The Easter school holidays are finally here, and your children are bouncing with energy. But keeping them entertained for two weeks without breaking the bank? That can feel like a challenge. Between rising living costs and the lure of expensive days out, it’s easy to feel the pressure to spend more than you’d like.
The good news is that some of the most memorable childhood moments don’t come with a price tag. From exploring nature trails to creating art from garden finds, there are countless ways to fill your days with adventure, laughter, and learning—all for free or next to nothing.
Get back to nature
Spring is the perfect time to step outside and explore the natural world. The days are longer, flowers are blooming, and wildlife is waking up after winter. Best of all, nature is free to enjoy—and it offers endless opportunities for discovery.
Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Create a simple list of things to find: a feather, a smooth stone, a yellow flower, something that smells nice. Hand your children a basket or bag and set them loose in your local park, woodland, or even your back garden. Not only does this encourage close observation, but it also helps them connect with the environment around them.
You can tailor the hunt to your child’s age. Younger children might look for colours or textures, while older ones could identify specific plants, trees, or insects. Bonus points if you turn it into a friendly competition or work together as a team.
Build a den or fort
There’s something timeless about building a den. All you need are a few fallen branches, some old sheets or blankets, and a bit of imagination. Head to your local woodland or use your garden as a base. Let your children take the lead—they’ll love the sense of ownership and accomplishment that comes with creating their own hideaway.
Dens can become anything: a pirate ship, a woodland cottage, or a secret spy headquarters. Encourage your kids to decorate their den with natural materials like leaves, flowers, or pine cones. It’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon, and it costs nothing.
Go pond dipping
Ponds are teeming with life in spring. Grab a net (or make one from an old sieve and a stick), a clear container, and a magnifying glass, then head to your nearest pond or stream. You might spot tadpoles, water beetles, snails, or even newts.
Teach your children to handle creatures gently and return them to the water after observing. Pond dipping isn’t just fun—it’s a hands-on science lesson that helps kids appreciate biodiversity and ecosystems.
Follow a nature trail
Many parks, woodlands, and nature reserves offer free trails that are perfect for families. Look for trails with interactive elements, like information boards or activity sheets. The National Trust cares for hundreds of outdoor spaces across the UK, many of which have family-friendly trails that bring you closer to nature.
Walking trails encourage children to slow down, look closely, and ask questions. They’re also a great way to tire out energetic little ones before bedtime.
Get creative at home
Creativity doesn’t require fancy supplies or expensive kits. With a bit of imagination and some everyday items, you can keep children entertained for hours. These activities encourage problem-solving, fine motor skills, and self-expression—all while having fun.
Make nature art
Collect leaves, twigs, petals, and stones on your next outdoor adventure, then use them to create art at home. Children can arrange them into patterns, faces, or abstract designs. You could even make a nature mandala in your garden or stick creations onto card to make greeting cards.
For a longer-lasting project, try pressing flowers between the pages of a heavy book. Once dried, use them to decorate bookmarks, frames, or homemade journals.
Start a mini garden
Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and the wonder of watching something grow. You don’t need a big garden—a windowsill or balcony works just fine. Plant seeds in old yogurt pots, egg cartons, or tin cans. Sunflowers, cress, and herbs like basil are easy to grow and perfect for beginners.
Let your children decorate their pots with paint or markers, then watch as their plants sprout and grow over the coming weeks. It’s a lovely way to connect with the seasons and enjoy a sense of achievement.
Put on a play or puppet show
Encourage your children to write, rehearse, and perform their own play or puppet show. They can make puppets from old socks, paper bags, or cardboard, then create a stage from a large cardboard box or a blanket draped over chairs.
This activity sparks creativity, builds confidence, and offers plenty of giggles. Invite family members to be the audience, or record the performance to watch back later.
Bake together
Baking is a brilliant way to teach measurements, following instructions, and patience. Simple recipes like fairy cakes, flapjacks, or biscuits are ideal for little hands. Let your children weigh ingredients, mix, and decorate. Yes, it might get messy—but that’s part of the fun.
Baking also fills your home with delicious smells and gives everyone something tasty to enjoy together.
Explore your local area
You don’t need to travel far to have an adventure. Your local community is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These activities help children see familiar places with fresh eyes and build a sense of connection to where they live.
Visit your local library
Libraries are treasure troves of free entertainment. Beyond borrowing books, many libraries run free storytimes, craft sessions, or holiday activities during school breaks. Check your local library’s website or pop in to see what’s on offer.
Libraries also provide a calm, welcoming space where children can explore new interests, from dinosaurs to space, fairy tales to football.
Go on a photo walk
Hand your child a camera (or your phone) and set them a photography challenge. They might capture interesting shapes, colours, textures, or wildlife. This activity encourages mindfulness and helps children see the world from a different perspective.
At the end of the walk, review the photos together. You could even print favourites and create a mini photo album or collage.
Discover local history
Many towns and villages have historical sites, old buildings, or landmarks that tell a story. Take a walk and see what you can find. Look for plaques, monuments, or interesting architecture. You could turn it into a history detective game, with children asking questions and making observations.
If your area has a local museum, check if entry is free or if they offer free days during school holidays. Museums often run hands-on activities designed for families.
Go geocaching
Geocaching is like a real-world treasure hunt using GPS. Download a free geocaching app, then search for hidden caches in your area. Caches are tucked away in parks, woodlands, and urban spaces, often containing a logbook to sign and small trinkets to swap.
It’s a brilliant way to explore new places, get some exercise, and feel the thrill of discovery. Children love the mystery and excitement of finding hidden treasure.
Try free online resources
While we’re championing outdoor adventures, there are also some excellent free online resources that can support learning and creativity at home. Use them wisely and balance screen time with active play.
Explore virtual museum tours
Many museums offer free virtual tours that let you explore galleries, exhibits, and collections from home. The British Museum, Natural History Museum, and National Gallery all have online resources designed for families. These can spark conversations, inspire projects, or simply satisfy curious minds.
Watch educational videos
Platforms like BBC Bitesize, National Geographic Kids, and YouTube offer free educational content tailored for children. Look for videos about nature, science experiments, or creative challenges. Watch together and chat about what you’ve learned.
Join free online workshops
During school holidays, organisations often run free online workshops covering everything from drawing and coding to storytelling and nature activities. Keep an eye on websites like Eventbrite or local community pages for upcoming sessions.
Make memories with simple traditions
Some of the best childhood memories come from simple, repeated traditions. These don’t need to cost anything, but they create a sense of continuity and belonging.
Have a family picnic
Pack up some sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, then head to your local park or green space. Bring a blanket, a ball, or a frisbee, and enjoy being outdoors together. Picnics feel special, even when the menu is simple.
Stargaze in your garden
On a clear evening, head outside with blankets and cushions. Lie back and look up at the stars. Use a free stargazing app to identify constellations, planets, and the moon. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring activity that costs nothing and feels magical.
Create a family time capsule
Gather drawings, photos, notes, and small treasures from the holidays, then seal them in a box to open in a year or more. Children love the idea of sending a message to their future selves, and it’s a lovely way to reflect on how much they’ve grown.
Why free activities matter
Keeping children entertained doesn’t require expensive tickets or elaborate plans. What matters most is time spent together, opportunities to explore, and the freedom to play, create, and imagine. Free activities encourage resourcefulness, creativity, and a deeper connection with the world around us.
By choosing budget-friendly adventures, you’re also teaching your children valuable lessons about making the most of what’s available, appreciating simple pleasures, and finding joy in everyday moments.
Embrace the adventure
The Easter holidays are a chance to slow down, spend time together, and create memories that your children will carry with them for years to come. Whether you’re pond dipping, building dens, or simply lying in the grass watching clouds drift by, these moments matter.
So grab your wellies, pack a snack, and head outside. Adventure is waiting, and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Further Reading:Finding Your Happy Place, Sunday Morning Motivation, How to celebrate Mother’s Day on a budget, Creative ways to celebrate Easter on a budget
Inspiration: Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Pinterest, Twitter, BlueSky