating delicious snacks and enjoying live shows or character meets-and-greets.
7. Farmer's Market
A trip to the farmer’s market might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering things to do with kids, but it’s actually a great way to mix fun with learning. Kids can explore colorful produce, taste fresh samples and even chat with local farmers about where food comes from. Many markets also have live music, food trucks and kid-friendly booths with crafts, face painting and even petting zoos.
8. Planetarium
Who says learning has to be boring? Get creative, and take your kids to the planetarium so they can explore the wonders of space! In an immersive, kid-friendly setting, they’ll be able to learn about planets, galaxies and constellations. Many planetariums offer shows that are designed for kids, blending storytelling with science in a fun way. So make sure to check the upcoming events for exciting things to do with kids that are also educational.
9. Botanical Garden
In a world where technology rules, it’s easy to get distracted by the day-to-day responsibilities. Fun things to do with kids include exploring nature trails in a botanical garden. They’ll be surrounded by beautiful flowers, trees and unique plants in a fairly safe environment. Additionally, visiting a botanical garden is a unique way for kids to engage with their senses, smelling herbs, spotting butterflies and listening to different birds.
10. Classpop! Gift Card
In case of doubt, a Classpop! Gift Card is always the answer. It gives families the flexibility to choose the activity that suits their kids best — whether it’s a cooking class, painting session or even a dance workshop. It’s a thoughtful, experience-based gift that turns into a fun memory.
Fun Things To Do With Kids
11. Fly Kites
Whether you’re a teacher looking to get creative with outdoor activities or simply looking for easy ways to keep kids entertained, flying kites can make for some unique things to do with kids, where they can spend an afternoon in the park. You can DIY yourself, or buy one and get everyone running around fresh air, learning how to control the kite. Make sure it’s a windy day!
12. Backyard Movie Night
Take a regular movie night to the next level by moving it to the backyard. It’s one of those fun things to do with kids that never gets old and can be enjoyed by everyone (our team of adults at Classpop! love a good outdoor movie). Set up a cozy atmosphere with string lights, comfy seating and pick some of the best movies for kids like Toy Story or Shrek. To make it even more extra, you can set a popcorn station, some hot dogs and voilá, you have the perfect setup for a couple of hours of outdoor family fun.
13. Have a Picnic
If you’re looking for outdoor activities to do with kids, having a picnic can be a great way to bond with them while doing something different. You can pack delicious snacks and refreshing drinks in a rustic picnic basket, then head to your favorite spot. Don’t forget to bring along some games or start a storytelling round to keep everyone entertained. You could even crack some jokes for kids to get everyone laughing while playing a game of charades.
14. Make S’mores
What’s one of the most beloved desserts? S’mores! Plan a S’mores cookout where you can make this delicious treat from scratch. Make sure to buy all of the essentials: chocolate, marshmallows, cookies or graham crackers. There are also S’mores kits, so smashing all the ingredients together is one of the easiest things to do with kids. If you have a fire pit or grill, that's even better, but you can use the oven or stovetop if you’re indoors.
15. Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is one of the more practical and longer things to do with kids, especially if you're looking to reduce screen time and get kids excited about the outdoors. Create a checklist of things to find, like pinecones, butterflies or feathers. Go to a nearby park or trail to check off as many as possible. Bonus: Have a prize for the kids that finds all the objects first.
16. Water Balloon Fight
What activities do children enjoy doing? On those hot summer days, a water balloon fight is always a favorite. They can stay cool while getting some energy out. All you need is a hose, some balloons and a little space to run around. Whether it’s with siblings, friends or the whole family, get ready for some refreshing fun.
17. DIY Pizza Night
When it comes to kids' lunch ideas — or really any meal of the day — pizza is always a good option. Host a fun DIY pizza night, where the little ones get to explore in the kitchen as they prepare their favorite pizzas. You can create a station with all the toppings like different cheeses, onions, ham, mushrooms and more. Guide them through the process and encourage them to get creative with their flavor combinations.
18. Escape Room
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids, an escape room can be a great alternative. These interactive adventures test problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity and more. Whether it’s a pirate ship or a mystery to solve, kids will get to explore a themed world where they’ll need to work together. The only thing to ensure is that the activity is suitable for their ages, as there are escape rooms that are exclusively for adults.
19. Indoor Rock Climbing
Indoor rock climbing is one of the most active things to do with kids when it's raining. It's a way for kids to burn energy while earning valuable skills like confidence and coordination. This activity ensures kids test their limits while being in a safe environment. Some of these spaces are specifically designed for kids, with soft mats and friendly instructors that will help them reach new heights — literally!
20. Try Mini Golf
Mini golf is one of those activities that's perfect for all ages, regardless of their skill level. Most of these spaces have colorful courses, fun obstacles and themes. Even if they struggle to get that hole-in-one, they’ll still try something new and have fun doing so! Whacking a golf ball is super exciting for little ones.
21. Do a “Yes Day”
A “Yes Day” for kids? Too risky? Probably, but think about it this way: If you set boundaries from the start (like telling them there’s a specific budget), they’ll know they can’t literally ask for anything. But it’s a fun way for them to feel spoiled! You can even be surprised by the activities or things they may ask for, enjoying the activities more than you think and even finding new, creative hobbies. It's one of those things to do with kids where adults can also join in the fun.
Free Things To Do With Kids
22. Build a Fort
The best thing about kids is their energy and imagination. If you’re on a budget but still want to give them an incredible adventure, one activity that never fails is building a fort at home. It's one of the top things to do with kids, no matter which generation they're part of. You can make a fun story about being attacked by pirates to fuel their imagination, and work together to build the ultimate hideout with pillows, blankets and chairs.
23. Sun Prints
Whether you need to come up with Thanksgiving crafts for kids or ideas for an afternoon filled with fun, sun prints are an easy and low-budget activity. You only need sun-sensitive paper, natural objects like leaves or flowers, and a sunny day. Guide kids into arranging their items on the paper, leaving it in the sun for a few minutes, and then rinse it with water to reveal a silhouette print.
24. Play Tag
Tag is one of the most timeless games, and it’s always a blast to play! It requires zero equipment, can be played basically anywhere, and gets everyone moving. Whether it’s classic tag, freeze tag or a made-up version with silly rules, this game is great for kids to burn off energy and laugh out loud with friends.
25. Hula Hoop
Turn the music on, and start hula hooping! Whether they want to keep the hoop spinning around their waist or make a dance routine, hula hoops are a great option that offers movement and creativity. It's also one of the things to do with kids that improves their motor skills and coordination. The best part is that you can do it both outdoors and indoors, so the weather will never be an obstacle.
26. Volunteer as a Family
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids, why not do something that makes an impact? Kids learn by doing; values like empathy and compassion can be hard to teach without real-life examples. Volunteering as a family is a great way to help them build essential values such as kindness, responsibility and gratitude while showing them the impact of helping others.
27. Go Stargazing
Stargazing can be one of the more fun free things to do with kids as it sparks curiosity without spending a dime. It’s a screen-free way to bond while teaching kids about the universe and science. Drive to a dark area, bring a blanket, hot chocolate and snacks, and watch the night sky. You can also look for constellations and learn more about the celestial bodies.
28. Create a Time Capsule
What activities can we do for kids? Creating a time capsule is an engaging activity that will have meaning in the future. Tell kids to write a letter for their future self, predicting what they'll be doing or offering words of encouragement, and with a few meaningful objects (a toy or a drawing). Once everything is ready, seal the capsule and bury it in the backyard (or store it safely indoors) for one of the more meaningful free things to do with kids.
29. Backyard Obstacle Course
Keep kids moving, thinking and laughing with a backyard obstacle. With everyday objects like hula hoops, cones, jumping ropes, pool noodles or even cardboard boxes, you can set different stations for jumping, running and crawling. To incentivize, you can offer kids a prize for those who complete the entire course!
30. DIY Dance Party
A DIY dance party is one of the easiest and most fun free things to do with kids. Clear the living room or backyard, put on a fun playlist with energetic music and let the dancing begin. To make it more special, you can make a DIY disco ball with foil paper and add lights for a more lively atmosphere.
31. Explore a New Park
You probably always visit the same parks, either because they’re nearby or because you know your kid likes them. But to keep things exciting, take your things to do with kids one step up and explore new parks in your area that offer different playgrounds, trails or open spaces. A quick search on Google Maps can help you discover hidden gems.
Craft Ideas for Kids
32. Friendship Bracelets
Making friendship bracelets is one of the easiest things to do with kids. All you need is colorful embroidery thread or yarn, and you can teach kids how to design adorable bracelets, or you can use our guide on how to make a friendship bracelet. Through simple patterns, kids can improve their motor skills and get creative while making a lovely gift for a friend. Check out our clay bead bracelet ideas or even our Taylor Swift friendship bracelet ideas to get some inspiration.
33. Homemade Slime
The best crafts for kids are easy to set up and budget-friendly. Slime falls into this category, as all you need to make it is glue, baking soda and contact lens solution. You can add extra color and glitter and encourage kids to play with textures. Use our guide to find out how to make slime at home for one of the quintessential things to do with kids.
34. Sock Puppets
Making sock puppets is a fun activity that doesn't cost a thing if you use old mismatched socks. This is one of the favorite winter crafts for kids that can keep them entertained for hours. With some buttons, yarn and markers, kids can bring their puppets to life. You can encourage them to give the puppets names and personalities — one of the top things to do with kids to enhance imagination and creativity.
35. Science Experiment
Science experiments can be a fantastic way to keep kids entertained for hours. You can create a list of easy experiments, gather all the items and get started. One of the easiest things to do with kids at home is to make the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano — with just a few kitchen ingredients, you can create a fizzy eruption. Slime or growing crystals are additional science experiments that kids love.
36. Coffee Filter Butterflies
Coffee filter butterflies are a fun craft idea for kids of all ages. With coffee filters, markers, a spray bottle with water and clothespins, kids can create beautiful artisanal flowers. To make them, you need to color the filters with markers, then lightly spray them with water to see how the colors blend, creating a tie-dye effect.
37. Paint Cookies
Painted cookies are a sweet and creative Valentine's Day craft for kids that combines art and baking! Start with plain sugar cookies and give kids edible food coloring or food-safe paint pens to decorate heart shapes, love notes or fun, easy designs. They can paint sweet messages or colorful patterns, turning each cookie into a mini canvas.
38. Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
This is one of the craftiest things to do with kids that requires minimal supplies. To create one, you only need two empty paper rolls, glue, paint and a string. Glue them together, paint them and add the string so that they can hang them around their necks. Then, encourage kids to decorate them with glitter, stickers and additional colors, giving their own unique and personal touch.
39. Egg Carton Critters
Egg carton critters are a cute and eco-friendly Easter craft idea that kids will love. Using recycled egg cartons, paint, googly eyes, pipe cleaners and a little imagination, kids can create their own bunnies, chicks, lambs or even colorful spring bugs.
40. Handprint Art
Get your hands dirty by making fun handprint art. Using washable paint and paper, kids can make everything from animals, trees and bugs to abstract patterns. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon, exploring with colors, textures and even creating keepsakes.
41. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
This popular craft doesn’t require more than just 3 or 4 elements. All you need are popsicle sticks and glue, with some fun decorations like pom-poms, stickers or glitter. Kids can assemble the sticks into a square or rectangular shape, decorate them with different colors and shapes, and add a favorite photo or drawing.
Things To Do With Kids FAQs
What Activities Do Children Enjoy Doing?
Kids enjoy activities that spark their curiosity and imagination, such as arts and crafts, building forts, playing games and exploring nature. They also enjoy anything active, such as an obstacle course, dancing or outdoor games.
As a parent, teacher or sitter, one of the most challenging things to do is keep kids entertained in a fun and enriching way. While watching a movie can be easy for them to calm down, other activities can stimulate them, sparking their creativity and imagination. From doing simple crafts like sock puppets to a fun interactive experience like a children's museum, various activities can capture their interest. The key is taking a little time to plan something enjoyable.
For even more fun ideas to keep the tiny tots occupied, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
