Inexpensive Ways to Keep Children Busy

Fill the Sink With Bubbles

Fill up a sink with water and bubbles, grab a stool, and watch your tot be amused for hours. Even better? Give her a few plastic cups, spoons, and measuring cups to play with in the bubbles, and she'll have an absolute blast.

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Build a Fort

You loved it as a kid, and your kids will too, so grab your best building materials (blankets, pillows, brooms, etc.), and build the best darn fort ever!

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Play With a Box

Got a few extra boxes lying around? Turn them over to your child, and watch his imagination take off.

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Do Some Bird Watching

Get out the binoculars (or just pretend ones), and look for birds. If your tot is really into it, try to identify those that you've spotted and make a list.

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Go on a Bear Hunt

Kiddos love reading the classic book We're Going on a Bear Hunt, but they really enjoy actually going out and looking for those old grizzlies (or anything that they've decided should be hunted that day).

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Toss Around the Tupperware

Babes are notorious for playing with tupperware, but toddlers and preschoolers will love using their imaginations with the clear plasticware.

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Go to a Free Workshop

Did you know that both Home Depot and Lowe's have free workshops for kids? All you have to do is sign up and show up!

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Have a Dance Party

Dance parties can be done just about anywhere, with anyone. Kids love 'em, and they're totally free — and totally fun. Got an older child? Choreograph a dance together!

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Collect Bugs

Along with April showers, Spring brings lots of creepy-crawly critters that you might not want anything to do with, but your tot will have a blast collecting, naming, and watching all day long.

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Go to the Library

In my opinion, the library is one of the most underrated things to do with your children, free or otherwise. It's full of books and toys, and there are always programs for young kids to do. And it's the best membership that won't cost you a thing — as long as you turn in your books on time!

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Play Charades

Charades are a great time killer — and do wonders for the imagination. It's not just for the kiddos, either. Playing charades is also superfun for parents because it really allows us to see our children's little brains at work.

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Have a Tea Party

Tea parties are always a good time as children love pretending to be civilized. And the best part is that boys and girls couldn't care less if their spot of tea is plain old water, as long as all their stuffed animals and baby dolls can join along.

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Make a Scavenger Hunt

Remember scavenger hunts? They were awesome. And guess what? They still are! So create a little scavenger hunt for your kiddos, and they'll love scrambling around the house or yard.

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Break the Ice

Grab a bucket full of ice cubes, and let them play, build, or just watch it melt. Got extra space in your freezer? Freeze tupperware full of water to make big ice blocks just like those in the beginning of Frozen.

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Have a Picnic

Picnics don't require much thought or any cash — all you need are a blanket and some food. Stay indoors or head outdoors, it doesn't really matter. We like to ransack the pantry prepicnic, and I use it as an opportunity to clear out food that we would have otherwise forgotten about.

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