The kids Summer holidays are almost upon us and no school means we will have more free time on our hands to go on a few adventures and have fun at home. Embarking on adventures as a family creates brilliant memories, however, finding budget-friendly activities can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not! I have compiled the ultimate adventure bucket list filled with 25 free activities that you can enjoy with your family. From things to do at home, to simple and free family days out, there is something for everyone. So, get ready to create unforgettable memories together with your kids without breaking the bank!
You can download a printable version of this list below to tick off as a family as you go!
1. Nature’s Playground:
Explore the great outdoors and spend time together in nature through activities like hiking, a picnic in the park, birdwatching, or stargazing on a clear night. Go on a nature walk and learn about different plant and animal species. Head to the beach, a local lake or woods to explore rock pools and ponds.
2. Nature Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza:
Organize a nature scavenger hunt in your garden or local woods, challenging your little adventurers to find different natural treasures like pine cones, different types of leaves, flowers and insects/animals to look out for. Give each child a little list to tick off as they find them.
3. Back Garden Camping:
Pitch a tent in your backyard and have a camping adventure right at home. Roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and enjoy the magic of the night sky. Garden camping is great craic, and it’s handy not being too far away from home should anyone have a change of heart or need to go to the bathroom!
4. Arts and Crafts Bonanza:
Unleash your creativity with DIY art projects using materials found at home. From painting to sculpting, the possibilities are endless. For some ideas and inspiration click here.
5. Family Game Night:
Rediscover classic board games, card games, or create your own games using recycled materials. Everyone gets to pick their favourite. Never underestimate the fun and competitiveness of family board games!
6. Disco Party Mania
Turn up the music and have a disco party in your living room. Show off your moves, teach each other new dance steps, and let loose. Disco lights and glow sticks optional! Click here for our favourite kitchen disco playlist if you need some inspiration.
7. Movie Marathon:
Plan a movie marathon night with homemade popcorn and cozy blankets. Choose a theme or let each family member pick their favorite films to enjoy together. Harry Potter marathons, Star Wars, Disney Classics, the possibilities are endless.
8. Lego Building Challenges:
Team up with your child, or adults vs kids in creating the most amazing Lego creation within a set time!
9. Kitchen Masterclass:
Let the kids choose a recipe to try out. Why not bake cookies or a cake together as a family. Or split into teams and have a family cooking off!
10. Treasure Map Quest:
Design a treasure map with clues leading to hidden treasures in your house or garden. An ideal one if trapped inside on a rainy day.
11. Outdoor Movie Night:
Set up a makeshift outdoor theater in your backyard using a projector or large screen. Snuggle up under the stars and enjoy a family movie night under nature’s canopy.
12. DIY Obstacle Course:
Create an obstacle course in your back garden or indoors using household items like hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes. Test your agility and have ‘friendly’ competitions.
13. Library Adventures:
Visit your local library and discover a world of books, storytelling sessions, and educational resources. Foster a love for reading and knowledge. Libraries around Ireland have lots of free events running throughout the year – for more details click here.
14. Family Picnic :
Pack a picnic basket and venture into a nearby forest or beach for a peaceful and scenic lunch surrounded by nature. On rainy days why not set up a fun teddy bears picnic inside on the floor.
15. Explore Local Museums:
Take advantage of free admission days at local museums and delve into art, history, science, or culture as a family. The National Musuems of Ireland offer free admission to their sites and are lovely to explore with kids.
16. Create a Family Cookbook:
Compile your favourite family recipes and create a personalized scrapbook style cookbook filled with memories and delicious dishes. What a cool thing for your kids to have in years to come?!
17.Nature Photography Contest:
Have a friendly competition to see who can capture the most stunning nature photographs during a family nature walk. Using phones, kids cameras or digital cameras – load them onto your computer when you get home and enjoy a slide show of your photos and look at them together.
18. Outdoor Art with Footpath Chalk:
Unleash your creativity by drawing colourful masterpieces on your driveway or paths with chunky chalk or DIY chalk paint.
19. Family Bike Ride:
Explore your local area or local trails on a family bike ride, enjoying the fresh air and exercise. There are 6 different Greenways in Ireland that are available to explore if you’re lucky enough to live near one.
20. Build a Fort:
Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to build an epic fort in your living room or back garden for imaginative play and cozy hideaways.
21. Family Talent Show:
Showcase your family’s talents by organizing a talent show night, where each member gets to share their unique skills and entertain the audience. Magic tricks, singing, dancing or burping the alphabet….everyone has a talent!
22. Create a Family Time Capsule:
Gather items that represent your family and the current time, seal them in a box, and bury it in your backyard to be opened in the future.
23. Back Garden Olympics:
Organize a mini Olympics in your back garden or park with various games like sack races, tug-of-war, and an obstacle course. Award medals for extra fun!
24. Make Homemade Playdough:
Create your own playdough using simple ingredients and let your imaginations run wild with sculpting and modeling. Here’s in an easy to make recipe.
25. Create a Family Scrapbook:
Or photo album. Gather your favorite memories, print out photos, and let your children unleash their creativity in decorating the pages.
Remember, the best adventures are often the simplest ones shared with the people you love. So gather your family, choose an activity from this ultimate adventure family bucket list, and create lasting memories without having to spend very much at all!
