10 Free or Cheap Spring Break Activities for Kids

Spring break is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re staying home or looking for a local adventure, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to make spring break fun and connect with your kids. Here are ten free or cheap spring break ideas and activities to enjoy with your kids.

1. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt

It’s no secret that I’m a nature lover, and spring is the perfect time to get outside and explore! Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to getting my kids excited about the outdoors is making it fun and tailoring the experience to their interests. For example, long hikes aren’t their favorite, but scavenger hunts? They’re all in! By turning our walks into treasure hunts, the experience becomes engaging for them—and more enjoyable for all of us.

To set up your own scavenger hunt, create a simple list of nature-inspired items to find, like a red flower, a butterfly, a bird’s nest, or a smooth rock. I created a nature scavenger hunt that you can download for free below! Bring a small bag so your kids can collect treasures along the way. Once home, you can even turn their findings into a nature craft or art project. Another favorite activity in our family is climbing, so we always build in time to explore low or downed trees for climbing fun. Small additions like these can turn an ordinary walk into an adventure your kids will actually look forward to!

2. DIY Arts and Crafts Day

Encourage your kids’ creativity by gathering supplies you already have at home and letting their imaginations run wild! If you’re up for it, try process art—where the focus is on the experience rather than a specific end product. My kids love digging through the craft box, mixing and matching materials to create their own unique masterpieces.

If your kids prefer a guided project, there are plenty of fun and inexpensive craft ideas to try. Painting rocks, making paper flowers, or creating butterfly sun catchers are perfect for spring. Right now, my kids’ favorite craft is making slime. All you need is glue, shaving cream, and food coloring, and you’ve got an easy, hands-on activity that’s equal parts creative and messy—just the way they like it!

If you need some craft inspiration, check out these easy DIY stamp ideas, these adorable finger puppets or these simple stitch cards. Crafts don’t have to be complicated to be fun!

3. Do a Community Service Project

Teach your kids the joy of giving back by doing a small community service project together. Ideas include picking up litter at a local park, making handmade cards for a nursing home, gathering unused toys and clothes to donate or heading to the local animal shelter to help socialize the pups. It’s a wonderful way to teach kindness and gratitude during their break.

4. Explore a New Park or Playground

Pack a picnic, invites some friends and take the kids to a new park or playground they haven’t been to before. The change of scenery can make an everyday activity feel like a special adventure. Look for parks with nature trails, splash pads, or unique play structures for added excitement. Bring along a sidewalk chalk, a kite, bubbles (Pro tip: get the Sun Squad brand from Target- not all bubble solution is created equal) or a jump rope to prolong the fun! I love teaching my kids the old jump rope songs we used to sing in my playground days. They love it too!

5. Visit Your Local Library or Nature Center

Both local libraries and nature centers often offer free programs for kids, making them fantastic options for spring break fun. When my kids were younger, the library was our go-to spot. They loved the crafts, songs, and interactive story times that kept them entertained while also fostering a love of reading. Many libraries also offer STEM activities, scavenger hunts, and even special events during school breaks.

As my kids have gotten older, we’ve found that nature centers provide more engaging opportunities for their age group. Many nature centers offer hands-on experiences where kids can learn about local wildlife, explore nature trails, and even interact with live animals. Whether it’s a guided hike, a bird-watching activity, or a meet-and-greet with reptiles, these experiences help younger and older kids alike connect with nature in an exciting and educational way.

6. Host a Movie or Game Day

Rainy day? No problem! Have a family movie marathon with popcorn/snacks or host a board game tournament. Let each child pick a movie or game to ensure everyone gets to enjoy their favorites. You could even create a themed “drive-in” experience by making cardboard box cars for the kids to sit in while watching their movie. Or build a fort with pillows for another cozy spot to watch your movie. 

7. Bake Something Together

Get your kids involved in the kitchen by making a simple recipe together! Whether it’s cookies, cupcakes, or homemade pizzas, cooking together is a fun and rewarding activity. I’m no expert baker, but I did invest in a small set of piping tips and bags so my kids could try their hand at decorating cupcakes. They absolutely loved it! Not only was it a creative and hands-on experience, but it also helped them build basic cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen. The best part? They were so proud of their creations and couldn’t wait to enjoy the delicious treats they had worked so hard to make.

8. Go on a Bike or Scooter Ride

Take advantage of the warmer weather and go on a bike ride or scooter ride together. Explore your neighborhood, find a scenic trail, or ride to a local ice cream shop for a small treat. It’s a great way to get fresh air, exercise, and spend quality time together.

9. Have a Backyard Camping Adventure

You don’t have to travel to have a camping experience! Set up a tent in your backyard (or even indoors if the weather isn’t great) and have a mini campout. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy some quality family time under the stars—or fairy lights if you’re indoors.

10. Have a Water Play Day

If the weather is warm enough, set up a fun water play area in your yard. Use sprinklers, water balloons, water guns or a DIY splash pad with a tarp and hose. We really love these reusable water balloons that you can use over and over again. They’re also easier to pick up than the little tiny pieces that end up everywhere with real water balloons. If it’s still too chilly, consider an indoor option like a bathtub filled with toys for younger kids. Make your own boats out of aluminum foil and race them across the tub.

Additional Tips for Finding Activities

• Check Facebook events for special activities in your area. You can customize your search date range and event category type to help you find what you want.
• Look for your local Macaroni KID chapter for daily family fun near you.
• Find the social media page of your city and surrounding cities to see if they’re hosting any special Spring Break events. Our city hosts events such as movies or music in the park.
• Many museums offer free or discounted admission on certain days or during specific hours. Check out what’s available near you and plan your visit accordingly to take advantage of these deals!

Be Present & Have Fun

Spring break doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable! No matter what Spring Break activities you choose, the most important thing is to be present. With technology, endless to-do lists, and work demands constantly pulling us in different directions, it can be tough to slow down and truly enjoy the moment. A little planning ahead can help—blocking off time for must-dos will free you up to focus on what really matters: making memories with your kids. Wishing you and your family a spring break filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful connections!