Free Things to Do With Kids: Libraries, Parks, Free Days and More

The best free things to do with kids are usually closer than people think: the library, local parks, free community events and low-cost museum programs. Start with your public library and city parks, then check museum discount programs and the annual list of national park fee-free days. The tips below also explain how to find free options where you live.

Start with your public library

A library card is free in most places and opens more than books. Look for:

• Story times and baby or toddler sessions, usually weekly and often with a craft
• After-school clubs such as board games, coding or art
• Summer reading programs with simple goals
• Borrowable items beyond books, such as board games, kits or audiobooks, depending on the library
• Museum or park passes, which some libraries lend. Ask at the desk, since availability varies.

The library is also a good backup for bad weather, when a stack of new books can fill an afternoon.

Parks, trails and nature

City, county and state parks cost little or nothing in many areas, though some charge for parking. Easy options include:

• Playgrounds, open fields and splash pads in warm months
• A nature scavenger hunt, with a list of leaves, rocks and animal signs. Our nature scavenger hunt ideas have printable-style lists by season.
• Short walks on local trails, bird watching or looking for puddles and mud after rain
• Sledding and snow play where snow falls, using a hill that is clear of traffic and obstacles

Take water and snacks, dress for the weather and check park rules before collecting anything. In national parks, leaving rocks, plants and artifacts in place is part of the rules.

Museums, zoos and attractions

Admission is rarely free, but there are legitimate ways to cut the cost:

• Museums for All. This program lets people who receive SNAP benefits visit participating museums for free or at a reduced price of up to $5 per person, typically by showing an EBT card (some museums also ask for photo ID). Participation, prices and guest limits vary by museum, so check the museum’s website before you go. The program is administered by the Association of Children’s Museums.
• Free or pay-what-you-wish days. Some museums have regular free hours or evenings. Look on each museum’s website or call the front desk.
• Library passes. Ask whether your library lends passes.
• Family memberships. If you will go more than a couple of times a year, a family membership can pay off, but only if you will use it.

National park fee-free days

The National Park Service waives entrance fees on a short list of days each year. As of November 2026, the list for the year includes Veterans Day on November 11, and the dates changed from earlier years, so check the current list at nps.gov before you plan a trip. Free entrance applies to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and timed-entry or reservation fees can still apply on those days. Many parks and park sites do not charge an entrance fee at all.

If you have a fourth grader, see our guide to the free national park pass for fourth graders for how to get one. Junior Ranger programs also give children something to work toward at many parks. See our junior ranger program guide.

Community events and everyday outings

• Local festivals, parades and tree lightings, often listed by the city or chamber of commerce
• Farmers markets with free samples, music or kids’ activities
• Bookstore story times and in-store events
• Hardware or craft store workshops for kids, offered by some stores. Check store websites for current schedules.
• Fire station or community open houses. Many departments hold events or tours, but call ahead since schedules vary.
• School and church events such as concerts, fairs and carnivals
• Neighborhood groups for borrowing toys, swapping books or planning playdates

Free things to do at home

• Build an indoor obstacle course from cushions
• Have a living room campout or a picnic on the floor
• Make a boredom jar of activity ideas
• Start a family reading hour
• Cook something simple together
• Do a family dance party or talent show
• Make art from recycling, such as boxes, cardboard tubes and paper scraps

How to find free activities near you

1. Check your library’s calendar and sign up for its email list.
2. Check your city or county parks and recreation page, which often lists free events and inexpensive classes.
3. Search “free events for kids” plus your town and the month, then confirm dates on the organizer’s own website.
4. Ask other parents at school pickup, at the park or in neighborhood groups.
5. Watch for hidden costs. A free event may still have parking fees, food prices or a gift shop, so decide in advance what you will spend.

By place and age

For more ideas to mix in, browse our family bucket list ideas, which marks free, low-cost and splurge options.

Bottom line

Begin with the library and local parks, add museum discount programs when you can, and look up the fee-free days for national parks on nps.gov. Check each event’s website before you go, since hours and rules change. Free does not need to mean boring, and a regular outing often beats a one-off big day.

FAQ

What are the best free things to do with toddlers?

Library story times, playgrounds, short walks, water play at a splash pad in warm weather and simple music or dance time at home. Keep outings short and bring snacks.

Are free events safe for kids?

Usually, but crowds need planning. Agree on a meeting spot, keep young children within arm’s reach and hold hands near roads and parking lots. Take sunscreen or warm layers, depending on the season.

Who qualifies for Museums for All?

The program is aimed at people who receive SNAP benefits and show an EBT card at a participating museum, and some museums also ask for photo ID. Details vary by museum, so check first.

Are national parks free?

Not usually, but fees are waived on certain days each year for citizens and permanent residents. Many parks, historic sites and trails charge nothing at all. Check the park’s page on nps.gov.