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Keeping the kids occupied on a budget
Sometimes it can be hard to find ways to keep your children busy, especially when you feel that these things cost a lot of money. There are ways to keep the kids occupied that don’t have to cost much- if anything at all! And it is important to remember that it is just spending time with your children that is the most important thing, and what they will remember.
On this page
Playing indoors
If your children enjoy arts and crafts, keep some cardboard boxes back before putting them in your recycling, these can be used to make anything your child imagines! Painting, drawing or using playdoh can also keep the kids busy. Have a look in the kitchen cupboards and enjoy some cooking or baking with your children, remember it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Board games and puzzles are a good way to keep children occupied, and if you need some new ones, these can often be picked up in charity shops for much cheaper than buying new. If your children enjoy teddies, why not bring them downstairs for a teddy bear picnic? Reading together is also a lovely, free way to spend quality time with your child, you can snuggle up on the sofa with a book or a children’s film with some snacks.
Playing outdoors
Sometimes you want to get the kids outside and it is always good to get some fresh air. Going for a simple walk can really break up the day and children may enjoy going to your local park, woods or maybe even the seafront if you live near one. If they have a bike or a scooter, make use of this by taking it with you.
If you want to keep the activity going for longer, why not play a game such as ‘eye spy’ whilst you’re out, or older children might enjoy doing a scavenger hunt, which you can make yourself or find one that you can download online. You can collect leaves and twigs to take home and help the children make autumnal pictures with lots of glue. If you have some outside space or a garden, maybe you can make a homemade camp with sheets and cushions, this will keep the kids occupied for hours.
Out in the community
Local libraries are a great place to visit with children, they are free to access, and you can spend some time there, or take a book home. Children’s centres often have activities for under 5’s, keep an eye out for these. For older children, it is worth seeing if their schools run any clubs or sporting activities as these may be free or more affordable. Sometimes local churches also put on activities for families and children, again these are usually free or for small donation, perhaps have a look on social media to see what is going on locally to you.
Our top tips
- Keep in mind that children don’t need a lot of money spent on them to keep busy
- Use what you have around you, both at home and in your local area
- Check social media to see what your local area offers in the way of free, or cheaper activities
Further resources
If you would like further support and advice, call our helpline on 0808 800 2222 or email us at askus@familylives.org.uk. You can talk to us online via our live chat service or message us via WhatsApp on 07441 444125 to connect with experienced professional family support workers and highly-trained volunteers. You may find it helps to find out how other parents and carers have coped with this on our online forums. We also have a range of free self-guided online parenting courses that can help through the ages and stages of parenting.
Our online parenting information is written by experienced parenting professionals. Find out more about our content authors, how it is produced, reviewed and edited.
Other organisations that may be helpful
Visit the Henry website for activity ideas and recipes
Find your local library and see what events they have
Visit the BBC Tiny Happy People website for activity inspiration for all ages