With the summer holidays now upon us I thought it would be a good idea to share some ideas of things to do with your preschooler for free. If you have a preschooler you’ll know how the holidays suddenly mean that your go to places are either closed (parent and child groups, children’s centre) or absolutely rammed full of ‘big kids’ (oh my days have you been to soft play in the holidays? It’s carnage!) Having two kids myself – one preschooler and one school age I’m sure that most of these activities are suitable for older kids too and there’s enough suggestions that you should be able to find a few ideas no matter what the age of your kids or what they are into.
I’ve shared this post before but with the school holidays now upon us I thought it was worth sharing again – after all who doesn’t need more free activities for kids at this time of year? Of course I’d love to pretend that I wake up every morning with a brain overflowing with activities for kids but actually, nope, I’m just grabbing hold of a cup of tea while I try and remember how many times my kids were up in the night so as well as my own ideas and things that we’ve shared I asked some other bloggers for their suggestions too. Some of these free activities for preschoolers are for indoors while some are outdoors. I’ve only included things where I think you will have the things you need already so crafts using recycled materials are fine, ones where you have to spend fifty quid on materials first are not. Got anything you’d add? Leave it in the comments below and I’ll add it to the list!
Of course if you like these ideas don’t forget to bookmark or pin this page so that you’ll have a big list of fun ideas ready for you when you need it!
60 Free Activities to do with your Preschooler
1. Have a teddy bears picnic
2. Make shadow puppets
3. ‘The library runs activities in the school holidays too, often with fun reading challenges, mine even puts on the occasional children’s party.’ – Amy – Mama Mighalls
5. ‘Paint’ your fence or wall with a paintbrush and some water
6. ‘Make bunting and placemats out of paper for a picnic in the garden’ – Lynne – New Mummy Blog
7. Feed the ducks at a park
10. Go to the park
11. Make fairy cakes
12. Draw in the garden with chalk
13. Let them loose on a craft box – ‘I keep a craft box in the lounge room constantly stocked with packing tape, scissors (safe ones), pens and paper. And then I let my preschooler help herself to the recycling. She comes up with the most wonderful inventions. It’s a classic and keeps her entertained for a long time.’ Alison – Five Little Stars
14. Water the garden – sounds a bit boring but this keeps my preschooler happy for ages!
15. Visit the beach and build sandcastles
16 Make a paper bag bear puppet
17. Do some colouring
18. Try painting with flowers
19. Make an easy bird feeder
20. ‘Go bug hunting with a little pot and a wildlife book and learn about nature and what is around us’ – Cat – Rock and Roll Pussycat
21. Go Geo cashing
22. Go for a walk in the woods
23. Take a jar out and go pond dipping
24. Make ice lollies with squash or fruit juice
25. Draw a treasure map and have an indoor treasure hunt
27. Play musical bumps
28. Go to your local pet shop – anything with an aquarium is good and much cheaper than paying to go to one!
29. ‘Play Pooh Sticks’ – Sarah – Digital Motherhood
30. Make natural art animal pictures
32. Make a mud kitchen
33. Go on a colour hunt
34. Draw on shells
35. Build a den
36. Make perfume out of flower petals
37. Make a paper plate sea collage
38. Have a playdate with friends
39. Make a 3D picture with cupcake cases
40. Make sausage rolls
41. Paint on foil
42. Play catch
43. Do finger painting
44. Make fruit kebabs
45. Match patterns from magazines
46. Visit a free local museum
47. Bake gingerbread men
48. Make some foam
49. Play I-Spy
50. Make Cheerio necklaces
51. Do some messy play using food
52. Play football
53. Make a rain catcher
55. Make smoothies
56. Make paper boats
57. Make cards to give to friends
58. Play Simon Says
59. Do potato printing
60. Visit a Fire Station’s Open Day
After a comment on Facebook I’ve also made a printable list of 50 free activities for families so make sure you check that out too!
Lots of fabulous ideas here xxx
These are brilliant and certainly needed for the long holidays.
I’ve bookmarked to come back to. Thanks
Great ideas
Good ideas
Oh what a lovely range of fabulous ideas! Pinning them for future reference. Thanks for sharing.